Lost Your
Job?

Print This Page  |  Email This Page  |  FAQs  |   Rate This Page | A A A A
Topics A to Z      
Job Banks Go
Go to More Resources
Explore Careers
America's Career InfoNet



Collapse Occupation Information
Occupation Profile
Military to Civilian Occupation Translator
Tools and Technology
Fastest-Growing
Most Openings
Largest Employment
Declining Employment
Highest-Paying
Compare Local Wages
Compare Metro Wages
Compare Employment Trends
Industry/Occupation Trends
Expand Industry Information
Collapse State Information
State Profile
Labor Market Information
Expand Career Tools
Expand Videos
Expand Find It By Topic


 
Help on this page          Printer-Friendly Version 
Occupation Profile
Selected Criteria:
Occupation: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians Change Occupation
State: Pennsylvania Change State
Profile Content: (content listed below) Modify Profile Content
Wages  |  Employment Trends  |  Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities  |  Tasks & Activities
Tools & Technology  |  Education & Training  |  Related Occupations
Web Resources

MEDICAL AND CLINICAL LABORATORY TECHNICIANS: PENNSYLVANIA

Occupation Description

Perform routine medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May work under the supervision of a medical technologist.


Career Video

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
View career video with one of the following:
Windows Media Real One Player
Additional videos and more information available on CareerOneStop.

State and National Wages

Location Pay
Period		 2008
10% 25% Median 75% 90%
United States Hourly $11.29 $13.66 $17.01 $21.30 $25.73
Yearly $23,500 $28,400 $35,400 $44,300 $53,500
Pennsylvania Hourly $11.75 $13.98 $17.46 $22.07 $26.23
Yearly $24,400 $29,100 $36,300 $45,900 $54,600
Annual Wages for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians

United States - $53,500 United States - $35,400 United States - $23,500 Pennsylvania - $54,600 Pennsylvania - $36,300 Pennsylvania - $24,400
  • High is the wage at which 90% of workers earn less and 10% earn more.
  • Middle is the wage at which 50% of workers earn less and 50% earn more.
  • Low is the wage at which 10% of workers earn less and 90% earn more.

Hourly Wages for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians

United States - $25.73 United States - $17.01 United States - $11.29 Pennsylvania - $26.23 Pennsylvania - $17.46 Pennsylvania - $11.75
  • High is the wage at which 90% of workers earn less and 10% earn more.
  • Middle is the wage at which 50% of workers earn less and 50% earn more.
  • Low is the wage at which 10% of workers earn less and 90% earn more.

Occupation Wages FAQs

Median Wage by Occupation Across States
Compare Wages by Occupation and Local Area
Compare Wages by Metropolitan Areas

National Data Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics Survey
State Data Source: Pennsylvania Workforce Statistics

State and National Trends

United States Employment Percent
Change		 Job Openings 1
2008 2018
Medical and clinical laboratory technicians 155,600 180,700 +16% 5,460
Pennsylvania Employment Percent
Change		 Job Openings 1
2006 2016
Medical and clinical laboratory technicians 9,850 11,200 +14% 300
1Job Openings refers to the average annual job openings due to growth and net replacement.

Note: The data for the State Employment Trends and the National Employment Trends are not directly comparable. The projections period for state data is 2006-2016, while the projections period for national data is 2008-2018.

Occupation Trends FAQs

Employment Trends by Occupation Across States
Compare Employment Trends by Occupation
Employment Trends by Industry and Occupation

National Data Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections
State Data Source: Pennsylvania Center for Workforce Information & Analysis

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The most important knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) are listed for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians.

Knowledge:

  • 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.
  • Biology - Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
  • 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.
  • Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
  • Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Skills:

  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • 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.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
  • Equipment Maintenance - Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
  • Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Abilities:

  • Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • 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.
  • 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).
  • Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
  • 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 there is a problem.

Source: Occupational Information Network: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians.

Tasks and Activities

Occupation specific tasks and the most important generalized work activities are listed for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians.

Occupation Specific Tasks:

  • Analyze and record test data to issue reports that use charts, graphs and narratives.
  • Analyze the results of tests and experiments to ensure conformity to specifications, using special mechanical and electrical devices.
  • Collect blood or tissue samples from patients, observing principles of asepsis to obtain blood sample.
  • Conduct blood tests for transfusion purposes and perform blood counts.
  • Conduct chemical analyses of body fluids, such as blood and urine, using microscope or automatic analyzer to detect abnormalities or diseases, and enter findings into computer.
  • Consult with a pathologist to determine a final diagnosis when abnormal cells are found.
  • Cut, stain and mount tissue samples for examination by pathologists.
  • Examine cells stained with dye to locate abnormalities.
  • Inoculate fertilized eggs, broths, or other bacteriological media with organisms.
  • Obtain specimens, cultivating, isolating and identifying microorganisms for analysis.
  • Perform medical research to further control and cure disease.
  • Prepare standard volumetric solutions and reagents to be combined with samples, following standardized formulas or experimental procedures.
  • Set up, maintain, calibrate, clean, and test sterility of medical laboratory equipment.
  • Supervise and instruct other technicians and laboratory assistants.
  • Test raw materials, processes and finished products to determine quality and quantity of materials or characteristics of a substance.

Generalized Work Activities:

  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  • Interacting With Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
  • 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.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • adhere to safety procedures
  • analyze biological research, test, or analysis data
  • analyze chemical experimental, test, or analysis data or findings
  • analyze medical data
  • analyze scientific research data or investigative findings
  • calculate medical diagnostic test results
  • collect blood or tissue samples
  • collect scientific or technical data
  • communicate technical information
  • conduct analyses or tests of biological material samples
  • conduct analyses or tests of organic compounds
  • conduct laboratory research or experiments
  • conduct medical laboratory tests
  • conduct standardized qualitative laboratory analyses
  • conduct standardized quantitative laboratory analyses
  • conduct tests or analyses of blood samples
  • create mathematical or statistical diagrams or charts
  • cultivate micro-organisms for study, testing, or medical preparations
  • direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
  • draw blood
  • enter analysis of medical tests or clinical results into computer for storage
  • examine biological or other material specimens under microscope
  • follow infectious materials procedures
  • follow microbiology procedures
  • follow safe waste disposal procedures
  • isolate and identify micro-organisms
  • label blood samples
  • maintain laboratory or field equipment
  • maintain records, reports, or files
  • mix paint, ingredients, or chemicals, according to specifications
  • monitor worker performance
  • perform statistical analysis
  • prepare biological specimens for examination
  • prepare reports
  • prepare sample for laboratory testing, analysis, or microscopy
  • prepare sterile solutions, infusions, or intravenous packs
  • prepare vaccines, biologicals, or serums
  • record test results, test procedures, or inspection data
  • set up or calibrate laboratory equipment
  • sterilize or clean laboratory or healthcare equipment
  • store medical laboratory specimens
  • teach individuals work-related techniques or skills
  • understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
  • use biological testing instruments
  • use chemical testing or analysis procedures
  • use clinical sterilizing technique
  • use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
  • use hazardous materials information
  • use health or sanitation standards
  • use knowledge of medical terminology
  • use knowledge of metric system
  • use laboratory equipment
  • use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
  • use medical lab techniques
  • use microscope
  • use precision measuring tools or equipment
  • use quality assurance techniques
  • use quantitative research methods
  • use relational database software
  • use research methodology procedures in health care
  • use sanitation practices in health care settings
  • use scientific research methodology
  • use spreadsheet software
  • use word processing or desktop publishing software
  • verify completeness or accuracy of data

Source: Occupational Information Network: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians.

Tools and Technology

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians  View Detailed Report

Tools:

  • Anaerobic jars or accessories - Anaerobe jars, Candle jars
  • Capillary or hematocrit tubes - Capillary sticks, Capillary tubes
  • Chemistry analyzers - Automated chemistry analyzers, Automated/semi-automated dipstick analysis systems, Chemistry analyzers, Heterologous test systems, Homologous test systems
  • Coagulation analyzers - Automated coagulation analyzers, Coagulation analyzers, Portable coagulation analyzers
  • Hematology analyzers - 5-part differential automated hematology analyzers, Automated platelet analyzers, Differential hematology analyzers with laser technology, Hematology analyzers, Hematology task-targeted automation TTA systems

Technology:

  • Accounting software - Billing software
  • Data base user interface and query software - Database software
  • Medical software - Commercial plate reader software, Electronic medical record EMR software, Hematology laboratory workflow management software, Laboratory information system LIS software, Medical digital imaging software
  • Spreadsheet software - Spreadsheet software
  • Word processing software - Word processing software

Source: Occupational Information Network: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians.

Education and Training

Occupation: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
Most Common Educational/Training Level: Associate degree
Related Instructional Programs:

  • Blood Bank Technology Specialist
  • Clinical/Medical Laboratory Assistant
  • Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technician
  • Hematology Technology/Technician
  • Histologic Technician
Distribution of Educational Attainment
Occupation Percent of employees aged 25 to 44 in the occupation whose highest level of educational attainment is
Less than high school diploma High school diploma or equivalent Some college, no degree Associate's degree Bachelor's degree Master's degree Doctoral or professional degree
Medical and clinical laboratory technicians 1.4% 10.8% 18.2% 17.2% 44.4% 5.4% 2.5%
Health Technologists and Technicians 1.9% 19.6% 29.5% 25.6% 19.1% 2.3% 2.1%
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical 1.2% 10.4% 15.4% 15.4% 20.7% 11.6% 25.2%
Total, All Occupations 10.7% 27.6% 20.6% 8.9% 19.4% 8.3% 4.5%

Find colleges, training schools and instructional programs for this occupation.

Find education and training programs where you can earn a certificate, diploma, or award in less than 2 years with the Short-Term Training Finder.

Access additional Education Resources in the Career Resource Library.

Use the Financial Aid Advisor to help find funds for financing education.

WIA Eligible Training Provider List: http://www.pacareerlink.state.pa.us/homeframe.asp?function=trainprov

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections (Education/Training Level, Educational Attainment); National Center for Education Statistics (Typical Instructional Programs)

Related Occupation Profiles
Occupations with similar skill requirements

Web Resources

The following resources are related to occupations in the job family
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical

Health Diagnosing and Treating Practitioners
Health Technologists and Technicians
Other Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations

Health Diagnosing and Treating Practitioners
Health Technologists and Technicians
Other Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations


Modify Occupation Profile Content :







Select or deselect profile options individually or use the Select All button below to change the report. To view the new results, select the Update button.

                         


Related Content: 

New Profile
Department of Labor CareerOneStop is sponsored by the U. S. Department of Labor,
Employment and Training Administration
Home | Explore Careers | Salary + Benefits | Education + Training | Job Search | Resumes + Interviews | People + Places to Help
About Us | Site Privacy | Contact Us | Link to Us | Site Map | Copyright © 2010 State of Minnesota