The usual requirement for an entry-level position as a medical and clinical laboratory
is a bachelor’s degree with a major in
or one of the life sciences; however, it is possible to qualify for some jobs with a combination of
and on-the-job, specialized training.
Medical technology is also known as clinical laboratory science. Technicians or technologists are used in many different aspects of healthcare, including public health and the pharmaceutical industry, to help treat patients, interpret test results, or create custom medications. If you’re considering a career in medical technology, think about the route you want to go down. Medical technologists frequently specialize, perform more difficult lab tests, supervise technicians, and are paid more. A bachelor’s degree is usually required for this role. A medical technician may not be able to complete some tasks and reports to a technologist. Working as a technician typically requires an associate’s degree or certificate. A great place to start for those who want to enter the field quickly is to become a technician.
Everything you need to know about Medical laboratory technician part 1
What do medical technicians do?
By gathering and analyzing samples in a lab setting, medical technicians assist with medical diagnosis. These healthcare workers collect samples of bodily fluids, such as blood, tissue, and bodily fluids, test them for the presence of bacteria, viruses, or other infections and diseases, and then report their findings to doctors and nurses. Other common job duties medical technicians are responsible for include:
Particularly for medical technicians who specialize in phlebotomy, where the job duties center on drawing blood and testing blood samples, the job duties of medical technicians can go beyond these standard obligations. Additionally, surgical technicians may perform other tasks, particularly when helping doctors and surgeons in the operating room.
What is a medical technician?
Assisting laboratory technicians in the preparation, inspection, and analysis of lab samples and specimens are medical technicians. Additionally, you can decide to focus on a particular concentration for medical technicians, where you can find jobs as a surgical technician or even a phlebotomist.
Average salary for medical technicians
The majority of medical technicians typically earn an associate’s degree, but there are also certification programs available. The two steps to take to become a medical technician are as follows:
1. Complete post-secondary training
Many community colleges and vocational schools offer accredited certification programs that can help you get ready for a career as a medical technician. The typical length of a certification program can vary from school to school, but these academic programs typically last between six and twelve months. This means that if you pursue an associate’s degree, you can start your career later.
2. Earn your associates degree
The alternative is to obtain an associate’s degree from a recognized college to launch your career. Anatomy and physiology, microbiology, biochemistry, phlebotomy, and immunology can all be studied as coursework in a medical technician education program. You’ll be able to start your career once you graduate with your associates.
3. Obtain your certification
To work in a clinical lab setting, medical technicians must be certified. You might need to obtain state licensure in order to start your career, too, depending on the requirements in your state. The Clinical Laboratory Technician (CLT) credential, available from the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel, demonstrates your knowledge and expertise and qualifies you for employment as a medical lab technician.
The Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLT) certification is another service offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology, and it certifies your abilities as a medical technician.
4. Gain work experience
After receiving your educational certification, associate’s degree, and medical technician license, you can begin your career. Opportunities for career advancement as a medical technician will present themselves as you gain experience.
For instance, many medical technicians gain work experience in the industry before continuing their education to become histotechnicians (medical technicians who only perform laboratory work), medical technologists, or surgical technologists.
5. Advance your career
You can major in this subject to earn your bachelor’s degree, which will enable you to work closely with other technicians in supervisory roles in a clinical laboratory as a medical technologist. Additionally, if you enroll in a certification program, you can continue your education by enrolling in accelerated courses or getting your associates in order to advance your career.
Frequently asked questions about becoming a medical technician
Additional information on the career field can be gained by looking at the following frequently asked questions about training to be a medical technician:
What skills will I develop during my medical technician training?
Medical technologists acquire a broad range of abilities and expertise that support their professional success. You’ll probably learn to apply research and analysis, your critical thinking and writing skills, and technical skills that will enable you to navigate your job duties in the lab in a medical technician educational program.
Additionally, you will receive training and development in specific medical skills like operating medical equipment, interacting with patients and healthcare teams, and conducting laboratory tests.
Where can I find a job as a medical technician?
Although they can work in a variety of clinical settings, hospitals are where medical technicians are most frequently employed. If you decide to become a surgery technician, you may also be able to find jobs in outpatient surgery centers. You may also be able to find employment opportunities working for private clinics and physician practices.
What is the work environment like for medical technicians?
Medical technicians typically work full-time hours, but they occasionally put in extra time to complete test results, record data, and share it with doctors. Additionally, phlebotomy-focused medical technicians will spend a lot of time taking blood samples and preparing them for lab analysis, whereas histotechnicians primarily conduct laboratory tests and analysis in the lab. Particularly in a hospital setting where medical technicians may complete a number of tests and sample analyses each day, the work can be demanding and fast-paced.
FAQ
What medical technician pays the most?
- New York – $72,500.
- Rhode Island – $70,580.
- Connecticut – $70,220.
- Oregon – $69,330.
- California – $68,450.
Is medical technology a good career?
Medical technologists serve a vital function in the medical industry. According to the U. S. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical technologists will make an average national salary of $46,680 in 2020.
How do you become a tech in the medical field?
- Get an associate’s degree at a junior or community college.
- To register for the certification exam for medical laboratory technicians, contact the National Credentialing Agency.
- Schedule your certification exam.
What are the duties of a Med Tech?
- Clean and sterilize equipment.
- Draw blood.
- Apply dressings.
- Stain specimens.
- Study blood samples for transfusions.
- Assist OR doctors and personnel with gowns, gloves, and scrubs.
- Observe vital signs.
- Analyze test results and record data.
