top of page
In The Lab

LAB TECHNOLOGIST

CAREER INFORMATION

Meet Michelle!

Hi, I’m Michelle! I am from Maui and graduated from Baldwin High School. I originally went to the University of Evansville for physical therapy and later changed my major to Medical Technology. While taking biology and microbiology courses, I realized that I enjoyed looking in the microscope and learning about the different microorganisms.

​

Later, I worked in a laboratory for a summer as a phlebotomist drawing blood and processing specimens. I have been a Medical Technologist for around 21 years and have experience working in both the hospital and clinic setting.

SELECT A TOPIC TO EXPLORE

What do they do?

  • Perform routine or complex medical laboratory tests for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease

  • Set up and maintain the lab analyzers and equipment

    • Calibrate and run quality control on the lab analytes

    • Clean and test the sterility of the lab analyzers and equipment

  • Prepare solutions or reagents to be used for testing patient samples

  • Collect and process blood or other body fluid samples from patients

  • Test blood for blood type and unit compatibility for transfusions

  • Analyze the chemical content of fluids

  • Analyze immune system elements

  • Test and identify parasites, bacteria, and other microorganisms using their lab analyzers and lab equipment

What equipment
do they use?

  • Microscopes

  • Hematology analyzers

  • Blood gas analyzers

  • Autoclaves

  • Hotplates

  • Chemistry analyzer

  • Differential counters

  • Histology and cytology equipment

RESPONSIBILITIES
EDUCATION
Education Guide

To become a lab technologist, complete an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Next, pass a certification exam and obtain a license to practice.

STEP 1

Complete an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. 

Associate's Degree

  • 2 years

  • Major in Medical Lab Technician 

  • Obtain a degree at a University or Community College

OR

Bachelor's Degree

  • Major in Clinical Laboratory Science to become a Clinical Laboratory Scientist

  • 4-year degree allows mobility into supervisor/manager positions

  • Obtain degree at a University with Clinical Laboratory Science program

General Courses

  • Medical Terminology

  • Clinical Chemistry

  • Clinical Microbiology

  • Phlebotomy

  • Hematology

  • Urinalysis

  • Immunology

  • Immunohematology

What opportunities are in Hawaiʻi?

University of Hawaii Associate's Degree

1200px-University_of_Hawaii_seal.svg.png

Kapi’olani Community College

● 2-year Associate’s Degree 

● Major: Medical Laboratory Technician

STEP 2

Pass a certification exam and obtain a license to practice.

Licensing and Certification

  • Complete and pass the national certification exam for medical laboratory technicians given by the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science

  • Certification will meet requirements for state licensure and will qualify the individual to work in the state of Hawaii

CAREERS
CAREERS

Specialties

  • Microbiology

  • Blood banking

  • Immunology

  • Clinical chemistry

  • Molecular biology

Work Environments

  • Pharmacies

  • Medical Sales

  • Hospitals

  • Urgent Care/Clinics

Salary
Average for the State of Hawaiʻi

  • Entry level: $37,669 ($26,104 COL adjusted earnings)

  • Average: $59,114 ($40,976 COL adjusted earnings)

  • Experienced: $83,387 ($57,772 COL adjusted earnings)

COL: Cost of living

*Median pay as of 2022*

SOURCE: Hawaiʻi Career Explorer

Select the image for full view.

bottom of page