Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians
Working Conditions
Medical laboratory technologists held about 164,800 jobs in 2014. The industries that employed the most medical laboratory technologists in 2014 were as follows:
Hospitals; state, local, and private
58%
Medical and diagnostic laboratories
17
Offices of physicians
8
Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private
5
Medical laboratory technicians held about 163,400 jobs in 2014. The industries that employed the most medical laboratory technicians in 2014 were as follows:
Hospitals; state, local, and private
44%
Medical and diagnostic laboratories
19
Offices of physicians
12
Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private
5
Medical laboratory personnel are trained to work with infectious specimens or with materials that are caustic or produce fumes. When they follow proper methods to control infection and sterilize equipment, the risk decreases. They wear protective masks, gloves, and goggles for their safety.
Technologists and technicians can be on their feet for long periods, and they may need to lift or turn disabled patients to collect samples.
Work Schedules
Most medical laboratory technologists and technicians work full time. Technologists and technicians who work in facilities that operate around the clock, such as hospitals and some independent laboratories, may work evening, weekend, or overnight hours.