AHEC Connecticut
LABORATORY SCIENCE - Clinical Laboratory Technician
To be a successful Clinical Laboratory Technician you should...
- enjoy science
- translate theory into practice
- understand the scientific basis of health and disease
- wish to continue to learn and grow as a health professional
- have good eye/hand coordination and manual dexterity
- have the ability to distinguish between fine color gradations
- have good listening skills and the ability to communicate clearly
- have the ability to work well under pressure
What will my job be like?
Clinical Laboratory Technicians (formerly Medical Laboratory Technicians) (CLTs) perform tests on blood, body fluids, and tissue to help the physician diagnose and treat disease. They often work under the supervision of a clinical laboratory scientist using microscopes, computers, and other laboratory equipment to gather data and help in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Their duties include collecting blood specimens, carrying out testing procedures using a variety of instruments, monitoring the quality of tests and procedures, and reporting results.
Clinical Laboratory Technicians may specialize in the following:
- Blood Bank Technology
- Chemistry
- Hematology
Where could I work?
Most Clinical Laboratory Technicians work in hospital laboratories under the supervision of clinical laboratory scientists.
Other workplace settings:
- Colleges and Universities
- Industrial Medical Laboratories
- Medical Research Facilities
- Military
- Nursing Homes
What is the average annual salary?
$37,000
What is the future of this career?
ob opportunities are expected to be excellent, because the number of job openings is expected to continue to exceed the number of job seekers. Employment of clinical laboratory workers is expected to grow faster than average for all occupations through the year 2014, as the volume of laboratory tests continues to increase with both population growth and the development of new types of tests.
What type of education and/or training do I need?
Clinical Laboratory Technicians must have an associate degree from an accredited community college, including one year of clinical education. In addition, they must pass an exam given by one of these agencies: the Board of Registry of Medical Technologists of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists, the National Certification Agency for Medical Laboratory Personnel, or American Medical Technologists.
Where can I get the education and/or training?
- Manchester Community College, Manchester
- Quinnipiac University, Hamden
- University of Hartford, West Hartford
Do I need a license or certification for this career?
Licensure is not required in the state of Connecticut.
Where can I get more information?
American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science
6701 Democracy Boulevard, Suite 300
Bethesda, MD 20814
(301) 657-2768
www.ascls.org
American Society of Clinical Pathologists
Board of Registry
2100 West Harrison Street
Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 738-1336
www.ascp.org
American Medical Technologists
710 Higgins Road
Park Ridge, IL 60068
(847) 823-5169
www.amt1.com