They perform a variety of physical, chemical and microscopic analyses of body fluids and tissues using microscopes, chemicals, computers, complex laboratory equipment and instruments. Two types of educational programs are available in Kentucky. Accredited four-year programs include clinical instruction in their curricula.
Students completing both type programs earn a bachelors degree.
Admission into a hospital medical technology program is competitive and completion of a pre-professional program does not guarantee acceptance. Most clinical laboratory technologists work in hospitals. Others work in hospital medical laboratories, offices and clinics of physicians, research and testing laboratories, in universities, industry, blood banks and veterinary clinics.