Clinical laboratory technicians are referred to as clinical laboratory scientist or medical technologist. These are also known as medical technicians. They are there to examine and analyze body fluids and cells. They look for bacteria, virus and other microorganisms; examine the chemical content of fluids and match blood for transfusion and also test for the drug levels in the blood that shao how a patient is responding to the treatment. They make the use of microscope cells and other sophisticated laboratory equipments. They also use automated and computerized instruments capable of performing number of tests simultaneously. After examining a specimen, they analyze the results and dispatch them to physicians.
Skills
Clinical lab technicians are frequently expected to have knowledge in biology, chemistry and medicine. They must also be good at documentation. They must be good in vision and color blindness is not a good factor for them in this job. They must be comfortable with the technology and computer knowledge is must for them.
Education
Medical technicians generally have associates degree from a junior or community college or a certificate from a hospital or technical school.
Outlook
There are counteracting factors here. On the one hand advents in latest technology are eliminating some clinical technician positions, but an aging population is creating more work for clinical labs. Excellent job opportunities are expected in it. According to a survey, it was found that clinical laboratory technology and technicians held out jobs amounting to 3, 19,000 in 2006.
Advancement
Technicians can advance and become technologist by the further studies and experience. Technologist may advance to the supervisory positions in the laboratory or may become chief medical or manager in the clinical laboratory.
Working conditions
The working conditions of the technician depend upon their specialty. They sit for much of a day. Their work as compared to other similar cases is much in detailed. The technicians have rare and minimal contact with the patients. Their tasks are generally routine activities, but they perform a wide range of test. They work under the supervision of several people. They usually work forty hours a week. They are also required to wear uniform and wear protective clothing during there job. The technicians working in a hospital may require to work sometimes on evenings or on weekends.
Earnings and benefits
Clinical laboratory technicians earn a median salary of around $30,840 annually. The technicians who are more experienced can get more. The other benefits are paid holidays and vacations. Some workers also receive pension plans.
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