Hospital Laboratory Technicians conduct lab test of human body fluids, tissues, cells and other substances for diagnosis and treatment of a variety of diseases. Their responsibilities include analyzing the chemical constituents of body fluids such as urine, blood and stool samples, determining the function of immune system, confirming safe blood transfusion, identifying infective microorganisms, evaluating hormone levels, detecting abnormalities for a specific health problem, reporting the findings to physicians and maintaining the detailed records of patients. They use biomedical instruments and technology as well as manual techniques for the lab test.
These skilled professionals work at variety of public and private settings such as public health laboratories, clinical laboratories, forensic and law enforcement laboratories, pharmaceutical or chemical industries, research and educational institutions etc. They may have to work in night shifts and even during weekend.
Educational Requirements
To become a Hospital Laboratory Technician, the aspiring candidates need to complete a two-year associate degree in medical laboratory technology. The syllabus in this program includes microbiology, hematology, immunology, psychology, chemistry, clinical laboratory practices etc. The students can pursue a degree program in a related field for better employment opportunities.
Licensure and Certification
Since the practice of a Hospital Laboratory Technician in most of the states of USA requires to be licensed, the aspiring candidates need to earn a license by passing the required examination. These professionals can obtain certification from the Board of Registry for the American Society for Clinical Pathology.
Skill Set
Apart from technical knowledge, Hospital Laboratory Technicians should have an eye for detail. They should also have the ability to operate complex machinery equipments, physical strength to work long hours either in sitting or standing, an understanding of medical terminology, excellent communication and computer skills etc.
Job Outlook and Salary
The job outlook for a Hospital Laboratory Technician remains excellent in USA. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the growth rate for job opportunities in this profession may rise 30% during the period of 2012-2022. The average annual salary of a Hospital Laboratory Technician was $40,990 in 2013.