Medical Professionals - Clinical Laboratory Technologists

The map shows the distribution of clinical laboratory technologists (lab techs) per 100,000 population across the nation in 1998. The national ratio was 105.4.

Lab techs examine human blood, tissues, and fluids on orders from a physician. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics: "Clinical laboratory testing plays a crucial role in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. Clinical laboratory technologists, also referred to as clinical laboratory scientists or medical technologists, and clinical laboratory technicians, also known as medical technicians or medical laboratory technicians, perform most of these tests." Most lab techs hold at least a bachelor's degree with a major in medical technology or a life science.

Lab tech earnings range from $34,220 to more than $55,560. Starting salaries cannot compete with those in the computer field, for example. The relatively low pay relative to the rigor of the training program, and the prospect of night shifts and health risks may be keeping young people from entering the field. Amy Fletcher reports that between 1985 and 2001, 186 lab technologist and 63 technician programs closed. In just two years between July 1999 and July 2001, 32 bachelor-degree lab programs and 17 technician programs closed. According to the Bureau of Health Professions, between 1992 and 1997, the number of recipients of lab tech degrees per 100,000 population increased by 36%, but spot shortages of lab techs are reported and large numbers of lab techs who trained during the peak years of 1974 to 1984 are getting ready to retire.

Not every state requires that lab techs be licensed or registered. This led to a situation in Boston in which at least two hospitals reportedly hired high school students to perform lab tests. The implications of inadequately trained personnel performing clinical tests are awful to contemplate.

Sources: Chart: National Center for Health Workforce Information and Analysis, State Health Workforce Profiles, Primary Source: Bureau of the Census; http://bhpr.hrsa.gov/healthworkforce/profiles/default.htm. BLS, "Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians," http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos096.htm. Amy Fletcher, "Workers for med labs in short supply," Denver Business Journal, July 13, 2001 v52 i49 p1A Michael Lasalandra, "Legislature urged to mandate lab tech licensing," The Boston Herald, Sept 24, 2001 p027 Pennell C. Painter, Ph.D.,"What Has Happened to All the Techs?" http://www.ivdtrials.com/TechStaff.htm. Information retrieved September 30, 2002. Information retrieved September 30, 2002.