Medical Laboratory Technician

Medical laboratory technicians (MLTs) often work under the supervision of medical technologists to perform routine clinical laboratory tests on blood, tissue, and body fluids to help in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Technicians' duties include: collecting blood samples; preparing chemical solutions; preparing and analyzing specimens; enforcing quality control measures; maintaining equipment; keeping records of laboratory tests; and reporting results to medical technologists, head nurses, or physicians. Like medical technologists, technicians use laboratory instruments ranging from microscopes and computers to automatic analyzers in the areas of chemistry, hematology, urinalysis, blood banking, immunology, and microbiology.

Work Environment
Medical laboratory technicians work in hospitals, physician offices, research laboratories, and educational facilities.

Job Outlook
Employment opportunities in Texas are expected to be good because of a growing elderly population.

Length of Training/
Requirements
A two-year associate degree is required.

Salary
Salary depends on education, geography, job setting, and experience. Current salaries range from $26,000 - $50,000.

Educational Programs
Associate Degree
Alvin Community College
Amarillo College
Austin Community College
Central Texas College District