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Job outlook for clinical laboratory technicians in the United States
Clinical laboratory technician job and salary trends over time
Clinical laboratory technician jobs over time
Clinical laboratory technician job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 109,719 | 0.03% |
| 2020 | 112,280 | 0.03% |
| 2019 | 112,211 | 0.03% |
| 2018 | 110,559 | 0.03% |
| 2017 | 110,958 | 0.03% |
Average clinical laboratory technician salary over time
Clinical laboratory technician salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $50,756 | $24.40 | +2.8% |
| 2025 | $49,377 | $23.74 | --0.7% |
| 2024 | $49,733 | $23.91 | +2.5% |
| 2023 | $48,498 | $23.32 | +2.0% |
| 2022 | $47,563 | $22.87 | --0.1% |
Clinical laboratory technician jobs by state
Most common states for clinical laboratory technicians
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 304 | 44% |
| 2 | Alaska | 739,795 | 300 | 41% |
| 3 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 535 | 40% |
| 4 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 293 | 39% |
| 5 | Vermont | 623,657 | 246 | 39% |
| 6 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 319 | 37% |
| 7 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 355 | 34% |
| 8 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,834 | 33% |
| 9 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 445 | 33% |
| 10 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 1,006 | 32% |
| 11 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 2,576 | 29% |
| 12 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,019 | 29% |
| 13 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 1,911 | 29% |
| 14 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 303 | 29% |
| 15 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 3,533 | 28% |
| 16 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 806 | 28% |
| 17 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,986 | 27% |
| 18 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 1,866 | 27% |
| 19 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 1,128 | 27% |
| 20 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 952 | 27% |
Most common cities for clinical laboratory technicians
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Calabasas | 4 | 17% | $68,692 |
| 2 | Madison Heights | 3 | 10% | $44,907 |
| 3 | Troy | 7 | 8% | $44,943 |
| 4 | Pensacola | 3 | 6% | $46,088 |
| 5 | Whittier | 4 | 5% | $68,428 |
| 6 | Warren | 6 | 4% | $44,918 |
| 7 | Southfield | 3 | 4% | $44,871 |
| 8 | Worcester | 5 | 3% | $57,666 |
| 9 | Peoria | 3 | 3% | $46,768 |
| 10 | Mobile | 3 | 2% | $43,118 |
| 11 | Birmingham | 2 | 1% | $42,976 |
| 12 | Hayward | 2 | 1% | $70,439 |
| 13 | Jacksonville | 3 | 0% | $42,832 |
| 14 | San Diego | 3 | 0% | $67,892 |
| 15 | Baltimore | 2 | 0% | $48,225 |
| 16 | Detroit | 2 | 0% | $44,841 |
Clinical Laboratory Technician job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of clinical laboratory technician experts
Northern Michigan University
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
Weber State University
Michigan Technological University
University of Alabama in Huntsville
Georgetown University Medical Center
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Medical University of South Carolina
Weber State University
Saint Cloud State University
Saint Cloud State University
Wenatchee Valley College
Agnes Scott College
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
Old Dominion University
The University of Akron
Siena College
Martin Renaldi MT (ASCP), MPA
Assistant Professor / MLS Program DirectorNorthern Michigan University
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, And Treatment Professions
What general advice would you give to a Clinical Laboratory Technician?
Martin Renaldi MT (ASCP), MPA: Experience. I have found through my time in the realm that an experienced lab tech is going to be highly sought after and henceforth will have optimal pay opportunities. As the word implies, experience can only be achieved through 'time in the lab' which means you have to put in your time to gather that resume boosting element, experience. Once that happens, then even more doors open up in the profession.
What Clinical Laboratory Technician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Martin Renaldi MT (ASCP), MPA: The skills that will be required in the lab tech milieu over the next 3-5 years are the same ones that are necessary now, which is what makes the lab tech profession so lucrative. Foundational laboratory skills are a must now and will be must in the future. Once the aspiring lab tech learns and masters the foundational work, such as lab math, pipetting, dilution schemes, titrating, proper glassware use and application, basic spectrophotometry, transformational weights and measures, microscopy, etc. then they'll be readily adaptable for employment in any laboratory setting.
What will help Clinical Laboratory Technicians increase their earning potential?
Martin Renaldi MT (ASCP), MPA: I would highly recommend that the newly graduated lab tech does not limit themself to a specific location or a specific vocation. The places to work and the types of jobs available are nearly limitless. If one thinks outside of the box, outside of the mainstream lab tech opportunities, they'll find a whole host of other intriguing possibilities. So, do not limit yourself, the world is your oyster, .......so to speak.
What general advice would you give to a Clinical Laboratory Technician?
Huy Le M.P.H CLS,MLS(ASCP): In Northern California, new graduates can expect to earn at least $125,000 right out of school, plus shift differentials and overtime pay. To maximize your salary potential, negotiate with the lab administration and highlight your strong points. Clinical labs often prefer hiring students with strong blood banking experience and skills, which can increase your earning potential. Additionally, having expertise in core lab disciplines (chemistry and hematology) or microbiology and molecular biology can make you a valuable asset and contribute to job security and higher earning potential in these in-demand areas.
What Clinical Laboratory Technician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Huy Le M.P.H CLS,MLS(ASCP): Focus on obtaining the necessary certification or board exam, such as the Medical Laboratory Science ASCP examination, as it is a prerequisite for working in a clinical lab. Start networking early by applying and getting to know the lab management at the hospital you want to work for, as competition can be high for new graduates. As a CLS graduate, it is imperative that you possess a strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as these are essential for accurately analyzing laboratory results and troubleshooting issues. In addition, brush up on your interview skills, including both soft skills and technical knowledge, to be fully prepared for job interviews.
What will help Clinical Laboratory Technicians increase their earning potential?
Huy Le M.P.H CLS,MLS(ASCP): Clinical laboratory science is expecting a significant decline in the workforce due to retiring baby boomers and the labor shortage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. To address this shortage, there will be an increased demand for skilled medical laboratory professionals, particularly in areas such as molecular biology, microbiology, and core laboratory disciplines like chemistry and hematology. In addition, you will need to be competent at laboratory automation and emerging technologies, data analysis and interpretation skills to effectively manage the increasing volume of complex laboratory data generated by advanced testing methods.
Ethan Kentzel MS, MLS ASCPcm
Program Director, Medical Laboratory Science and Phlebotomy ProgramsBloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
Biology
What general advice would you give to a Clinical Laboratory Technician?
Ethan Kentzel MS, MLS ASCPcm: You completed an MLS program and you have learned a ton of information in a short span of time. However, there is still so much to learn for Medical Laboratory Science! We recommend that you do your best to grow into the role, practice with a questioning attitude, participate and advocate for the field, consider joining our advocacy group - the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS). If you have not taken your ASCP MLS BOC exam, we highly recommend that you do as a way to validate your learning experiences and to optimize your long term career growth.
Dr. Janice Thomas
Professor and Program DirectorWeber State University
Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences
What general advice would you give to a Clinical Laboratory Technician?
Dr. Janice Thomas: Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLTs) are an integral part of the healthcare team as seventy percent (70%) of diagnoses come from laboratory results. On a day-to-day basis, the duties of an MLT can include collecting and analyzing samples, maintaining laboratory equipment, and accurately recording results for medical providers to review and consider when diagnosing patients.
What Clinical Laboratory Technician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Janice Thomas: Entering the field of Medical Laboratory Sciences is a wise choice, particularly now, due to the growing demand for healthcare services and the increasing technology in medical diagnostics. With an aging population and the continuous development of innovative medical tests and procedures, the need for skilled MLTs is more pronounced than ever. This profession not only offers job stability and opportunities for advancement but also the satisfaction of contributing to patient care and the well-being of the community.
What will help Clinical Laboratory Technicians increase their earning potential?
Dr. Janice Thomas: Many MLTs appreciate the variety and dynamic nature of the work. They welcome the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge technology, and the sense of fulfillment that comes from playing an important role in patient care. The profession also offers a good balance of teamwork and individual responsibilities, along with diverse disciplines and career paths. But, like any profession, there are challenges. Some may find the work mentally demanding and stressful, particularly when dealing with urgent cases or critical results. Others may prefer more patient contact than the role typically provides. It's also important to note that the profession requires meticulous attention to detail and adherence to strict protocols, which can be taxing for some individuals.
What general advice would you give to a Clinical Laboratory Technician?
Dr. Tiana Curry-McCoy Ph.D., MPH, MPA: When starting a career in CLS maximize your salary through increasing your education, experience, and value. This can be done by staying up to date with the latest technology, testing procedures, and being a reliable colleague.
What Clinical Laboratory Technician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Tiana Curry-McCoy Ph.D., MPH, MPA: Clinical Laboratory Science is a diverse field with many opportunities and a large amount of healthcare responsibilities. Much of what we do is unseen to patients, but the value is priceless. CLS graduates are involved in many areas including private and public labs, forensics, research and development, sales, teaching and instruction, administration, and beyond. A CLS professional is an integral part of the healthcare umbrella so they must be hardworking, diligent, proficient, and honest. In the lab always remember that a sample represents somebody's loved one, therefore we must treat all samples with the respect, care, and urgency we would want applied to our own patient care.
What will help Clinical Laboratory Technicians increase their earning potential?
Dr. Tiana Curry-McCoy Ph.D., MPH, MPA: The use of AI is on the rise in many fields including CLS. With this in mind it is important that the CLS professional understands the programing and how to use the tool to assist but not completely rely on in the laboratory setting. CLS professionals will also have to understand the mechanics of the equipment they work with to help with quick fixes to save money and time in their unit. With these thoughts in mind, it is important that CLS professionals are both knowledgeable of biological processes, testing, and application as well as being tech savvy.
Claire Danielson ms, MLS(ASCP)CM
MLS Program Director | Assistant Teaching ProfessorMichigan Technological University
Biology
What general advice would you give to a Clinical Laboratory Technician?
Claire Danielson ms, MLS(ASCP)CM: This is a difficult one as most hospitals have standard pay ranges and a new MLS will start on the bottom of the pay scale. Sign on bonuses are always negotiable though. Also check the commitment length for the sign on bonus.
What Clinical Laboratory Technician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Claire Danielson ms, MLS(ASCP)CM: Computer skills (everything is automated now, LIS, middleware, software, etc), the ability to work independently and troubleshoot instruments and problems on your own. As we automate more and more, techs will be working alone more often. Organizational and multitasking skills have always been important and will remain important.
What will help Clinical Laboratory Technicians increase their earning potential?
Claire Danielson ms, MLS(ASCP)CM: Be open to anything, you may not start in the exact shift or department you want to end up in but try to be flexible. You never know where your career may take you. Also, look at the culture of the lab before signing on to work there. Ask to shadow in the lab prior to working there. Talking to the staff before you commit can also help with your decision.
Angela Robinson MS MLS ASCP
Retired Assoc Admin of Pathology & Laboratory MedicineWhat general advice would you give to a Clinical Laboratory Technician?
Angela Robinson MS MLS ASCP: Over the years with automation and autoverification - tools to assist the Medical Laboratory Professionals - the skills have altered from psychomotor behavorial to independent thinking and critical cognitive expertise. Soft skills are and will become even more prevalent - including Problem Solving/ Time Management/ Adaptability/ Communication/ Interpersonal/ Teamwork.
Medical Laboratory Professionals will continue to multitask at the workbench -
Medical Laboratory Scientists and Technicians must always seek accurate and precise quality standards with the most stategic highly regulated compliance of analytical laboratory testing.
But now must also come from behind the walls of the laboratory to collaborate and coordinate with other medical laboratory professionals as well as non-lab professionals to work as a team for patient care. Most errors are PREanalytical variables - (before laboratory analysis) with how specimens are incorrectly drawn - wrong tube type - incorrect order of draw - mislabeled - unlabeled - clotted - hemolyzed - QNS.
Furthermore - Laboratory professionals skilled at management must take a seat and have a voice at the c-suite. Supportive leadership for resourceful environments. Also medical laboratory professionals continue to become more acutely involved in POCT - Quality assurance - Safety - Infection Control - Risk - Education and even Public Relations. DCLS (the doctorate of Clinical Laboratory Science) is also becoming highly sought out for Data Mgt Teams to markedly improve patient care.
What Clinical Laboratory Technician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Angela Robinson MS MLS ASCP: Healthcare is very challenging now with shortages and burnout and stress and baby boomers resignations - but not without opportunities and options. New graduates - become professionally nationally recognized board certified - and apply all your knowledge and skills to the real world life experience for patient care. Remember - every specimen is a patient. Patient care needs accuracy and precision of quality standards of laboratory testing - by YOU - the Medical Laboratory Professional!
AND - Do not let anyone or anything discourage you. Find the place that will support and value you in becoming the best you can be for patient care. Pursue life, including this profession to its utmost with purpose, pride and passion!
Finally - become part of the national movement of Laboratory Advocacy - become involved in making a positive difference and impact on Laboratory Medicine ie join a medical laboratory professional society and/or become vocal in acquiring media attention and public awareness and industry respect and legislative support.
While complaining and venting releases anxiety - only constructive criticism and action will resolve.
Better to try than succeed at doing nothing. Become part of the solution - not part of the precipitate.
What will help Clinical Laboratory Technicians increase their earning potential?
Angela Robinson MS MLS ASCP: Today - Medical Laboratory Science - a degree with a career in Healthcare and Public Health as well as a solid strong foundation to many other careerS beyond Laboratory Medicine - is in high demand and very competitive.
Always negotiate for compensation commensurate with education and experience - especially where qualified board certified and also where Right to Practice Professional licensure mandates high quality personnel standards for quality standards of laboratory testing for patient care.
Use documentation nationally from professional societies and organizations - as well as locally with supply and demand among competing facilities due to severe shortages in Healthcare. Quality standards of laboratory testing relies on qualified board-certified Medical Laboratory Professionals. Patient care deserves no less.
Dr. Luis Rogelio Cruz-Vera
Associate ProfessorUniversity of Alabama in Huntsville
Department of Biological Sciences
What skills stand out on Clinical Laboratory Technician resumes?
Dr. Luis Rogelio Cruz-Vera: Good standing on biochemical concepts.
What soft skills should all Clinical Laboratory Technicians possess?
Dr. Luis Rogelio Cruz-Vera: Planification.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Clinical Laboratory Technicians?
Dr. Luis Rogelio Cruz-Vera: Pipetting, quantitative analysis, computer writing.
What skills will help Clinical Laboratory Technicians earn the most?
Dr. Luis Rogelio Cruz-Vera: Commitment.
Ivica Labuda
Professor and DirectorGeorgetown University Medical Center
Department of Biochemistry Molecular and Cell Biology
What Clinical Laboratory Technician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Ivica Labuda: A gap year is an excellent opportunity to try out a job you dream about. It is good to test the unknown territories which look fascinating and can either confirm or challenge your ideas about that field. It is always good to talk to as many people as possible about new opportunities available to you.
Lindsey Clark
Assistant ProfessorUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Department of Laboratory Sciences
What soft skills should all Clinical Laboratory Technicians possess?
Lindsey Clark: Laboratory scientists are like medical detectives-looking for clues that lead to diagnoses, which requires attention to detail, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. These are some of the most important soft skills for laboratory scientists, time management, adaptability, and communication skills.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Clinical Laboratory Technicians?
Lindsey Clark: Nearly all clinical laboratory scientists will need to know how to use a microscope properly, operate various lab instruments or analyzers, and perform complex laboratory testing according to standard operating procedures. They may also be required to collect, process, or analyze specimens, maintain quality control records, prepare chemical reagents, investigate atypical or discrepant test results, determine causation, or communicate with other healthcare professionals.
Helen Martin
Associate Professor, Division DirectorMedical University of South Carolina
Division of Physician Assistant Studies
What soft skills should all Clinical Laboratory Technicians possess?
Helen Martin: Computer skills within a hospital system.
What skills will help Clinical Laboratory Technicians earn the most?
Helen Martin: 4-year degree in laboratory science.
Dr. Janice Thomas
Professor and Program DirectorWeber State University
Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences
What skills stand out on Clinical Laboratory Technician resumes?
Dr. Janice Thomas: National ASCP Certification, adaptability, ability to work independently.
Patricia Ellinger
Medical Laboratory Science FacultySaint Cloud State University
Medical Laboratory Science
What skills stand out on Clinical Laboratory Technician resumes?
Patricia Ellinger: Note, we offer a four-year degree, so these individuals are Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS). The Technician is the 2-year level.
-Oral and written communication with others in the lab, lab profession (doctors)
-Ability to work alone or in a group (teamwork)
-Ability to follow directions
-Problem solving
-Careful work: Precision, accuracy, reproducibility
-Ask questions when need help: Know when to ask for help, the data matters, ask to confirm a test result if in question, before sending out
-Ethical
-Time management
-Self-awareness of strengths and weaknesses
-Confidence without arrogance
-Leadership
What hard/technical skills are most important for Clinical Laboratory Technicians?
Patricia Ellinger: -Careful work: Precision, accuracy, reproducibility
-Knowledge of quality control, ability to recognize when a test result looks wrong and what to do about it
Louise Millis
Medical Laboratory Science and Histotechnician Program Director, Associate Professor of BiologySaint Cloud State University
Medical Laboratory Science
What skills stand out on Clinical Laboratory Technician resumes?
Louise Millis: Note, we offer a four-year degree, so these individuals are Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS). The Technician is the two-year level.
-Oral and written communication with others in the lab, lab profession (doctors)
-Ability to work alone or in a group (teamwork)
-Ability to follow directions
-Problem solving
-Careful work: Precision, accuracy, reproducibility
-Ask questions when need help: Know when to ask for help, the data matters, ask to confirm a test result if in question, before sending out
-Ethical
-Time management
-Self-awareness of strengths and weaknesses
-Confidence without arrogance
-Leadership
What soft skills should all Clinical Laboratory Technicians possess?
Louise Millis: Understanding that a patient's sample is from a loved one. Results matter. They need to be perfect
What hard/technical skills are most important for Clinical Laboratory Technicians?
Louise Millis: -Careful work: Precision, accuracy, reproducibility
-Knowledge of quality control, ability to recognize when a test result looks wrong and what to do about it
What skills will help Clinical Laboratory Technicians earn the most?
Louise Millis: -Problem solving gives you the ability to see opportunities, to take on additional tasks or projects
-Careful work: Precision, accuracy, reproducibility
-Ability to work with others
-Work experience with the above and also furthering your education
-Work experience which enhance base knowledge and technical skills
-Educational
-MBA for some positions (depends on the size of the hospital), management
-MS/Ph.D. for some positions
-Depends on the size of the hospital
-Also, needed for an academic position, MS for some, others require PhD
What hard/technical skills are most important for Clinical Laboratory Technicians?
Patrick Tracy: -Ability to work with and repair instruments and machinery
What skills stand out on Clinical Laboratory Technician resumes?
Patrick Tracy: -Good critical-thinking skills
-Good problem-solving skills
-Able to prioritize tasks
-Pay attention to detail
-Take a process from beginning to end
-Maintain focus for periods
What soft skills should all Clinical Laboratory Technicians possess?
Patrick Tracy: -Work well with a team
-Work well alone
-Communicate calmly and clearly
What skills will help Clinical Laboratory Technicians earn the most?
Patrick Tracy: -I tend to think technical jobs like this to be fairly pegged to a salary scale rather than negotiable.
-Experience in most, if not all, clinical lab areas, but especially in blood bank and microbiology
Jennifer Larimore Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorAgnes Scott College
Biology and Neuroscience Department
What skills stand out on Clinical Laboratory Technician resumes?
Jennifer Larimore Ph.D.: Animal handling or work with animal model systems, science presentations at the symposium, internships or independent research projects, inquiry-given lab experiences
What soft skills should all Clinical Laboratory Technicians possess?
Jennifer Larimore Ph.D.: Teamwork, leadership, working with a diverse team.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Clinical Laboratory Technicians?
Jennifer Larimore Ph.D.: Ability to run PCRs, ability to run gel electrophoresis, statistical analysis
What skills will help Clinical Laboratory Technicians earn the most?
Jennifer Larimore Ph.D.: A combination of the skills listed in 1-3.
What's a good job out of college for Clinical Laboratory Technicians?
Ruth Ann Murphy Ph.D.: -Graduate School in Chemistry! There is a shortage of graduate students in Chemistry so this is a great time to go. Chemistry is one of the few fields where they pay you to attend Graduate School. You can earn about $30k per year with benefits (!) while improving your employability! With an advanced degree such as a Master's (doable in as little as one year), one can then teach in colleges and universities. In Chemistry, you can go directly to a PhD program, bypassing the Master's degree. Those holding post-baccalaureate degrees earn on average more than those with a bachelor's degree.
-Environmental! Climate change is here and there is a need for scientists to deal with it as well as to keep the non-science sector of the public informed. You can work for an environmental company as some of our graduates do, or for an agency such as the EPA, or TCEQ (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality). I know a PhD Organic Chemist who headed the Austin, TX Air Quality program.
-Teaching Chemistry - High School, Middle School, etc. This can be done without any education courses, via Alternative Certification. The need for Chemistry teachers in Texas is critical! Students can get their student loans forgiven if they commit to teaching Chemistry in high school for a set period of time.
-Health professions. Health care careers are "recession-proof." The need for competent health care continues. With its critical thinking emphasis, a Chemistry major is great training for future physicians, dentists, pharmacists, physician assistants, and more.
-Pharmaceutical Research. Develop new and better medications!
-Forensic Science. There are great jobs for chemists with the Texas Department of Public Safety and other such agencies. I know some of these and the head of the Albuquerque, NM Crime Lab was at one time a PhD Chemist I know.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Clinical Laboratory Technicians?
John Cooper Ph.D.: One of the most amazing impacts of the pandemic was the rapidity to which students and employees had to adapt to new online modes of communications and scheduling for large interactive groups. This was already a trend in the sciences where multi-disciplinary teams were geographically dispersed, but now it is a universally expected skill set, and this adoption took place in less than a year. Students who took classes during the pandemic were exposed to a wide-range of teaching and training pedagogies. Virtual labs, at home delivered lab kits, hybrid labs with students both in person and online, and every possible delivery method that can be imagined for lectures became the norm. Our students were unintentionally part of a great experiment where they were able to evaluate what works well and what does not work so well. Whether they know it or not, this knowledge will guide them as they make future decisions in their careers about the best ways to communicate, train, and interact with their peers, employees, and employers. Our graduates are the leaders of the future, and the successful ones will find this experience to have been invaluable.
What type of skills will young Clinical Laboratory Technicians need?
John Cooper Ph.D.: Although many skill sets are required of our successful graduates, most of these skills take a second seat to communication. The ability to communicate your skills, ideas, work product, and your vision for your area of responsibility to others are paramount to success. During the pandemic, these skills were brought into sharp focus as written communication took precedence over face-to-face discussions, and online verbal communications between large groups demanded a new set of skills for replacing the polite in-person human ques that we have taken for granted but which were developed from early childhood.
Equally as important as the ability to communicate is the ability to think analytically. As both knowledge and data has become democratized over the past decade, success requires that our graduates not only assimilate knowledge, but have the ability to use that knowledge to analyze problems and extrapolate their knowledge in new and useful ways. In the sciences this is encapsulated within the framework of The Scientific Method and is the cornerstone of the research which both our undergraduate and graduate students participate in.
What experience really stands out on Clinical Laboratory Technician resumes?
John Cooper Ph.D.: Employers want experience. In the sciences, research is one of the most important experiences that students can obtain. Research allows students to get in-depth hands-on training solving real world problems by putting into practice what they have learned in their labs and lectures. It also allows students to communicate their findings both in peer-reviewed publications and scientific conferences. Research experience is not only a top priority for employers, it is also required for admission to top medical schools and graduate schools in the sciences.
What's a good job out of college for Clinical Laboratory Technicians?
Dr. Ajay Mahajan: Professional areas, such as engineering, medical, law, business, etc., should not see much change except the requirement of new skills that allow them to work with less social interaction. What may change are jobs in some areas such as hospitality, entertainment, transportation, etc., as many of these jobs will be lost to automation. Hence, any job that resists automation should do fine. Certain areas that have to do with climate change, advanced manufacturing, sustainability, health care, etc will do better than others based on the new administration priorities.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Clinical Laboratory Technicians?
Dr. Ajay Mahajan: I think the COVID-19 pandemic will have an enduring effect on graduates, and everyone in the workforce. Graduates will enter a workforce that will be fundamentally changed from the pre-pandemic era. Even after herd immunity, and after we go back to what we will call the new normal, life will not mirror the past. Industry will remain lean, cost-effective and risk-averse for some time. Whatever can be done from home, or remote platforms will be encouraged. Business meetings, interactions, and even negotiations may continue mostly on the remote platforms with some face-to-face meetings. Graduates will need to accept this as the new normal at least for some time.
What will help Clinical Laboratory Technicians increase their earning potential?
Dr. Ajay Mahajan: Anyone that can and has adapted to remote working will do fine. Remote working also comes with the caveat that you have to sometimes work alone, without supervision, make decisions on your own, and yet be a team player. Learning new platforms for meetings, business operations, project management and effective leadership will help in increased earning potential. In engineering, being involved in robotics, automation, sustainability, advanced manufacturing, Industry 4.0, smart systems, cyber-security, biomedical innovation, etc., is a plus.
What will help Clinical Laboratory Technicians increase their earning potential?
Lucas Tucker Ph.D.: The business of chemistry is a $797 Billion enterprise and a key element of the nation's economy. Over 26% of U.S. GDP is generated from industries that rely on chemistry, ranging from agriculture to oil and gas production, from semiconductors and electronics to textiles and vehicles, and from pharmaceuticals to residential and commercial energy efficiency products.www.americanchemistry.com
Having a degree in chemistry or biochemistry is a good way to have good earning potential. To increase this potential, participation in internships and research experiences are valuable. Often students choose to go on and further their education with graduate degrees. This can also increase earning potential. Students with a degree in chemistry or biochemistry are expected to have strong data skills and this is an area with large growth in industry presently.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Clinical Laboratory Technicians?
Lucas Tucker Ph.D.: The coronavirus pandemic will almost certainly have some impact on student learning. Much of this gap will be closed in the first few years of employment if students work in fields directly using skills learned in the classes affected directly by the pandemic. This will affect skills, especially lab skills, from schools who stayed virtual. This is why we pushed for in-person lab experiences. Schools will work to close these gaps with students who are in the earlier parts of their education.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Clinical Laboratory Technicians?
Lucas Tucker Ph.D.: College students are well served to spend time trying to find ways to differentiate their college degree. This can be accomplished by taking additional classes, participating in additional experiences, and providing service to their community. In chemistry, internships and experience in research are excellent examples of high impact practices that allow scientific maturation. Relationships with your professors and other students and community members can have a real networking benefit. Introducing students to scientific community members can help advance job prospects.