Overview of the profession:

Clinical Laboratory (CL) Technicians and Technologists play a crucial role in the healthcare system by performing a wide range of laboratory tests that help diagnose and monitor diseases. They are responsible for collecting, processing, and analyzing biological specimens such as blood, urine, and tissue samples, providing essential information that physicians use to make decisions about patient care. Michigan does not require CL Technicians or Technologists to hold a license to practice in the state. However, many employers require individuals to hold either a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) or a Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS) certification through the American Medical Technologists or the American Society for Clinical Pathology. Individuals with an Associate degree in clinical/medical laboratory technology/sciences are eligible to hold an MLT certification, and individuals with a Bachelor's degree can earn an MLS certification. CL Technicians and technologists work in a variety of settings, from hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, and physician offices to private sector laboratories, pharmaceutical organizations, and fertility clinics. The expertise of CL Technicians and Technologists aid in identifying illnesses and providing crucial health information contributing to positive patient outcomes and treatment of disease.