Medical Laboratory Technician Job Descriptions, Average Salary, Interview Questions

What Does a Medical Laboratory Technician Do?

A medical laboratory technician (MLT) plays an important part in the healthcare field performing lab tests that help diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases. They work with medical technologists and pathologists to test patient samples like blood, urine, and tissue. Using advanced lab equipment, MLTs analyze these samples to provide data that doctors use to make medical decisions. It’s a job that’s necessary in identifying conditions like infections, cancers, and diabetes.

Besides running tests, medical laboratory technicians keep lab equipment in good working order by maintaining and calibrating it regularly. They follow strict procedures to ensure test results are accurate and reliable. MLTs also handle data entry and record-keeping, making sure all patient information is correctly documented. Their careful attention to detail and commitment to safety help keep the lab running smoothly and safely.

Are you a job seeker?

Browse zengig’s
comprehensive list
of job openings
and apply online

Medical Laboratory Technician Responsibilities

Since MLTs are essential to specimen processing and the operation of a lab there are many responsibilities that will carry over no matter the company or location.

The below list represents the most common responsibilities for a MLT:

  • Performing laboratory tests: Conduct a variety of tests on patient samples, including blood, urine, and tissue, to help diagnose medical conditions.
  • Operating lab equipment: Use and maintain specialized laboratory instruments to carry out tests and analyses.
  • Preparing specimens: Prepare and process samples for testing by following standardized procedures.
  • Maintaining records: Accurately document test results and maintain patient information in laboratory information systems.
  • Quality control: Perform routine quality control checks to ensure the accuracy and reliability of test results.
  • Calibrating equipment: Regularly calibrate lab equipment to ensure it functions correctly and provides accurate results.
  • Communicating results: Relay test results to physicians and other healthcare professionals.
  • Following safety protocols: Follow all health and safety guidelines to maintain a safe working environment and prevent contamination.

Medical Laboratory Technician Experience and Expertise

To get ahead as a medical laboratory technician, candidates need a combination of relevant experience, technical abilities, and soft skills. Here’s what hiring managers usually look for:

Prior experience

  • Clinical laboratory work: Experience in hospitals, clinics, or independent labs gives practical knowledge of lab procedures and operations.
  • Internships: Hands-on training through internships in medical laboratories helps build essential skills.
  • Phlebotomy: Experience in drawing blood samples can be beneficial, particularly in settings where MLTs also perform phlebotomy.
  • Research labs: Working in research labs can develop analytical skills and familiarity with laboratory equipment.

Hard skills

  • Sample analysis: Proficiency in conducting tests on blood, urine, tissue, and other samples.
  • Laboratory equipment: Ability to operate and maintain various lab instruments and equipment.
  • Data management: Competence in entering and managing data within laboratory information systems.
  • Quality control: Knowledge of quality control procedures to ensure test accuracy and reliability.
  • Medical terminology: Understanding of common medical terms used in laboratory settings.

Soft skills

  • Attention to detail: Necessary when performing tests and recording results.
  • Organization: Keeps the lab organized and workflows efficient.
  • Problem-solving: Quickly identifies and resolves issues that arise in the lab.
  • Teamwork: Collaborates well with other lab staff and healthcare providers.
  • Time management: Efficiently manages multiple tasks and prioritizes workload.

Medical Laboratory Technician Education and Certification

When working as a medical laboratory technician, specific education and certification requirements must be met. Typically, MLTs need at least an associate degree in medical laboratory technology or a related field, however often a bachelor’s degree in an area like biology is required. This education provides the foundational knowledge and hands-on training necessary to perform lab tests and operate laboratory equipment. In addition to formal education, certifications are often needed by employers to confirm adherence to industry standards.

Certifications:

  • ASCP certification: Many hiring managers prefer or require certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), such as the MLT (ASCP) credential.
  • AMT certification: Certification from the American Medical Technologists (AMT) is also recognized, such as the MLT (AMT) credential.
  • State licensure: Some states require MLTs to be licensed. Requirements vary, so check with the state’s health board for specifics.

Medical Laboratory Technician Compensation

Medical lab tech salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. To explore salary ranges by local market, please visit our sister site zengig.com.

The average U.S. salary for a MLT is:

$61,970

The pay for medical laboratory technicians varies based on factors such as location, experience, and the type of healthcare facility. The national average salary for MLTs is around $61,970 annually, but many are paid hourly, typically ranging from $20 to $30 per hour. Urban areas and specialized medical facilities often offer higher wages compared to smaller clinics and hospitals. As with most jobs, MLTs with more experience or additional certifications will earn higher pay.

Sample Job Descriptions

Job postings for MLTs will obviously vary a good amount depending on the environment but many of the aspects will stay the same. Below are some real examples of descriptions for openings with teams looking for techs.

Hospital MLT description

ABC Hospital is seeking skilled lab technicians to join our large, fast-paced processing team. While there is are multiple openings, preference will be given to candidates with weekend availability.

Responsibilities

  • Perform a variety of laboratory tests on blood, urine, and tissue samples.
  • Prepare and process specimens for analysis.
  • Operate and maintain laboratory equipment, ensuring all instruments are calibrated.
  • Document and manage test results in the laboratory information system.
  • Conduct routine quality control checks to ensure test accuracy.
  • Communicate test results to physicians and healthcare professionals.
  • Follow all health and safety protocols to maintain a safe laboratory environment.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Biology or related field.
  • Certification as an MLT (ASCP) or equivalent.
  • 2+ years experience in a clinical lab setting
  • Proficiency in operating laboratory equipment.
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Previous experience in a hospital setting.
  • Familiarity with electronic health records (EHR) systems.
  • Ability to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends.

Family practice MLT description

Acme Family Practice is hiring a medical technician for our in-house lab at a busy doctor’s office. We are a fast growing team supporting 4 separate locations.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct routine and specialized laboratory tests on patient samples.
  • Maintain accurate records of all lab activities and test results.
  • Ensure proper labeling and documentation of specimens.
  • Perform equipment maintenance and calibration.
  • Collect specimens from patients as needed to cover for lab assistants.
  • Participate in quality assurance and control procedures.
  • Communicate effectively with healthcare providers about test results and sample processing.
  • Adhere to safety guidelines to prevent contamination and accidents.

Minimum qualifications

  • Experience in an independent or private lab setting.
  • Advanced coursework in biology or chemistry.
  • Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS).
  • Strong problem-solving abilities.

Education and certification:

  • Associate degree in medical laboratory technology. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
  • Certified medical laboratory technician.

Research MLT description

XYZ Medical Lab is looking for a dedicated medical laboratory technician to join our team in a private, independent lab setting.

Overview of the role

  • Conduct routine and specialized laboratory tests on patient samples.
  • Maintain accurate records of all lab activities and test results.
  • Ensure proper labeling and documentation of specimens.
  • Perform equipment maintenance and calibration.
  • Participate in quality assurance and control procedures.
  • Communicate effectively with healthcare providers about test results and sample processing.
  • Adhere to safety guidelines to prevent contamination and accidents.

Qualifications

  • B.S. degree in Chemistry, Biology or a relevant field
  • AMT certificate
  • Strong data entry and computer skills.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred qualifications

  • Experience in an independent or private research lab setting.
  • Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS).
  • Strong problem-solving abilities.

MLT Interview Questions

  • Describe your experience with performing laboratory tests on patient samples?
  • What steps do you take to maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment?
  • How do you ensure accuracy and precision in your work when preparing and analyzing specimens?
  • Describe a time when you had to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment. How did you manage it?
  • Can you explain your process for documenting and managing test results in a laboratory information system?
  • How do you ensure that all health and safety protocols are followed in the lab?
  • Have you ever encountered an unexpected issue with a test or equipment? How did you resolve it?
  • How do you handle communicating test results to physicians and other healthcare professionals?

About Kate Newsome

Need help hiring a Medical Laboratory Technician?

We match top professionals with great employers across the country. From filling urgent job openings to developing long-term hiring strategies, our team is here to help. Review our staffing solutions, browse our award-winning Staffing Corner blog, or call today. We look forward to connecting with you soon.

Browse A-Z Job Descriptions