Medical laboratory technicians and medical laboratory technologists are responsible for collecting tissue and fluid samples, working with physicians, and performing various tests and laboratory procedures on the samples in an effort to provide physicians data to be used in medical diagnosis and treatment. There’s often a distinction made between laboratory technicians and laboratory technologists; technologists usually have more education, and typically perform more complex tests and procedures, use more specialized computerized testing systems, and may supervise technicians. Medical laboratory technicians and technologists may work a local hospitals and clinics, where the perform some tests on site and prepare samples to be sent out to larger labs. Alternatively, they may work at large regional hospitals or labs, in which case them may specialize in one kind of text, for instance, in blood and immunology tests, or chemical tests and analysis, or tissue or cell sample preparation and testing.A Medical laboratory technologist needs a bachelors degree. The most common degree is a B.S. in medical technology or life sciences. A number of colleges, including community colleges, offer a specific B.S. in medical technology or a B.S. in medical laboratory sciences. The B.S. degree would typically include course work in the sciences, especially chemistry, biology, microbiology, a variety of labs related to clinical skills, mathematics and statistics courses, and classes in psychology, management and general education requirements. A medical laboratory technician typically has a associates degree or a postsecondary certificate.Some states require technologists and technicians to be licensed; some don’t. It is however common for employers to ask for a certificate even if the state does not require one for licensing. The certificate is generally issued based on passing an exam, and the criteria for sitting the exam may require proof of adequate education.Medical laboratory technologists and technicians require a great deal of technical skills and dexterity in addition to occupation specific knowledge and experience. Attention to detail, spatial abilities, and the ability to lift and turn patients or stand for long hours, as well as work non-standard hours are helpful. Since contact with patients is often a requirement, compassion and clear communication are also vital.