Medical Lab Technologist

Explore This Path

Ideal for those passionate about science and healthcare innovation.
Play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating diseases through lab analysis.
Work with advanced technology to uncover vital health information.

💰 Earn $85K-$141K

📚 Associate Degree

⏱️ 24–48 MONTH TRAINING

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What You’ll Do

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

Conduct chemical analysis of body fluids, including blood, urine, or spinal fluid, to determine presence of normal or abnormal components.
Analyze laboratory findings to check the accuracy of the results.
Operate, calibrate, or maintain equipment used in quantitative or qualitative analysis, such as spectrophotometers, calorimeters, flame photometers, or computer-controlled analyzers.
Collect and study blood samples to determine the number of cells, their morphology, or their blood group, blood type, or compatibility for transfusion purposes, using microscopic techniques.
Enter data from analysis of medical tests or clinical results into computer for storage.

Scoop

Minimum Education

Associate Degree

Career Prospects

Excellent (Increasing by 5% or more)

Training Time

2 to 4 years

Median Earnings

$110,260 in California

$57,800 Nationally

$25K

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Real Talk Reel

Want to see what it's like to be a Medical Lab Technologist? We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life.

@jadedhealthcareworker

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Thinking and problem solving
Using data or completing tasks
Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

Active Learning
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Speaking
Writing

You value 🙏

Accomplishing things
Having support
Having freedom

Deep Dive

Medical Lab Technologist

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Associate's Degree

An associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-3 years

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 4-5+ years

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years