Medical laboratory technician

Medical laboratory technician

Medical laboratory technicians collect, prepare, test and analyse biological samples using laboratory equipment and testing rules to support patient diagnosis, management and treatment.

Also known as

Histology technician, haematology technician, cytopathology technician

AUT programmes

Work environment

  • Usually work regular business hours but may work night shifts, weekends and part time
  • Usually work in community, hospital, commercial or veterinary diagnostic laboratories and may travel locally
  • Need to be organised, accurate and methodical

Typical tasks

  • Test biological specimens to gather information about patient conditions
  • Analyse laboratory specimens to detect abnormalities or other problems
  • Operate laboratory equipment to analyse medical samples
  • Enter patient or treatment data into computers
  • Analyse laboratory findings
  • Prepare biological specimens for laboratory analysis
  • Clean medical equipment or facilities
  • Prepare medical supplies or equipment for use
  • Collect biological specimens from patients
  • Cultivate micro-organisms for study, testing, or medical preparations

Salary information

$72.1K-$97.8K
LowerMost commonUpper
$72.1K$82.8K-$89.2K$97.8K

Tips from AUT graduates

Professional registration

Medical Sciences Council of New Zealand

msc@medsci.co.nz

04 801 6250

https://www.mscouncil.org.nz/

Outlook

What employers and industry want in graduates

Further study options