Medical technicians play a vital role in healthcare. They run lab tests that assist in diagnosing and treating illnesses. If you’re interested in kickstarting a career as a medical lab tech, gaining the proper certification is key. Here’s what you need to know about earning your medical technician credentials.
What Does a Medical Technician Do?
Medical technicians, also known as medical lab technicians or clinical laboratory technicians, conduct routine tests on tissue and fluid samples taken from patients. They analyze the samples to look for abnormalities and provide data to physicians to guide accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.
Common responsibilities of a medical technician include
- Collecting and preparing biological samples like blood, urine, and tissue for analysis
- Running diagnostic tests on samples, including chemical, biological, hematological, immunologic, microscopic, and bacteriological testing
- Operating sophisticated laboratory equipment like microscopes and cell counters
- Tracking patient test results and reporting irregular findings to physicians
- Ensuring testing equipment is properly calibrated and maintained
- Adhering to safety protocols and quality control procedures
Medical technicians play a crucial support role for physicians and other healthcare professionals The test results they provide influence critical medical decisions Their attention to detail and accuracy ensures patients get proper care,
Education Required for Medical Technician Certification
To obtain medical technician certification, you must first complete an accredited training program. This provides the clinical lab knowledge and hands-on skills needed to pass the certification exam.
There are two main paths to getting your medical technician education:
1. Earn an Associate’s Degree
Most medical technicians earn an Associate’s degree in medical laboratory technology or clinical laboratory science. This two-year program covers areas like:
- Microbiology
- Cytotechnology
- Medical terminology
- Anatomy and physiology
- Lab procedures and techniques
- Testing methodologies
- Quality control
- Safety protocols
Associate’s programs also include a clinical practicum, allowing you to get hands-on lab experience. Once you complete the program, you will be eligible to take a certification exam.
2. Complete a Training Program
Some hospitals, colleges, and independent programs offer 1-year certificate programs in medical technology. These intensive programs prepare you for entry-level lab tech jobs.
Certificate programs combine classroom learning with a clinical rotation to teach you lab procedures. Topics covered include:
- Specimen collection and processing
- Phlebotomy
- Lab safety and quality control
- Equipment operation and maintenance
- Test methodologies
- Lab management basics
Make sure any program you consider holds proper accreditation and will make you eligible for certification.
Gain Hands-On Clinical Experience
In addition to formal education, medical technician certification requires professional experience in a clinical setting. There are a couple routes to getting this:
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Clinical practicum: Associate’s degree programs include a 3-12 month supervised clinical practicum in a real-world lab environment. This on-the-job training satisfies the experience requirement for certification.
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Independent clinical experience: If you complete a certificate program or bachelor’s degree in another science field, you must obtain clinical experience independently through a paid or volunteer hospital, clinic, or lab position. One year of full-time hands-on work or 1680 hours is typically required.
During your clinical experience, you will get first-hand practice collecting specimens, running tests, operating equipment, and reporting results under the guidance of experienced techs. This is essential preparation for your career.
Pass the Certification Exam
With your degree or certificate training and clinical experience complete, you’re ready to seek certification. Professional certification demonstrates your competence and qualifications to employers.
The two major national certification options are:
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Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) Certification: Offered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT), this requires an associate degree program or equivalent and a passing score on the AMT certification exam.
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Clinical Laboratory Technician (CLT) Certification: Administered by the National Credentialing Agency (NCA), this requires a certificate program and passing the CLT exam. Some states may require the CLT credential to work as a lab tech.
The certification exams test your knowledge of areas like:
- Lab procedures, equipment, and safety
- Test methodology
- Specimen collection and processing
- Quality control and assurance
- Lab management
- Regulations
Many study resources and exam preparation courses are available to help you pass. Once certified, you must complete continuing education to maintain your credentials.
Next Steps in Your Medical Technician Career
Once you earn MLT or CLT certification, you’ll be ready to start applying for medical technician jobs in hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, public health agencies, research institutions, and commercial labs.
Some technicians choose to advance their careers further by:
- Specializing in a certain field like microbiology, blood banking, or histotechnology
- Pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in fields like medical technology or clinical laboratory science
- Taking on lab management or supervisory roles
- Advancing to become a medical lab scientist through further certification
So if you’re detail-oriented, passionate about healthcare, and interested in a hands-on science career, becoming a certified medical technician can be a great choice. With determination and focus during your education and clinical training, you can develop the expertise to pass the certification exam and excel in this vital medical field.
Private Site Via Live Remote Proctoring (LRP)
Currently available for RMA or RPT testing only. In order to access this option, you must choose “Online on a personal computer (LRP)” when you apply for certification. Read this important information before choosing LRP.
Submit your application and fee online.
Once you are eligible you can apply. Submit a separate application for each certification.
*Fees are non-refundable and include application, exam and first annual fee. **Only available to those residing outside North America.
Considering taking the RMA or RPT exam from home? Read this first.
*Application is valid for 1 year; allow 1-2 business days for processing.
Pros & Cons to Being a CMT/Med Tech/Passing Meds
Where can I get a medical technician certification?
There are accredited certification programs available at many community colleges and vocational schools, and these training programs can prepare you for a career as a medical technician.
How do I become a medical technician?
1. Research eligibility requirements Consider researching eligibility requirements for medical technician certification programs, as they may vary across states. Examples of standard requirements include: Be able to speak, read and write English proficiently. Be at least 18 years old. Be a United States citizen or legal resident.
What certifications do medical technologists need?
Many medical technologists earn certifications through the American Medical Technologists (AMT) or the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). Both organizations require you to pass a knowledge exam to earn a certification.
What is a medical technician certification?
A medical technician certification is a credential that proves you meet the minimum education, training and clinical experience requirements for this role. Certification may demonstrate your ability to draw blood, prepare specimens, administer clinical laboratory tests, monitor vital signs, oversee patient treatment plans and support physicians.
