Medical Laboratory Technician
Chart Your Course
to This Career
Medical laboratory technicians perform laboratory tests that help physicians diagnose, monitor and treat disease. Their work ensures timely, accurate results that support patient care across hospitals, clinics and diagnostic laboratories.
Impact on Patient Lives
Laboratory results generated by medical laboratory technicians influence the majority of clinical decisions, making their work essential to safe and effective patient care.
Core Responsibilities
Medical laboratory technicians collect and analyze biological specimens, operate laboratory equipment and document accurate test results.
Clinical and Technical Expertise
This role requires strong attention to detail and technical proficiency to interpret data, identify abnormalities and follow safety protocols.
Teamwork and Collaboration
Medical laboratory technicians collaborate with physicians, nurses and laboratory professionals to communicate results and support patient care.
Career Advancement
With experience and additional education, technicians may advance into medical laboratory scientist or supervisory roles.
Specialization and Career Flexability
Medical laboratory technicians work in labs, clinics and public health settings, with opportunities to pursue advanced roles in research or management.
Medical Assistant Educational Standards
Education
Program | Associate Degree Program Accreditation | Program Terminal Testing Authority | Credential |
|---|---|---|---|
Medical Laboratory Technician | National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) | American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP BOC) | Medical Laboratory Technician, MLT (ASCP) |
Medical Laboratory Technician Pay
Pay for a medical laboratory technician is determined based on both skills and experience.
Typical compensation by percentile (Pct) for medical laboratory technicians in the Columbus, OH Metro Statistical Area based on skills and experience:
Source: Ohio Labor Market Information (OhioLMI.com)
Region | Entry Level 10th Pct | 25th Pct | Median Salary 50th Pct | 75th Pct | 90th Pct |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Columbus, OH | $47,840 | $55,910 | $61,980 | $71,650 | $78,520 |
Current Career Opportunities
Explore current openings with leading healthcare systems in Central Ohio:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Medical laboratory technicians perform laboratory tests on blood, urine and other body fluids.
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They operate laboratory instruments and analyze data.
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Their work helps physicians diagnose and monitor medical conditions.
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Completion of a NAACLS-accredited associate degree program in medical laboratory technology.
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Clinical training through supervised laboratory rotations.
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Certification through a national credentialing body, such as ASCP.
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Hospitals
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Diagnostic laboratories
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Physician offices
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Public health laboratories
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Attention to detail
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Analytical thinking
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Technical proficiency
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Communication skills
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Ability to follow safety protocols
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Medical laboratory technicians typically complete an associate degree.
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Medical laboratory scientists complete a bachelor’s degree and may perform more complex testing and supervisory responsibilities.
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Workforce projections indicate continued demand as healthcare utilization increases.
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Opportunities exist for advancement through certification and further education.
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