Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technologists

Job Prognosis: Strong & Growing

Much of the health care industry relies on testing and analyzing of treatments and results, so opportunities for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists are steadily increasing.

Medical and clinical laboratory technologists perform and analyze complex chemical, biological, hematological, immunologist, microscopic, and bacteriological medical tests. While entry-level technologists usually perform routine tests, experienced technologists perform more specialized procedures. Technologists tend to specialize into various testing categories such as cytotechnology, the microscopic interpretation of cells to detect cancer and other abnormalities, immunology, or microbiology, just to name a few.

Lab technicians and technologists are in high demand as the Gulf Coast's Texas Medical Center continues to increase the use of laboratory testing for early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.

The number of Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists is expected to increase by 20 percent between 2018 and 2028.

More than half of Medical Laboratory Technologists earn over $50,000 a year!

What are Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technologists' interests?

These skills, interests, and knowledge areas are recommended for a career as a laboratory technologist. The following data describes the relative importance of each knowledge/skill area from the opinion of those in the industry.

Medicine

Everything surrounding the diagnosis and treatment of human injuries and ailments, including symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.

Biology

Everything about organisms' structures, functions, interdependencies, interactions, and survival in its environment

Customer & Personal Service

Meeting the expected quality of customer satisfaction when interacting with customer and potential customers

Chemistry

Knowledge of chemical compounds, including their construction, structure, properties, transformations, danger signs, interactions, and disposal methods

*Source: Texas Career Check.

How do you become a Medical Laboratory Technologist?

High School Endorsement: Public Service | STEM

While technicians may only need an associate's degree from a community college or vocational program, medical and clinical laboratory technologists are required to have a bachelor's degree in medical technology or in one of the life sciences. Degree programs require strengths in chemistry, biological sciences, microbiology, mathematics, and statistics. It is also possible to qualify through a combination of education, on-the-job training and specialized training to become a technician, working your way up to technologist as skills become more honed.

Helpful Tech to Get Ahead

• Analytical or Scientific Software: Minitab
• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Software: SAP
• Medical Software: MEDITECH software
• Spreadsheet & Presentation Software: Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint

Certification & Advancement Opportunities

Many employers prefer applicants who are certified by a recognized professional association. The following agencies have different requirements for certification and different organizational sponsors:

• Board of Registry of the American Society for Clinical Pathology
• American Medical Technologists
• American Board of Clinical Chemistry
• Drug & Alcohol Testing Industry Association (DATIA)
• National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel
• Board of Registry of the American Association of Bioanalysts

Experienced medical and clinical laboratory technologists are able to advance their careers by moving into supervisory positions. Some advance to become administrators who plan and oversee all laboratory operations.

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist and Life Science Programs in the Gulf Coast Region

Universities

• Houston Baptist University
• Prairie View A & M University
• Rice University
• Sam Houston State University
• Texas Southern University
• Texas Woman's University
• University of Houston
• University of St. Thomas
• University of Texas Health Science Center of Houston
• University of Texas Medical Branch

Major Employers in the Gulf Coast Region

• Harris County Hospital District
• HCA Healthcare
• DaVita Health Care Partners
• Houston VA Medical Center
• Kelsey-Seybold Clinic
• Memorial Hermann Healthcare System The Methodist Hospital
• Oak Bend Medical Center
• St. Lukes Episcopal Health System
• Shriners Hospital for Children
• Thenet Health Care
• Texas Children's Hospital
• The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
• The University of Texas Medical Branch 

If you have questions about our Industry/Occupation Profiles or are an organization in the Gulf Coast Region, please contact webmaster@wrksolutions.com.

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