Skip to content

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists

Healthcare Practitioners and Technical (29-2011)

Perform complex medical laboratory tests for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May train or supervise staff.

At a Glance

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists. Top skills: Making Decisions and Solving Problems, Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials, Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards.

Median Annual Wage

Not available

Projected Growth (2024-34)

Not available

Annual Openings

N/A

Typical Education

Varies

Skills & Requirements

Skills (11)

Science

Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

4.0
Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

4.0
Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

3.9
Quality Control Analysis

Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

3.8
Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

3.8
Operations Monitoring

Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

3.6
Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

3.5
Time Management

Managing one's own time and the time of others.

3.4
Operation and Control

Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

3.4
Complex Problem Solving

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

3.4
Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

3.4

Knowledge (10)

Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

4.2
Chemistry

Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

4.2
Computers and Electronics

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

4.1
English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

4.0
Administrative

Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

3.9
Mathematics

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

3.9
Biology

Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

3.9
Medicine and Dentistry

Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.

3.8
Education and Training

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

3.8
Mechanical

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

3.7

Abilities (18)

Near Vision

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

4.3
Inductive Reasoning

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

4.3
Information Ordering

The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

4.1
Written Comprehension

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

4.1
Problem Sensitivity

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

4.1
Deductive Reasoning

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

4.0
Oral Comprehension

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

4.0
Category Flexibility

The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

3.9
Oral Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

3.6
Arm-Hand Steadiness

The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

3.5
Speech Recognition

The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

3.4
Control Precision

The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

3.4
Finger Dexterity

The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

3.4
Selective Attention

The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

3.4
Flexibility of Closure

The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

3.4
Visual Color Discrimination

The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.

3.4
Manual Dexterity

The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

3.3
Written Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

3.3

Technology (7)

Microsoft Project

Category: Project management software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft PowerPoint

Category: Presentation software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
eClinicalWorks EHR software

Category: Medical software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Office software

Category: Office suite software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Word

Category: Word processing software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Excel

Category: Spreadsheet software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
MEDITECH software

Category: Medical software | Hot Technology

4.5

Work Activities (26)

Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

4.8
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

4.8
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

4.8
Analyzing Data or Information

Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

4.7
Processing Information

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

4.6
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

4.5
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

4.5
Documenting/Recording Information

Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

4.5
Working with Computers

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

4.5
Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

4.4
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

4.4
Training and Teaching Others

Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

4.2
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

4.1
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

4.0
Controlling Machines and Processes

Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

3.9
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment

Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

3.7
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

3.7
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information

Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

3.7
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People

Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

3.7
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates

Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

3.6
Assisting and Caring for Others

Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

3.6
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others

Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

3.5
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment

Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

3.5
Handling and Moving Objects

Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

3.5
Scheduling Work and Activities

Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

3.4
Coaching and Developing Others

Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

3.4

Work Styles (2)

Dependability

A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

4.3
Attention to Detail

A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

3.6

Careers with Overlapping Skills

These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.

Explore Key Skills

Frequently Asked Questions

Want to build these skills?

Sign up to find courses that teach these skills, track your progress, and build a skills passport aligned to Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists.

Get Started Free