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Pathology laboratory technologist vs medical laboratory specialist

The differences between pathology laboratory technologists and medical laboratory specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a pathology laboratory technologist and a medical laboratory specialist. Additionally, a medical laboratory specialist has an average salary of $51,304, which is higher than the $41,812 average annual salary of a pathology laboratory technologist.

The top three skills for a pathology laboratory technologist include data entry, OSHA and specimen handling. The most important skills for a medical laboratory specialist are patients, urinalysis, and body fluids.

Pathology laboratory technologist vs medical laboratory specialist overview

Pathology Laboratory TechnologistMedical Laboratory Specialist
Yearly salary$41,812$51,304
Hourly rate$20.10$24.67
Growth rate10%-
Number of jobs85,04689,770
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 41%
Average age4444
Years of experience22

Pathology laboratory technologist vs medical laboratory specialist salary

Pathology laboratory technologists and medical laboratory specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Pathology Laboratory TechnologistMedical Laboratory Specialist
Average salary$41,812$51,304
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $59,000Between $37,000 And $71,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between pathology laboratory technologist and medical laboratory specialist education

There are a few differences between a pathology laboratory technologist and a medical laboratory specialist in terms of educational background:

Pathology Laboratory TechnologistMedical Laboratory Specialist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 41%
Most common majorBiologyClinical/Medical Laboratory Science
Most common collegeSUNY Stony BrookSUNY Stony Brook

Pathology laboratory technologist vs medical laboratory specialist demographics

Here are the differences between pathology laboratory technologists' and medical laboratory specialists' demographics:

Pathology Laboratory TechnologistMedical Laboratory Specialist
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 36.3% Female, 63.7%Male, 56.2% Female, 43.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.8% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 13.7% White, 52.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 13.2% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 11.0% White, 52.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between pathology laboratory technologist and medical laboratory specialist duties and responsibilities

Pathology laboratory technologist example responsibilities.

  • Operate and manage standard quality control on laboratory equipment as well as some specialize equipment for serology studies.
  • Perform both RNA and DNA PCR (RT-PCR) assays.
  • Master DNA/RNA extraction and amplification.
  • Programme DNA extraction, amplification and analysis software.
  • Evaluate quality control using standard laboratory tests and measurement controls and maintain compliance with CLIA, OSHA, safety and risk-management guidelines
  • Fill in for the transcription department when they have people out of the office.
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Medical laboratory specialist example responsibilities.

  • Assist in managing office functions through strong knowledge of PACS, Fuji CR, and EMR systems.
  • Complete classes in chemistry, blood bank, hematology, microbiology, serology, and parasitology.
  • Perform Phlebotomy procedures for collection of donor blood samples for laboratory testing.
  • Perform appropriate QC on equipment and specimens.
  • Conduct necessary quality control (QC) procedures.
  • Operate, calibrate, maintain and troubleshoot all chemistry and hematology analyzers.
  • Show more

Pathology laboratory technologist vs medical laboratory specialist skills

Common pathology laboratory technologist skills
  • Data Entry, 9%
  • OSHA, 9%
  • Specimen Handling, 9%
  • Medical Terminology, 8%
  • Laboratory Tests, 8%
  • Computer System, 5%
Common medical laboratory specialist skills
  • Patients, 15%
  • Urinalysis, 13%
  • Body Fluids, 10%
  • Hematology, 10%
  • Blood Specimens, 9%
  • Capillary Puncture, 9%

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