H.O.T. GUIDE
Health Occupations
& Technology

Clinical Laboratory Technician

To be a successful Clinical Laboratory Technician you should…

  • enjoy science
  • translate theory into practice
  • understand the scientific basis of health and disease
  • wish to continue to learn and grow as a health professional
  • have good eye/hand coordination and manual dexterity
  • have the ability to distinguish between fine color gradations
  • have good listening skills and the ability to communicate clearly
  • have the ability to work well under pressure

What will my job be like?

Clinical Laboratory Technicians (formerly Medical Laboratory Technicians) (CLTs) perform tests on blood, body fluids, and tissue to help the physician diagnose and treat disease. They often work under the supervision of a clinical laboratory scientist using microscopes, computers, and other laboratory equipment to gather data and help in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Their duties include collecting blood specimens, carrying out testing procedures using a variety of instruments, monitoring the quality of tests and procedures, and reporting results.

Clinical Laboratory Technicians may specialize in the following:

  • Blood Bank Technology
  • Chemistry
  • Hematology

Where could I work?

Most Clinical Laboratory Technicians work in hospital laboratories under the supervision of clinical laboratory scientists.

Other workplace settings:

  • Colleges and Universities
  • Industrial Medical Laboratories
  • Medical Research Facilities
  • Military
  • Nursing Homes

What is the average annual salary?

$54,200


What is the future of this career?

Employment of clinical laboratory technologists and technicians is projected to grow 11 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations, according the the BLS.

About 25,900 openings for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.


What type of education and/or training do I need?

Clinical Laboratory Technicians must have an associate degree from an accredited community college, including one year of clinical education. In addition, they must pass an exam given by one of these agencies: the Board of Registry of Medical Technologists of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists, the National Certification Agency for Medical Laboratory Personnel, or American Medical Technologists.


Where can I get the education and/or training?

  • American Institute, West Hartford
  • Quinebaug Valley Community College
  • Quinnipiac University
  • University of Bridgeport
  • University of Connecticut, Storrs

Do I need a license or certification for this career?

Licensure is not required in the state of Connecticut.


Where can I get more information?

American Medical Technologists
10700 West Higgins, Suite 150
Rosemont, IL   60018
(847) 823-5169
www.americanmedtech.org

American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science
1861 International Drive, Suite 200
McLean, VA   22102
(571) 748-3770
www.ascls.org

American Society of Clinical Pathology
33 West Monroe Street, Suite 1600
Chicago, IL   60603
(800) 267-2727
www.ascp.org