Medical Laboratory Technician Resume Guide
Medical Laboratory Technicians are responsible for performing a variety of tests and analyses on blood, tissue, and other body fluids to help diagnose illnesses or diseases. They examine specimens under the microscope, collect samples from patients using various techniques such as venipuncture or skin puncture, operate laboratory equipment like centrifuges and microscopes, enter data into computers for analysis purposes and interpret results accurately.
Your expertise in the lab would be a great asset to any medical facility. But without a well-written resume, employers won’t know about your experience and qualifications. Craft an eye-catching resume that highlights all of your accomplishments as a laboratory technician.
This guide will walk you through the entire process of creating a top-notch resume. We first show you a complete example and then break down what each resume section should look like.
Table of Contents
The guide is divided into sections for your convenience. You can read it from beginning to end or use the table of contents below to jump to a specific part.
Medical Laboratory Technician Resume Sample
Enrico Shields
Medical Laboratory Technician
[email protected]
439-402-0917
linkedin.com/in/enrico-shields
Summary
Proficient Medical Laboratory Technician with 5+ years of experience working in clinical laboratories. Adept at running hematology, chemistry, and microbiological tests. Experienced in collecting samples from patients and preparing them for analysis using a variety of laboratory techniques. Demonstrates excellent attention to detail when recording results, as well as great customer service skills when dealing with patients and their families.
Experience
Medical Laboratory Technician, Employer A
Houston, Jan 2018 – Present
- Collected and analyzed over 100 blood and tissue samples from patients every week, ensuring that all results were accurately documented.
- Documented detailed laboratory protocols for each test performed; successfully lowered reporting time for medical tests by 20%.
- Formulated solutions to ensure accuracy in the processing of lab specimens, reducing the rate of errors by 25%.
- Monitored storage conditions and quality control checks on a regular basis to maintain integrity of stored specimen samples while adhering to safety regulations set out by Clinical Pathology Accreditation (CPA).
- Successfully trained 8 new staff members in laboratory techniques such as centrifugation, microscopy and chromatography; increased productivity levels within the team by 10% per month on average.
Medical Laboratory Technician, Employer B
Moreno Valley, Mar 2012 – Dec 2017
- Assessed patient samples such as blood and tissue to ensure accuracy of results, resulting in a 99.9% record of correct diagnoses.
- Utilized advanced laboratory techniques including ELISA assays, PCR assays, and cell culture methods to analyze patient specimens; reduced sample analysis time by 30%.
- Facilitated accurate data storage within the lab’s IT system for easy retrieval and reporting; increased efficiency of laboratory operations by 45%.
- Confidently operated sophisticated medical instruments such as microscopes, centrifuges and automated analyzers with minimal errors or contamination issues throughout all tasks performed on-site.
- Streamlined workflow processes through developing highly efficient troubleshooting protocols for equipment maintenance; decreased downtime from instrument malfunctions by 15 hours per month on average.
Skills
- Healthcare
- Hospitals
- Phlebotomy
- Hematology
- Medical Terminology
- Laboratory
- Microbiology
- Clinical Research
- Urinalysis
Education
Associate Degree in Medical Laboratory Technology
Educational Institution XYZ
Nov 2011
Certifications
Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)
American Medical Technologists (AM
May 2017
1. Summary / Objective
Your resume summary/objective should provide the hiring manager with a quick overview of your qualifications and experience as a medical laboratory technician. Include any certifications you have, such as CLS or MLT, and highlight any relevant skills that make you stand out from other applicants. You can also mention how many years of experience you have in this field, what types of tests/procedures you are most familiar with, and how well-versed you are in lab safety regulations.
Below are some resume summary examples:
Committed medical laboratory technician with 5+ years of experience in a hospital-based lab. Skilled in conducting clinical analysis and using specialized equipment to obtain accurate results, as well as troubleshooting any malfunctions. Received numerous commendations from superiors for consistently producing high quality work under tight deadlines. Seeking to leverage my expertise at XYZ Hospital and help achieve patient satisfaction goals.
Talented medical laboratory technician with 7+ years of experience performing accurate and precise analyses in a clinical setting. Recognized for consistently producing high-quality results, leading teams to successful completion of projects, and providing exceptional patient care. Seeking to join ABC Lab as the next lead medical lab tech where my expertise can help improve outcomes while advancing healthcare delivery standards.
Detail-oriented Medical Laboratory Technician with 5+ years of experience in clinical and research laboratories. Skilled in conducting tests, analyzing results, and creating reports for physicians and other healthcare personnel. Adept at developing new methods to improve accuracy of testing procedures as well as identifying errors in data entry processes. At XYZ Lab, improved the speed of processing lab samples by 30%.
Driven medical laboratory technician with 5+ years of experience in a clinical setting. Proficient in performing complex diagnostic tests and analysis, including hematology/immunology, chemistry/urinalysis, serological testing and blood bank procedures. Skilled at troubleshooting equipment malfunctions to ensure accurate results. Committed to providing quality care that promotes patient safety and satisfaction.
Skilled medical laboratory technician with 6+ years of experience in a clinical lab. Recognized for expertise in accurately performing medical tests and procedures, including blood typing and urinalysis. Developed comprehensive knowledge of instrumentation calibration and maintenance to ensure accuracy of results. Committed to delivering accurate test results on time for optimal patient care outcomes.
Energetic and organized medical laboratory technician with 5+ years of experience in a clinical setting. Skilled at performing routine and complex tests, interpreting results, and maintaining quality control standards. Seeking to join ABC Medical as the new lab tech where I can apply my expertise in helping diagnose patient conditions while providing superior customer service.
Reliable medical laboratory technician with 5+ years of experience in collecting blood and other specimens, performing tests, recording results, and ensuring accuracy. Seeking to use expertise in the medical field at ABC Lab to help diagnose patients quickly and accurately. Proven track record of maintaining 99% accuracy rate on all test results.
Determined medical laboratory technician with 4+ years of experience performing diagnostic tests and analyzing patient samples. Skilled in utilizing a variety of medical instruments to detect diseases and abnormalities. Seeking to join ABC Lab as the lead lab tech, where I can use my knowledge to help diagnose patients quickly and accurately.
2. Experience / Employment
Next comes the work history section, which should be written in reverse chronological order. This means your most recent job is listed first, followed by the previous positions you held.
When writing this section, focus on bullet points rather than full sentences. Doing so makes it easier for the reader to quickly understand what you did and how successful you were at each role. Additionally, make sure to include quantifiable results whenever possible; doing so helps demonstrate your impact more clearly.
For example, instead of saying “Performed laboratory tests,” you could say, “Successfully performed over 500 clinical lab tests per week with an accuracy rate of 98%, exceeding departmental standards.”
To write effective bullet points, begin with a strong verb or adverb. Industry specific verbs to use are:
- Analyzed
- Processed
- Recorded
- Monitored
- Operated
- Prepared
- Collected
- Tested
- Calibrated
- Inspected
- Assessed
- Evaluated
- Interpreted
- Documented
- Reported
Other general verbs you can use are:
- Achieved
- Advised
- Compiled
- Coordinated
- Demonstrated
- Developed
- Expedited
- Facilitated
- Formulated
- Improved
- Introduced
- Mentored
- Optimized
- Participated
- Presented
- Reduced
- Reorganized
- Represented
- Revised
- Spearheaded
- Streamlined
- Structured
- Utilized
Below are some example bullet points:
- Competently operated and maintained a wide range of medical laboratory equipment, including centrifuges, microscopes and spectrometers; reduced test time by 32%.
- Represented the laboratory in quality control meetings, ensuring compliance with all safety protocols and regulations for healthcare professionals.
- Introduced automated testing systems to expedite lab processes; improved accuracy rate from 94% to 99% within three months of implementation.
- Expedited patient sample collection process by training six new phlebotomists on proper techniques across two labs over 6-month period while maintaining high standards of service delivery.
- Performed 450+ tests daily under tight deadlines; increased output per hour by 25%.
- Analyzed over 3,000 blood samples daily to detect abnormal cell counts and microorganism levels using advanced laboratory equipment.
- Spearheaded the implementation of new procedures that improved accuracy of test results by 10%.
- Tested patient specimens for bacteria, parasites, viruses and other organisms; accurately identified over 500 cultures weekly with 98% success rate.
- Developed protocols for storing lab materials and supplies in order to maintain inventory control; decreased total cost of supplies by $1,500 per month on average.
- Effectively managed a team of 4 technicians while supervising all aspects of day-to-day operations within the medical laboratory setting.
- Reduced laboratory errors by 20% and improved overall laboratory efficiency through careful management of testing protocols.
- Substantially increased specimen processing speed, reducing turnaround time from 10 days to 4 days on average, while maintaining accuracy in test results.
- Optimized workflow processes for better tracking and reporting within the lab, leading to a 15% reduction in paperwork backlogs per week.
- Compiled detailed patient data reports including medical history records and current health status on over 500 patients each month for quality assurance purposes; generated weekly statistical summaries for review by the head clinician with 0 discrepancies noted over 2 years of service.
- Achieved certification as a Medical Laboratory Technician after completing 300+ hours of continuing education training courses related to anatomy & physiology, pathology principles & practices and laboratory safety procedures.
- Revised laboratory testing protocols to maximize accuracy and reduce sample preparation time by 15%.
- Presented laboratory findings to a team of medical professionals, offering advice on proper diagnosis and treatment plans for over 50 patients per week.
- Advised the lab staff in standard safety practices while handling specimens, resulting in improved compliance with industry standards by 10%.
- Improved equipment maintenance schedules allowing for smoother workflow processes which increased productivity levels by 20%.
- Independently conducted diagnostic tests such as urinalysis, hematology analysis, serological tests and more; completed over 200+ daily tests accurately with 95% customer satisfaction rate.
- Consistently evaluated the accuracy, quality and integrity of medical test results within a laboratory setting; reduced errors rate by 15%.
- Participated in the development and implementation of new protocols for sample collection procedures as well as testing techniques to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
- Structured departmental workflow processes that increased lab efficiency by 8% and improved turnaround times on tests from 4 days to 2 days averagely.
- Demonstrated comprehensive knowledge in working with a variety of diagnostic instruments such as microscopes, spectrometers, chromatographs and flow cytometers while performing laboratory tests accurately per protocol requirements.
- Analyzed over 500 patient samples each month utilizing standard operating procedures (SOPs) while maintaining accurate records throughout all stages of testing process including data entry into computer systems/databases.
- Reliably performed laboratory testing on specimens such as urine, blood and tissue samples; accurately analyzed 100+ test results a day with minimal errors.
- Mentored junior technicians in the proper use of lab equipment for specimen processing and analysis, resulting in an increase in efficiency by 20%.
- Calibrated laboratory instruments to ensure accuracy and reliability of test results; improved quality control standards by 15% within 6 months.
- Prepared reagents, media solutions and other necessary materials for multiple diagnostic tests daily while adhering strictly to safety protocols at all times; reduced contamination incidences from 5 per week to 0 over the course of one year.
- Coordinated between medical staff members, patients & insurance companies when needed, providing excellent customer service throughout every interaction; successfully managed 25 client relations cases during tenure with no complaints received.
- Processed up to 350 medical lab samples per day, ensuring that accurate and precise results were produced for patient diagnoses.
- Inspected laboratory equipment daily and reorganized the storage system of all supplies; reduced clutter in work area by 40%.
- Meticulously followed safety protocols when preparing specimens for analysis, minimizing contamination risks during processing procedures by 15%.
- Interpreted test data using advanced software programs and communicated findings to physicians accurately with no errors reported in past 3 years of employment.
- Conducted quality control tests on instruments regularly to ensure accuracy of results; improved performance standards across 7 laboratories within network by 25%.
3. Skills
Even though two organizations are hiring for the same role, the skillset they want an ideal candidate to possess could differ significantly. For instance, one may be on the lookout for an individual with experience in handling hazardous materials, while the other might be looking for someone with knowledge of laboratory safety protocols.
It is essential to tailor your skills section accordingly; this will enable you to stand out from the competition and make it easier for applicant tracking systems (ATS) to recognize that you are a great fit.
In addition, don’t forget to elaborate on your most important qualifications/skills in other sections such as the summary or work history. This can help convince employers that you have what it takes even if they haven’t explicitly asked for those particular abilities.
Below is a list of common skills & terms:
- Blood Bank
- CPR Certified
- Chemistry
- Clinical Chemistry
- Clinical Research
- Coagulation
- Data Analysis
- Data Entry
- EMR
- HIPAA
- Healthcare
- Healthcare Information Technology
- Healthcare Management
- Hematology
- Hospitals
- Immunology
- Laboratory
- Laboratory Medicine
- Laboratory Skills
- Medical Terminology
- Medicine
- Microbiology
- Patient Safety
- Phlebotomy
- Quality Assurance
- Quality Control
- Teamwork
- Time Management
- Urinalysis
4. Education
Including an education section on your resume will depend on how far along you are in your career. If you just graduated and have no prior experience, mention your education below your resume objective. However, if you have been working as a medical laboratory technician for years with plenty of different responsibilities to showcase, omitting the education section is perfectly fine.
If an education section is included, try to mention courses and subjects related to the medical laboratory technician role you are applying for.
Associate Degree in Medical Laboratory Technology
Educational Institution XYZ
Nov 2011
5. Certifications
Certifications are a great way to demonstrate your expertise and knowledge in a particular field. They can be used to show potential employers that you have the necessary skills for the job, as well as having kept up with industry trends and developments.
Including certifications on your resume is an excellent way of showing off what you are capable of doing, so make sure to list any relevant ones that could help boost your chances of getting hired.
Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)
American Medical Technologists (AM
May 2017
6. Contact Info
Your name should be the first thing a reader sees when viewing your resume, so ensure its positioning is prominent. Your phone number should be written in the most commonly used format in your country/city/state, and your email address should be professional.
You can also choose to include a link to your LinkedIn profile, personal website, or other online platforms relevant to your industry.
Finally, name your resume file appropriately to help hiring managers; for Enrico Shields, this would be Enrico-Shields-resume.pdf or Enrico-Shields-resume.docx.
7. Cover Letter
Cover letters are a great way to make your job application stand out from the crowd. They are usually composed of 2 to 4 paragraphs and provide an opportunity for you to explain why your skills, qualifications and experience make you the perfect candidate for the role.
Writing a cover letter is not always mandatory but it’s highly recommended as it demonstrates that you’ve taken time to put together something special which could give recruiters more insight into who you are as an individual.
Below is an example cover letter:
Dear Nina,
I am writing to apply for the position of Medical Laboratory Technician at XYZ Hospital. I am a recent graduate of ABC University’s medical laboratory technician program and have gained experience working in a hospital setting during my externship. I am confident that I can be an asset to your team and contribute to the efficient operation of the laboratory.
As a medical laboratory technician, I am responsible for performing tests on patient samples and providing accurate results in a timely manner. I have experience with all aspects of testing, from specimen collection to result analysis and reporting. My attention to detail ensures that all tests are performed correctly, and my excellent communication skills allow me to effectively relay results to physicians and other members of the healthcare team.
In addition to my technical skills, I also have strong organizational abilities which enable me to keep the laboratory running smoothly. I am comfortable working independently as well as part of a team, and I take pride in maintaining a clean and safe work environment.
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills could benefit your organization further during an interview at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration; please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or require any additional information.
Sincerely,
Enrico