Chicago Medical Laboratory Technician Jobs Overview
Medical laboratory technicians are responsible for performing microscopic, bacteriological, immunologic, hematological, and chemical laboratory tests. They examine samples of blood, bodily fluids, and tissue to identify health issues. If you want to help provide people with a diagnosis that could be key to preserving their health and quality of life, then medical laboratory technician jobs may be right for you.
The typical duties of medical laboratory technicians are:
- analyzing blood, fluid, and tissue samples and recording findings.
- studying blood, cells, blood types, and blood compatibility.
- operating cell counters, microscopes, and other complex laboratory equipment.
- using computerized instruments and other automated laboratory equipment.
- logging data from tests and documenting it in patients’ medical records.
- discussing laboratory test results and finding with physicians.
Most medical laboratory technicians work for hospitals, while others work directly for medical and diagnostic laboratories, physicians’ offices, universities, and outpatient care centers. While they typically work full time, hours can vary from daytime to overnight and weekend hours.
You can expand your search for healthcare technology jobs by checking out these similar positions:
About Working in Chicago, Illinois
If you're going to Chicago to experience "da Bears," deep-dish pizza, and windy streets, native Chicagoans say "fogetta 'bout it!" While these have made Chicago famous, you'll find many locals eating thin-crust, tavern-style pie. Plus, the city isn't on any list of the windiest cities in the U.S.—a local newspaper named it "The Windy City" after the Chicago elite's propensity toward boastfulness and self-promotion. And while the Chicago jobs list (hit jobs, that is) includes notorious mobsters from Chicago like Al Capone, John Dillinger, and Baby Face Nelson, linguists are noticing that the "Chicago accent" is disappearing.
However, there's a reason Condé Nast Traveler has named Chicago the "best big city in the U.S." Chicago is home to top universities, including Northwestern University, Wheaton College, and Valparaiso. And if you're looking for Chicago jobs, you can relocate to any one of the city's unique neighborhoods, such as North Center with its cozy Irish pubs and breweries or Uptown, the lively entertainment district. For those who want to live further out from the city, you can also find jobs in popular suburbs including Cicero, Oak Park, and Evanston.
Update Your Chicago Medical Laboratory Technician Resume
Employers receive countless applications and resumes each day. To make yourself stand out from the competition, it’s critical to keep your resume updated. Not sure where to start? Monster can show you what employers look for in a resume, including a compelling career summary, metrics, and excellent organization. Plus, you can use our medical technologist resume sample as a reference to writing and formatting your final draft.
Whether a cover letter is required or not, sending one is a great way to let an employer know you’re interested in working with them. Don’t just write any cover letter. Make sure yours tells a story about your professional background, expresses passion for the medical laboratory technician field, and discusses next potential steps. Take a look at our free sample cover letter for lab technicians for inspiration.
How Much Do Medical Laboratory Technician Jobs Pay in Chicago, Illinois?
Got money on your mind? You should! Make sure you’re getting paid what you’re worth. Our Salary Tools can help you understand what you can expect to make in medical laboratory technician jobs in Chicago, Illinois, as well as the skills that can boost your value and what the next steps in your career might be. Right now, the median medical laboratory technician pay in Chicago is $39,953 per year, which is 5% higher than the national average.
Find Your Next Chicago Medical Laboratory Technician Job. Monster Can Help Get You Started
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