16 Medical Laboratory Technician Skills for Your Career and Resume

Medical laboratory technicians play an important role in the healthcare industry by performing laboratory tests and providing results that help doctors diagnose and treat patients. To be successful in this career, you need to have a strong foundation in science and math, as well as the ability to use laboratory equipment. You also need to be detail-oriented and have good communication skills.

Phlebotomy

Phlebotomy is the skill of drawing blood from a patient. Medical laboratory technicians often work in hospitals, clinics and other medical facilities where they draw blood for testing purposes. This requires them to have knowledge of proper phlebotomy techniques as well as how to handle patients who may be nervous about having their blood drawn.

Test Result Reporting

Medical laboratory technicians often use their ability to report test results accurately when working in a clinical setting. They may be responsible for recording the correct information about patient samples and presenting it clearly to medical professionals. This requires them to understand how to read and interpret data, as well as explain complex scientific processes in an easy-to-understand manner.

Instrument Maintenance

Medical laboratory technicians need to know how to maintain the instruments they use in their work. This includes knowing how to clean and sterilize equipment, as well as repair broken or outdated machines. Maintenance skills can help ensure that you have access to the tools you need to perform your job effectively. It’s also important to understand how to operate the machinery safely so you don’t accidentally cause damage or injury.

Organization

Organization is the ability to keep track of files, paperwork and other items. Medical laboratory technicians use organizational skills when tracking samples through the testing process. They also need to be able to find files on patients quickly for doctors or other medical professionals. This ensures that they can provide accurate information about test results and treatment options.

Communication

Communication is the ability to convey information clearly. Medical laboratory technicians often work with patients and other medical professionals, so it’s important that they can communicate effectively. This includes being able to explain test results in an understandable way and conveying any necessary instructions for treatment. It also means communicating with coworkers and supervisors in a professional manner.

Problem Solving Skills

Problem solving skills are necessary for medical laboratory technicians to complete their work accurately and on time. They use these skills when analyzing test results, which may require them to identify the source of a problem or find ways to overcome it. For example, if they notice that a sample was contaminated, they might need to find a new way to process the same type of sample in order to get accurate results.

Interpersonal Skills

Medical laboratory technicians work with a variety of people, including patients, physicians and other medical staff. They must be able to communicate effectively with these individuals in order to perform their duties successfully. Interpersonal skills include empathy, compassion, patience and active listening, all of which can help you develop strong relationships at work and build your professional reputation.

Specimen Processing

Specimen processing is the ability to handle and process specimens, which are samples of bodily fluids or tissues that medical laboratory technicians receive from patients. Specimen processing includes tasks such as preparing slides for microscopic analysis, centrifuging tubes to separate out different types of fluids and analyzing test results.

Quality Control

Quality control is the ability to ensure that all aspects of a process are completed correctly. Medical laboratory technicians use quality control when analyzing samples, ensuring that their results are accurate and reliable. Quality control also ensures that the equipment used in testing is working properly and producing accurate data.

Time Management

Time management is the ability to plan and execute tasks in a way that ensures you meet deadlines. Medical laboratory technicians often work with strict time constraints, so it’s important for them to be able to manage their workload effectively. This skill can help ensure they complete all of their duties on time and maintain a positive reputation at work.

Regulatory Compliance

Regulatory compliance is the ability to follow rules and regulations set by governing bodies. Medical laboratory technicians must be able to understand and apply standards for their workplace, including safety protocols and quality control measures. They also need to know how to track and record data accurately so that they can provide accurate results when reporting test results back to physicians or patients.

Medical Terminology

Medical laboratory technicians should have a basic understanding of medical terminology to communicate effectively with physicians and other health care professionals. Medical terminology is the language used by medical professionals when discussing patient treatment, diagnosis and prognosis. Having an extensive vocabulary can help you understand test results and treatment options for patients.

Blood Collection

Medical laboratory technicians often perform tasks related to blood collection, including preparing the necessary supplies and equipment for drawing blood. They also have to know how to properly handle and dispose of medical waste materials that contain blood. This includes knowing how to use safety precautions when handling sharp needles and other tools used in blood collection.

Attention to Detail

Medical laboratory technicians must be able to follow precise instructions when performing tests and analyzing samples. This ensures that the results they provide are accurate and can help doctors make informed treatment decisions. Attention to detail also includes maintaining clean work environments, following safety protocols and accurately recording test results.

SOP Development

Medical laboratory technicians use standard operating procedures to ensure accuracy and consistency in their work. They develop SOPs for the equipment they operate, the tests they conduct and the data they record. Having a thorough understanding of how to create SOPs can help you advance your career as a medical laboratory technician because it demonstrates your ability to follow protocol and ensures quality control in the workplace.

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting is the ability to identify and solve problems. Medical laboratory technicians use troubleshooting skills when they encounter equipment malfunctions, unexpected results or other issues during testing. This can help them maintain quality control in their work and ensure patients receive accurate diagnoses. It’s also important for medical laboratory technicians to be able to recognize potential safety risks so they can take action before an accident occurs.

How Can I Learn These Medical Laboratory Technician Skills?

There are a few ways that you can learn the necessary skills to become a Medical Laboratory Technician. You can attend a formal education program at a college or university, or you can receive on-the-job training from a healthcare facility. Many employers prefer to hire candidates who have completed a formal education program, but on-the-job training can also be a good way to learn the necessary skills.

If you want to attend a formal education program, there are many colleges and universities that offer programs in medical laboratory technology. These programs typically last two to four years, and they will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to become a Medical Laboratory Technician.

If you would prefer to receive on-the-job training, you can contact a healthcare facility and inquire about training opportunities. Many healthcare facilities offer on-the-job training programs for medical laboratory technicians. These programs can be a good way to learn the necessary skills while also getting experience in the field.