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Laboratory personnel in the medical and clinical fields are the "behind-the-scene" workers who help put together the patient's health picture by analyzing specimens. They also prepare vaccines and different types of medicine. This is a highly technical field ideal for those who are detail-oriented and who like working with computers and sophisticated equipment. With larger employers like hospitals, lab personnel usually specialize. In any case, their work is a vital part in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.
We feature the following lab occupations on this site:
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists perform routine and complex tests on tissue, cells and such bodily fluids as blood and urine. They match blood types for transfusions and can tell if bacteria are sensitive to certain medications. Once the tests are complete, the technologists make determinations on diseases, conditions, reactions and chemical content and report back to the physician.
Because of the many advances in science and technology, machines perform an increasing number of complex lab tests, leaving the lab technologists to spend more time analyzing results. These responsibilities demand excellent judgment and problem-solving skills, attention to detail and a strong competence level in using computers and lab equipment. Education and experience will help determine the level of the tests you perform as well as any supervisory and management duties.
Depending on the need and size of the lab, some Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists specialize in areas such as cancer, chemicals and hormones, blood transfusions and bacteriology. Some devote time to research or clinical trials to test new treatments for illnesses and conditions or to understand better how cells work. Whatever the area, Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists practice strict laboratory procedures to ensure accuracy and safety.
Video Description of Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
Source: CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor)
Where Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists Work
- Hospitals and Physician Offices
- Medical and Diagnostic Labs
- Industry, including biotechnology labs
- Education Services
- Research Labs
Educational Requirements
A bachelor's degree from an approved program is generally required for this occupation.
There is one approved bachelor-level program in Oregon for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists:
Career Pathway Roadmaps
Certification Requirement
There is no state license for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Oregon. Many employers prefer certification from a professional association. See:
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Earnings
The Oregon Employment Department (OED) reports that in 2009, Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists earned an average hourly wage of $28.88 and an average annual salary of $60,084.
Employment Outlook for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
The OED estimates that between 2008 and 2018, there will be 857 job openings for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Oregon.
Occupations with Skills Similar to Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
- Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and Ultrasound Technologists
- Forensic Science Technicians
- Biological Technicians
- Microbiologists
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists
- Biochemists and Biophysicists
Explore the following sources for this page for more information:
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Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians perform the more routine tests and procedures in labs on tissue, cells and such bodily fluids as blood and urine. Usually under the supervision of medical and clinical lab technologists, Technicians prepare specimens and vaccines, operate analyzers, perform manual tests and calculate results. They also maintain records and forms and conduct lab research.
Depending on the need and size of the lab, some Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians specialize. For instance, Phlebotomists draw blood, and histotechnicians obtain and color tissue specimens for microscopic analysis by pathologists. Like technologists, Technicians practice strict laboratory procedures to ensure accuracy and safety.
Video Description of Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
Source: CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor)
Where Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians Work
- Hospitals and Physician Offices
- Medical and Diagnostic Labs
- Industry, including biotechnology labs
- Schools
- Research Labs
Educational Requirements
An associate's degree affords you the necessary skills to be a Medical and Clinical Lab Technician, but this degree and related work experience give you a competitive edge.
For a list of educational programs, see the Oregon Employment Department's (OED) profile on Medical and Clinical Lab Technicians:
Career Pathway Roadmaps
Certification
There is no state license for Medical and Clinical Lab Technicians in Oregon. Many employers prefer certification from a professional association. See:
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians Earnings
The OED reports that in 2009, Medical and Clinical Lab Technicians earned an average hourly wage of $18.99 and an average annual salary of $39,484.
Employment Outlook for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
The OED estimates that between 2008 and 2018, there will be 491 job openings for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians in Oregon.
With the invention of new tests and a growing and aging population, the need for lab personnel is on the rise. Hospitals will probably continue to be the major employer of lab workers, but employment is expected to grow faster in medical and diagnostic labs and ambulatory clinics.
Occupations with Skills Similar to Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
- Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and Ultrasound Technicians
- Forensic Science Technicians
- Biological Technicians
- Microbiologists
- Nuclear Medicine Technicians
- Biochemists and Biophysicists
Explore the following sources for this page for more information:
Also see:
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