1. Career Focus Medical Laboratory Technician Copyright Texas Education Agency (TEA)

2. What do they do? Perform medical laboratory tests to diagnose, treat, and prevent disease Prepare specimens Conduct chemical analyses of body fluids using a microscope or automated analyzer Copyright Texas Education Agency (TEA)

3. What do they do? Examine cells to locate abnormalities Analyze and record the results of tests and experiments Collect blood or tissue samples from patients May work in several areas of a clinical laboratory or specialize in just one Copyright Texas Education Agency (TEA)

4. Tools they use Automated analyzers - measure different chemicals and other characteristics in biological samples quickly. Microscopes Test tubes, trays, holders/adapters Medical software Copyright Texas Education Agency (TEA)

5. Working conditions Wear common protective or safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, etc. Exposed to disease, fumes, or infections Indoors A lot of time on their feet Time pressure Work with group or team Must be accurate Copyright Texas Education Agency (TEA)

6. Who they work for Hospitals Medical Centers Pharmacies Public Health Private practice Armed services Industry Medical Research Corporations Copyright Texas Education Agency (TEA)

7. Training required A Bachelor's degree with a major in medical technology or one of the life sciences An associate degree from a community college or a certificate from a hospital, a vocational or technical school, or the Armed Forces Copyright Texas Education Agency (TEA)

8. Training required While Texas does not require licensing by the state, almost all lab tech employers require certification by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). Copyright Texas Education Agency (TEA)

9. Skills Oral and written comprehension Finger dexterity Information ordering - ability to arrange information or actions in an effective and meaningful way Problem solving Copyright Texas Education Agency (TEA)

10. Knowledge areas Math English Biology Chemistry Interpersonal communication Copyright Texas Education Agency (TEA)

11. How much do they make Median wage for a Medical Laboratory Technician is $36,030 annually O*net Summary of Medical Lab Technician Copyright Texas Education Agency (TEA)