Travel Medical Laboratory Technician Jobs in Illinois

The median salary for Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians in the state of Illinois was $55,190 per year or $26.54 per hour in 2020 with most earning an annual salary between $37,240 and $68,660 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Entry-level jobs in Illinois or those with the lowest 10% salary earned around $33,140, while the highest 10% earned more than $78,340. Illinois ranks 25 in median annual salary for Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians, though when adjusted to the relative cost of living, Illinois ranks at 12.

Typically, travel laboratory jobs will provide higher hourly and weekly pay than permanent positions in the same specialty, facility, and location. The estimated weekly gross pay listed for travel Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians is based on the specified hours per week listed on job cards and includes available stipend amounts.

The healthcare industry in Illinois is expanding rapidly, leading to an increased demand for diagnostic and testing services. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the employment of medical laboratory technicians in the state will grow by 13% from 2018 to 2028, which is faster than the average growth rate for all occupations. This growth is attributed to the aging population in Illinois, who require more medical services.

Furthermore, the need for accurate and timely diagnostic services has surged due to recent advancements in medical technology and the outbreak of pandemics such as COVID-19. Hence, medical laboratory technicians are in high demand to conduct and analyze medical tests, including microbiological, chemical, hematological, and immunological tests, among others.

A medical laboratory technician is a trained healthcare professional who handles liquid and solid blood or tissue samples of bodily fluids and tissues to diagnose diseases and evaluate the effectiveness of treatments. They work primarily as part of the healthcare industry in medical facilities and laboratories, critical access and surgical hospitals, clinics or research facilities.

Medical laboratory technologists' responsibilities include collecting samples and analyzing data, interpreting results and reporting normal or abnormal findings to physicians or other healthcare providers. Medical laboratory technicians use highly sensitive specialized equipment such as microscopes, spectrophotometers, and various chemical and biological instruments to perform tests on samples, identify cell types, microorganisms and abnormalities in fluids and tissues.

Medical lab technicians must follow strict protocols and safety procedures when working with lab equipment, biological samples and biological specimens to ensure accurate results and prevent contamination. A medical laboratory technician is crucial to the medical field as their work assists in the prevention of illness, patient's diagnosis of medical conditions and treatment of diseases. They play a vital role in healthcare by providing accurate and reliable laboratory results which form the basis of medical decisions made by physicians and other healthcare professionals.

Following completion of their educational requirements, typically an associate's degree program from an accredited institution, medical laboratory technicians should obtain a certification from a recognized professional organization. The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) offers the Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) certification, which is recognized by most states.

To qualify for the MLT certification, candidates must have completed a medical laboratory science program and have at least one year of clinical laboratory experience. They must also pass a certification exam, which covers topics in biological sciences such as hematology, clinical chemistry, microbiology, and immunology.

In addition to the educational and certification requirements, some states may require a license to practice as a medical laboratory technician. There are 13 states that require a license to practice as a medical laboratory technician: California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Tennessee, West Virginia, Texas, and New York. Each state has its own licensing requirements, which may include education, experience, and passing a certification exam.