Medical laboratory technicians (also called clinical laboratory technicians) collect samples and perform tests to analyze body fluids, tissue and other substances. The medical lab technician career is a good choice if you’re interested in science and healthcare, if you’re naturally curious and if you’re good at paying close attention to the details.
Where Medical Lab Technicians Work
As a medical laboratory technician, you’ll have the opportunity to work in a wide variety of settings from hospitals to specialty clinics and beyond. While you might be picturing a medical lab, some lab technicians work in factories, industrial plants and construction sites.
A Day in the Life: A Medical Lab Tech’s Duties
As a lab tech, you’ll work with doctors and scientists to perform a wide range of complex medical lab tests that help detect, diagnose and treat disease. Your work might include analyzing body fluids such as blood and urine to test for a wide range of health conditions, from diabetes to anemia. You might also look at tissue samples resulting from biopsies to detect whether cancer is present.
After your analysis, you’ll record both normal and abnormal results. The patient’s doctor will use these test results to make a diagnosis and to recommend treatment options.
Some medical lab technicians also examine blood samples for use in transfusions. They identify the blood type, number of blood cells, compatibility with other blood types, and other important medical information. In their day-to-day work, these technicians operate sophisticated lab equipment such as microscopes and cell counters.
How to Become a Medical Lab Technician
Become a medical lab technician with a degree from Cambridge. Our program gives you the skills you’ll need for entry-level employment. In our Miami program, you’ll learn a wide variety of subject matter, including specimen collecting, urinalysis, hematology and chemistry. You’ll also get hands-on experience working with specimens in the lab.
Career Outlook for Medical Lab Technicians
Medical lab technicians are currently in high demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of these technicians is projected to grow by 11% between now and 2030, which is faster than average.
Thinking About Becoming a Medical Lab Technician?
If you’re thinking about becoming a medical lab technician in the Miami area, start by talking with one of our representatives about your interests and options. We can help you take the next step towards your career as a medical lab tech. Give us a call at 877-206-4279 or send us a message to get started.