What does a Medical Laboratory Technician and Medical Laboratory Scientist do?

Using sophisticated laboratory equipment, these professionals look for bacteria, parasites and other microorganisms. They match blood for transfusions, analyze the chemical content of body fluids, and test for drug levels in the blood (to show how a patient is responding to treatment). They also count cells and look for abnormal cells in blood and body fluids. They use microscopes, cell counters, and other sophisticated laboratory equipment. Automated equipment and computerized analyzers fill the clinical laboratory area. The laboratory findings are then conveyed to the physician.

Medical Laboratory Technicians usually work under the supervision of the Medical Laboratory Scientists, performing more basic tests and laboratory procedures. If you enjoy working behind the scenes with minimal to no patient contact, then a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) or Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) position may be the one for you.

Types of Work Environments

  • Hospitals
  • Medical laboratories
  • Reference laboratories
  • Doctor's offices

Education and Training Requirements

Medical laboratory technicians typically have a two-year associate's degree, while medical laboratory scientists have a four-year bachelor's degree.

Salary - Medical Laboratory Technician

According to payscale.com, median salary for medical and clinical laboratory technicians is approximately $42,206 per year.

Salary - Medical Laboratory Scientist

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the average median salary for medical laboratory scientist is approximately $58,640 per year.

Professional Organization

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