THE JOB 

Laboratory tests on the blood, tissues and fluids from the human body reveal facts about a patient's condition that cannot be determined by direct examination; such information is vital for early detection, accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of disease. The patient's physician determines what information is needed and orders appropriate tests.

MEDICAL AND CLINICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGISTS examine and analyze body fluids, tissues, and cells. They look for bacteria, parasites, or other micro-organisms; analyze the chemical content of fluids; match blood for transfusions, and test for drug levels in the blood to show how a patient is responding to treatment. 

They also prepare specimens for examination, count cells, and look for abnormal cells. They use automated equipment and instruments that perform a number of tests simultaneously, as well as microscopes, cell counters, and other kinds of sophisticated laboratory equipment to perform tests. Then they analyze the results and relay them to physicians. 

When conducting tests, technologists follow well defined procedures. They supervise lab assistants who use various computerized instruments. 

However, technologists must set up and adjust the automated equipment and check its performance. Entry-level technologists generally perform a variety of routine tests under close supervision. Experienced technologists handle more specialized or unusual procedures. They may also help to develop, standardize, and evaluate new techniques.

WORKING CONDITIONS 

Hours and other working conditions vary according to the size and type of employment setting. In large hospitals or in independent laboratories that operate continuously, personnel usually work the day, evening, or night shift, and may work weekends and holidays. 

Laboratory personnel in small facilities may work rotating shifts rather than a regular shift. In some facilities, laboratory personnel are on call (available in case of emergency) several nights a week or on weekends. 

Clinical laboratory personnel are trained to work with infectious specimens. When proper methods of infection control and sterilization are followed, few hazards exist. Laboratories generally are well-lighted and clean; however, specimens, solutions, and reagents used in the laboratory to detect or measure substances sometimes produce odors. Laboratory workers may spend a great deal of time standing. 

Many technologists belong to the California Association for Medical Laboratory Technology (CAMLT). Some belong to unions, such as the Engineers and Scientists of California, or the Office and Professional Employees' International Union.

EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK 

About 21,000 Medical Technologists hold active California licenses; not all licensees, however, are working as technologists. The following information is from the California Projections and Planning Information published by the Labor Market Information Division. 

Estimated number of workers in 1993 16,150 Estimated number of workers in 2005 18,610 Projected Growth 1993-2005 15% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 4,100 (These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.) 

Since the mid-1980s, slightly fewer people appear to seek training or jobs in this field. Initial fears of the hazard of infection from handling potentially AIDS contaminated blood has contributed to some reluctance to enter or even remain in this occupation. Employers in some areas report difficulty finding experienced technologists, and some difficulty recruiting trained, but inexperienced applicants.

WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS 

According to several California Cooperative Occupational Information Systems (CCOIS) surveys conducted between 1993 and 1995, for trained but inexperienced workers earned a hourly median wage of $13.25 to $19.25. 

Experienced workers earned $14.00 to $22.00. Workers with at least three years experience with the same firm earned $14.00 to $23.00 per hour. 

Full-time technologists work eight hours a day, five days a week. Working weekends and holidays are usually rotated among the technologist's schedules within the lab. Technologists who work evenings, night shifts, overtime, or "stand-by" usually receive extra pay. 

Many firms have three shifts: day, swing, and night. The most common hours are from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. for days, 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. for the swing shift, and from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. for the night shift. Most employers provide paid vacations, sick leave, partial to full retirement plans, medical, dental, and vision insurance.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING

California is the only state that requires a Medical Laboratory Technologist to be licensed. To be licensed by the State Department of Health Services one must pass the examination.

Various ways to qualify for the examination are: 

• Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology that includes one year of approved training in a clinical lab.

• Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Clinical Laboratory studies or a closely related field that includes required course work, plus one year approved training in a clinical laboratory. 

• Ninety semester units or equivalent quarter units that include clinical laboratory or closely related courses and completion of two years of approved clinical training are necessary for licensure. 

California State University (CSU) Bakersfield, Chico, Dominguez Hills, Hayward, Humboldt, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Northridge, Pomona, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, San Luis Obispo, and Sonoma, and Loma Linda University all offer a B.S. degree in medical technology. 

CSU San Francisco also holds refresher training classes for technologists who want to reenter the occupation after an extended absence. CSU Fullerton, Dominguez Hills, Long Beach, and San Francisco, as well as Stanford University, have M.S. degree programs. Community college students who plan to transfer to a four year degree program in medical technology should obtain an associate degree in natural sciences. High school students should take biology, chemistry and mathematics as preparation toward this career.

ADVANCEMENT

Technologists may become "working" supervisors, who coordinate and perform the work of a single unit or shift. Some technologists advance to administrators who plan and oversee all laboratory operations. Technologists with a least four years of varied experience and advanced education may qualify for the Clinical Laboratory Bioanalyst license which allows them to direct an independent laboratory. Some technologists go into related fields of work, such as medical or drug research, public health, nuclear medical technology, or technical equipment sales.

FINDING THE JOB

Technologist trainees are usually hired by the laboratory where they interned, therefore, an internship is a vital step in a technologist's career. The California Association for Medical Laboratory Technology (CAMLT) often lists openings for employers who are recruiting. Jobseekers should also check classified ads in newspapers and medical lab journals, network with other technologists and former instructors, and apply directly with medical labs and health service centers.

ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Department of Health Services Laboratory Field Services Section 111 Grand Avenue Oakland, CA 94612 
(510) 873-6327 

California Association for Medical Laboratory Technology 
1895 Mowry Ave, Suite 112 Fremont, CA 94538 
(510) 792-4441

RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES

Microbiologists No. 168 

Laboratory Assistants/Technicians No. 201 

OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1) 

Biochemistry Technologist 078.261-010 

Microbiology Technologist 078.261-014 

Histotechnologist 078.261-030 

Medical Technologist 078.261-038 

Cytotechnologist 078.281-010 OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist 329020

Information from: http://www.calmis.cahwnet.gov/file/occguide/mdclinlb.htm