Medical Laboratory Science | University of Iowa

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET via SOC 29-2012.00

Skills

Active ListeningReading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingSpeakingScienceWritingInstructingTime Management

Knowledge

BiologyChemistryEnglish LanguageMathematicsCustomer and Personal Service

Abilities

Near VisionOral ExpressionProblem SensitivityInformation OrderingOral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionFinger DexterityWritten ExpressionDeductive ReasoningCategory Flexibility

Tasks

Conduct chemical analyses of body fluids, such as blood or urine, using microscope or automatic anal
Analyze the results of tests or experiments to ensure conformity to specifications, using special me
Set up, maintain, calibrate, clean, and test sterility of medical laboratory equipment.
Perform quality control analyses to ensure accuracy of test results.

Technology

Billing and invoicing softwareMedical softwareData base user interface and query softwareElectronic mail softwareWord processing software

Tools

22-gauge needles5-part differential automated hematology analyzers8 and 12 channel pipettesAgglutination viewersAnaerobe jarsAnalytical balancesAntigen-coated test platesAutoclavesAutomated chemistry analyzersAutomated coagulation analyzersAutomated platelet analyzersAutomated/semi-automated dipstick analysis systemsAutomatic pipettersBench refractometersBlood agar plates

Work Values

SupportRelationshipsIndependenceWorking ConditionsAchievementRecognition

Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET + BLS

Occupations matched to this program, with median wage, top wage, growth, and openings
SOC	Occupation	Method	Wage	Growth	Openings
Match confidence: high29-2012.00	Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians	title_inference	$54,270 median$87,540 top	—	—

Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: proficient (Level 3)(based on Bachelor's Degree)

Complex chemical analyses of body fluids — perform autonomously across a full range of specimen types, interpreting abnormal findings in a high-volume clinical laboratory.
Non-routine equipment malfunctions — diagnose and resolve independently, applying troubleshooting judgment to maintain analytical accuracy in a laboratory setting.
Reagent and solution preparation — execute using experimental as well as standardized procedures, adapting formulations to address atypical sample or assay needs.
Sterility and quality control standards — evaluate and enforce rigorously across all laboratory workflows, initiating corrective actions when deviations are detected.
Critical test results — communicate clearly and promptly to clinical staff using sound judgment to prioritize patient-safety implications in a hospital environment.
Laboratory data and analytical software — leverage advanced features to analyze trends, identify systemic errors, and support continuous quality improvement efforts.
Aseptic blood and tissue collection — perform on challenging patient populations while coaching peers on technique refinement in a clinical care setting.
Operations monitoring — oversee multiple concurrent test runs, applying problem sensitivity to catch process deviations before they affect patient results.
Regulatory and accreditation requirements — interpret and apply to ensure laboratory compliance with CAP, CLIA, or equivalent standards on a daily basis.
Cross-functional coordination — collaborate with pathologists, nurses, and billing staff to resolve complex specimen or reporting issues across a healthcare system.

Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.