Your career training resource.
Laboratory technologists and technicians perform complex scientific tests to detect, diagnose and treat diseases. Their specific responsibilities include:
To accomplish these tasks, laboratory professionals use an array of sophisticated equipment, which requires a strong technical aptitude. This equipment includes microscopes, cell counters and other computerized instruments.
Professionals in medical laboratories are known primarily by two titles: laboratory technologists and laboratory technicians. Technologists work more independently and perform more complex tasks than technicians. More detailed examples of their responsibilities include:
The laboratory technician’s responsibilities also depend on the size of the laboratory. In small laboratories, technologists have many duties. In larger laboratories, the technologists specialize in only one or two topics such as microbiology or clinical chemistry, for example.
A laboratory professional’s work environment is clean and well-lighted. These professionals regularly come into contact with infections specimens, but laboratories are safe workplaces when everyone follows the proper guidelines. Laboratory technologists and technicians regularly wear protective masks, gloves and goggles while working.
Salary Range:
$16,460 — $74,390
Education Level (minimum):
Associate degree
Growth Outlook (2002 – 2012):
21 – 35%
