What Does a Medical Technologist Do?
A medical technologist, also known as a clinical laboratory scientist, performs complex diagnostic tests on patient specimens to help physicians diagnose, monitor, and treat disease. Working primarily in hospitals, clinics, and reference laboratories, they analyze blood, urine, tissue, and other bodily fluids using sophisticated instruments and established testing protocols. Medical technologists are responsible for the accuracy and reliability of lab results, which are often critical to patient care decisions.
These professionals may specialize in areas such as microbiology, hematology, clinical chemistry, immunology, or molecular diagnostics. In addition to running tests, they calibrate and maintain lab equipment, validate results, and follow strict quality control standards. Medical technologists play a vital behind-the-scenes role in modern healthcare, ensuring that laboratory data is both timely and accurate. Their work is regulated under CLIA and must meet rigorous standards for safety, precision, and confidentiality.
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Medical Technologist Core Responsibilities
- Perform diagnostic laboratory tests on blood, tissue, and other specimens
- Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain complex clinical analyzers
- Interpret test results and validate data accuracy before releasing to physicians
- Follow quality control procedures and maintain documentation
- Prepare reagents, solutions, and calibrators as needed
- Comply with regulatory standards (e.g., CLIA, CAP, OSHA)
- Assist in training lab assistants or new technologists
- Maintain detailed and confidential patient records
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency in clinical laboratory procedures and instrumentation
- Expertise in one or more specialties: microbiology, hematology, chemistry, etc.
- Knowledge of laboratory information systems (LIS)
- Understanding of safety protocols and lab regulatory compliance
Soft skills
- Strong attention to detail and analytical thinking
- Problem-solving in time-sensitive environments
- Ability to work independently or collaboratively with clinical teams
- Excellent organizational and documentation skills
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in medical technology, clinical laboratory science, or a related life sciences field
Certifications
- Required:
- ASCP or AMT certification as a Medical Technologist (e.g., MLS(ASCP), MT(AMT))
- Recommended:
- State licensure, if applicable
Preferred Qualifications
- 1–3 years of experience in a high-complexity clinical lab setting
- Familiarity with automated analyzers and LIS platforms (e.g., Cerner, Sunquest)
- Prior experience in specialized departments such as blood bank, toxicology, or molecular diagnostics
National Average Salary
Medical technologist salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Medical Technologist is:
$79,637
The average salary for a medical technologist currently falls in the $75,000 to $85,000 per year range. Compensation can vary based on factors such as location, experience, and the type of healthcare facility. Generally, those working in larger hospitals or specialized medical labs may earn higher wages compared to those in smaller clinics or doctor’s offices.
Sample Job Description Templates for Medical Technologists
Entry-Level Medical Technologist
Position Overview
We are seeking an Entry-Level Medical Technologist to join our clinical laboratory team. This role is ideal for recent graduates who are certified and eager to apply their education in a fast-paced, high-complexity testing environment. You will assist in conducting routine laboratory tests under supervision while gaining exposure to various lab disciplines such as hematology, microbiology, and chemistry.
Responsibilities
- Perform routine diagnostic testing on patient specimens
- Operate and maintain basic clinical analyzers and lab equipment
- Adhere to established testing protocols and quality standards
- Document and report results accurately within the LIS
- Participate in daily quality control and equipment calibration
- Assist with specimen processing and inventory management
Requirements
Hard skills
- Knowledge of laboratory procedures and clinical testing techniques
- Familiarity with laboratory safety and regulatory standards
- Proficiency in basic EHR and LIS systems
Soft skills
- Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn
- Ability to follow instructions and standard operating procedures
- Team-oriented with good communication skills
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in medical technology, clinical laboratory science, or related field
Certifications
- ASCP or AMT certification (e.g., MLS(ASCP), MT(AMT)) required
- State licensure if applicable
Preferred Qualifications
- Clinical internship or practicum in a hospital or diagnostic lab setting
Experienced Medical Technologist
Position Overview
We are hiring an Experienced Medical Technologist to perform high-complexity testing and support the lab’s operational workflows. The ideal candidate has at least two years of experience and can independently conduct tests, validate results, and help troubleshoot equipment and quality issues.
Responsibilities
- Perform a wide range of diagnostic tests across multiple specialties
- Validate, interpret, and release accurate laboratory results
- Calibrate and troubleshoot analyzers and instrumentation
- Monitor quality control metrics and participate in proficiency testing
- Train and mentor new technologists or lab assistants
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in clinical analyzers and LIS platforms
- Strong understanding of testing methodology in hematology, chemistry, or microbiology
- Ability to interpret QC data and resolve inconsistencies
Soft skills
- Critical thinking and problem-solving under pressure
- Excellent organizational and multitasking skills
- Strong interpersonal communication within cross-functional teams
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in medical technology or life sciences
Certifications
- ASCP or AMT certification required
- State licensure if required by jurisdiction
Preferred Qualifications
- 2–4 years of clinical lab experience
- Familiarity with CAP and CLIA audit readiness
Senior Laboratory Technologist
Position Overview
We are looking for a Senior Laboratory Technologist to serve as a subject matter expert and lead resource for technical procedures and troubleshooting. This position oversees complex testing processes, assists with lab workflow management, and supports lab leadership in maintaining quality and compliance standards.
Responsibilities
- Perform and oversee high-complexity testing with minimal supervision
- Investigate and resolve testing anomalies or equipment issues
- Lead training initiatives for junior staff and new hires
- Assist in developing and updating SOPs and workflow improvements
- Act as a liaison with quality assurance and laboratory supervisors
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced knowledge of instrumentation, methodologies, and specialty testing
- Experience managing LIS documentation and workflow validations
- Expertise in interpreting regulatory compliance standards
Soft skills
- Leadership and mentorship capabilities
- Strong analytical thinking and process improvement mindset
- Excellent communication and documentation habits
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in clinical laboratory science or equivalent
Certifications
- ASCP or AMT certification required
- State licensure if applicable
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of progressive laboratory experience
- Experience in a lead or training capacity
Lead Technologist
Position Overview
We are hiring a Lead Technologist to supervise day-to-day operations of a designated laboratory section (e.g., chemistry, hematology, microbiology). This role combines hands-on testing responsibilities with leadership duties, including workflow coordination, personnel oversight, and technical troubleshooting.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate daily operations and test assignments within the lab section
- Ensure timely and accurate specimen processing and result reporting
- Perform advanced troubleshooting and assist in instrument validations
- Supervise technologists and support staff to maintain workflow efficiency
- Enforce quality control procedures and regulatory compliance
Requirements
Hard skills
- Section-specific expertise in instrumentation and procedures
- Familiarity with CLIA, CAP, and OSHA compliance requirements
- Competence in training, scheduling, and procedural development
Soft skills
- Effective team leadership and conflict resolution
- Detail-oriented with strong time management
- Clear communication with peers, managers, and clinicians
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in medical technology or related science
Certifications
- ASCP or AMT certification required
- State license if applicable
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of lab experience with 1–2 years in a supervisory or senior role
- Experience implementing lab-wide process improvements
Laboratory Quality Assurance Specialist
Position Overview
We are seeking a Laboratory Quality Assurance (QA) Specialist to oversee compliance, documentation, and performance improvement efforts across laboratory operations. This role supports the lab’s quality management system and ensures adherence to accreditation standards including CAP, CLIA, and internal audit requirements.
Responsibilities
- Monitor quality metrics and prepare compliance reports
- Investigate deviations, errors, and nonconformities
- Support internal and external audits and prepare documentation
- Lead corrective action plans and performance improvement initiatives
- Train staff on QA procedures and updates to regulatory guidelines
Requirements
Hard skills
- In-depth understanding of laboratory accreditation and compliance standards
- Experience with QA audits, incident tracking, and root cause analysis
- Proficiency with documentation systems and quality reporting tools
Soft skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
- Detail-driven and process-focused
- Effective trainer and communicator across departments
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science, quality assurance, or life sciences
Certifications
- ASCP or AMT certification required
- Certification in quality systems (e.g., ASQ, Six Sigma, or CLSI training) is recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years in a clinical lab with 2+ years in a QA or regulatory role
- Experience supporting CAP inspections or internal quality audits