CFChooseField
Healthcare

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians

Perform routine medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May work under the supervision of a medical technologist.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
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Preparation level

Job Zone 3
Usually requires medium preparation, often vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience.
O*NET 30.3 Database · 2026
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Leading skill

Active Listening
A highly important skill for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians.
O*NET 30.3 Database · 2026
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Core knowledge

Biology
A leading knowledge area used in Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians.
O*NET 30.3 Database · 2026
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Career interest

Realistic
One of the strongest interest themes associated with this work.
O*NET 30.3 Database · 2026
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Typical work activity

Processing Information
One of the occupation's most important kinds of work.
O*NET 30.3 Database · 2026
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Day-to-day work

10 examples
Conduct chemical analyses of body fluids, such as blood or urine, using microscope or automatic analyzer to detect abnormalities or diseases and enter findings into computer.
O*NET 30.3 Database · 2026
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Software and tools

12 tools listed
Examples: Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Excel, SAP software. 2 are marked in demand.
O*NET 30.3 Database · 2026
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Reading Comprehension
  3. 3Critical Thinking
  4. 4Speaking
  5. 5Science
  6. 6Monitoring

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Biology
  2. 2Chemistry
  3. 3English Language
  4. 4Mathematics
  5. 5Customer and Personal Service
  6. 6Public Safety and Security

Abilities

  1. 1Near Vision
  2. 2Information Ordering
  3. 3Oral Expression
  4. 4Problem Sensitivity
  5. 5Oral Comprehension
  6. 6Finger Dexterity

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Investigative
  3. 3Conventional
  4. 4Social
  5. 5Artistic
  6. 6Enterprising

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Cautiousness
  4. 4Integrity
  5. 5Cooperation
  6. 6Achievement Orientation

Work activities

  1. 1Processing Information
  2. 2Working with Computers
  3. 3Getting Information
  4. 4Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  5. 5Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  6. 6Documenting/Recording Information

Work context

  1. 1Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  2. 2Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  3. 3Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  4. 4Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  5. 5Telephone Conversations
  6. 6Contact With Others

Representative tasks

  • Conduct chemical analyses of body fluids, such as blood or urine, using microscope or automatic analyzer to detect abnormalities or diseases and enter findings into computer.
  • Analyze the results of tests or experiments to ensure conformity to specifications, using special mechanical or electrical devices.
  • Set up, maintain, calibrate, clean, and test sterility of medical laboratory equipment.
  • Prepare standard volumetric solutions or reagents to be combined with samples, following standardized formulas or experimental procedures.
  • Collect blood or tissue samples from patients, observing principles of asepsis to obtain blood sample.
  • Supervise or instruct other technicians or laboratory assistants.
  • Conduct blood tests for transfusion purposes and perform blood counts.
  • Obtain specimens, cultivating, isolating, and identifying microorganisms for analysis.

Software and tools

Microsoft Office software · in demandMicrosoft Excel · in demandSAP software · hot technologyGoogle Docs · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMEDITECH software · hot technologyBilling softwareSunquest Information Systems Sunquest LaboratorySpecimen tracking softwareReimbursement screening software

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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