How to Be Medical Lab Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Aug 21, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The increasing demand for medical lab technicians has caused a surge in the number of people seeking to become certified in the field. As more and more students are enrolling in medical lab technician programs, the need for skilled technicians is growing. To ensure that the industry remains competitive, employers are looking for technicians who have obtained certification from accredited programs.

This certification can be obtained through an accredited college or university, or through an official training program. With the right education and training, medical lab technicians can expect to find a wide range of employment opportunities in a variety of healthcare settings such as hospitals, research labs, medical clinics, and diagnostic laboratories. The demand for medical lab technicians is expected to continue to grow as new technology and treatments are developed, increasing the need for highly trained professionals.

Steps How to Become

Earn a high school diploma or equivalent. The first step to becoming a Medical Lab Technician is to earn a high school diploma or equivalent. This will give you the basic education and qualifications necessary to pursue a career in this field.
Earn an Associates degree. Most employers require a minimum of an associates degree in medical laboratory technology in order to become a Medical Lab Technician. Many community colleges and universities offer two-year programs in this field.
Become certified. In order to work as a Medical Lab Technician, you must be certified. You can obtain certification through organizations like the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
Take continuing education classes. It is important for Medical Lab Technicians to stay up-to-date with the latest technology and procedures. Taking continuing education classes and attending seminars and conferences is a great way to stay current.
Obtain a job. Once you have earned your degree, obtained certification and taken continuing education classes, you are ready to start looking for a job. You can search for jobs online, through job search websites, or contact hospitals, doctors offices and clinics directly to inquire about available positions.

The success of a medical lab technician depends on their ability to be organized and efficient. By having an ideal set up for the lab, the technician can ensure that the lab runs smoothly. This includes organizing the space for optimal efficiency, as well as setting up a workflow that will allow for quick turnaround times.

it is important for the technician to be familiar with the equipment and supplies that are available, in order to utilize them in the most efficient manner possible. With these steps in place, the medical lab technician can ensure that their lab functions optimally and is able to provide quality results in an efficient manner.

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Job Description

Prepare laboratory samples and specimens for testing
Perform routine laboratory tests and analyze results
Complete and maintain patient records
Operate and maintain laboratory equipment
Enforce safety procedures and protocols
Monitor and order laboratory supplies
Train other laboratory personnel in the proper use of laboratory equipment
Dispose of hazardous materials according to established protocols
Assist in research activities
Assist in the development of new testing protocols

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures and infection control practices
Knowledge of laboratory equipment and methodology
Ability to accurately interpret laboratory results and communicate findings
Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage time
Ability to maintain accurate records and document laboratory activities
Ability to troubleshoot and resolve laboratory-related problems
Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
Ability to interpret research and data analysis
Knowledge of relevant regulations and quality control standards
Knowledge of medical terminology and clinical pathology

As a medical lab technician, having the ability to problem solve is a key skill. This skill is essential for analyzing and interpreting test results, as well as for troubleshooting technical issues with laboratory equipment. The ability to think critically and draw logical conclusions from data are valuable skills for medical lab technicians to possess.

having accurate attention to detail and a strong knowledge of laboratory procedures and protocols is essential for producing reliable results. Good communication skills, both verbal and written, are also important for medical lab technicians to provide clear instructions and to effectively communicate their findings to physicians and other healthcare providers. Lastly, the ability to work independently and collaboratively with members of the healthcare team is essential for providing quality patient care.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in medical laboratory work?
How do you manage your time and prioritize tasks?
Describe a successful project you have worked on in the past.
What challenges have you faced working in a medical laboratory?
How do you ensure accurate results in laboratory tests?
What safety procedures do you follow when handling hazardous materials?
Describe your experience using medical laboratory equipment.
How do you stay informed of advances and changes in the medical laboratory field?
What do you consider to be the most important characteristics of a successful Medical Lab Technician?
How would you handle a situation where a patients health was at risk due to inaccurate laboratory results?

Common Tools in Industry

Microscope. A device used to magnify objects, such as cells and bacteria, in order to observe and analyze them. (eg: Olympus BX53)
Centrifuge. A device used to separate substances of different densities by spinning them at high speed. (eg: Sorvall RC5C Plus)
Spectrophotometer. A device used to measure the amount of light absorbed by a sample. (eg: Jenway 7305)
Balance Scale. A device used to measure the mass of a sample. (eg: Ohaus Adventurer Pro AV264)
Incubator. A device used to maintain a constant temperature when culturing samples. (eg: Thermo Scientific Revco CXF)
Pipettes. A device used to transfer, measure, and mix liquids. (eg: Eppendorf Research Pro)
Laboratory Refrigerator. A device used to store samples at a low temperature. (eg: Thermo Scientific Revco Ultima Upright)
Autoclave. A device used to sterilize equipment and samples by exposing them to pressurized steam. (eg: Viking MSC2)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC)
American Medical Technologists (AMT)
American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS)
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
American Clinical Laboratory Association (ACLA)
National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA)
Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL)
The American Board of Clinical Laboratory Science (ABCLS)
National Society for Histotechnology (NSH)
American Society of Cytopathology (ASC)

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Common Important Terms

Hematology. The study of blood and blood-forming organs.
Clinical Chemistry. The branch of laboratory medicine that focuses on the measurement of chemicals in bodily fluids, such as blood, urine, and saliva.
Cytology. The study of the structure and function of cells.
Histology. The study of tissues and their components, such as individual cells and molecules.
Microbiology. The study of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.
Immunology. The study of the bodys immune system and its response to infectious agents and foreign substances.
Immunoassay. A laboratory technique used to detect and measure specific proteins or other molecules in a sample.
Diagnostic Imaging. The use of imaging technology, such as X-rays, ultrasounds, and MRI scans, to obtain detailed pictures of the bodys internal structures.
Clinical Pathology. The diagnosis and treatment of diseases based on laboratory testing.
Clinical Laboratory Science. The application of principles of biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics to the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and other conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do Medical Lab Technicians need?

Medical Lab Technicians typically need an associate degree in Medical Laboratory Technology or a related field, and must be certified as a Medical Laboratory Technician.

What type of tasks do Medical Lab Technicians perform?

Medical Lab Technicians are responsible for performing a variety of laboratory tests to analyze bodily fluids, tissue and other substances. They may also prepare specimens for analysis, maintain laboratory equipment and interpret test results.

How much does a Medical Lab Technician typically earn?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for Medical Lab Technicians is $53,120 as of May 2019.

What type of work environment do Medical Lab Technicians typically work in?

Medical Lab Technicians often work in hospitals, medical laboratories, or other healthcare facilities such as clinics and physician offices.

What are some of the duties of a Medical Lab Technician?

Some of the duties of a Medical Lab Technician include collecting and preparing samples for testing, operating laboratory instruments, analyzing test results, and recording and interpreting data. They may also help physicians diagnose and treat illnesses by providing them with accurate test results.

Web Resources

Associate of Science in Medical Laboratory Technician | Degree www.cambridgehealth.edu
Medical Laboratory Technology | San Diego Miramar sdmiramar.edu
Medical Laboratory Technicians Training | Fortis www.fortis.edu