As a medical laboratory technologist, you are in charge of everything from preparing samples to performing tests. In this blog post, we will explore the life of medical lab technicians and what you can expect when you enter the profession. From the basics of what a medical lab technician does to the unique challenges they face on a daily basis, read on to learn more about what school of medical laboratory technology is all about.
What is a Medical Laboratory Technician?
Medical laboratory technicians (MLT) are responsible for ensuring the quality of medical tests and samples. MLTs use a variety of scientific methods to detect and diagnose diseases, which can include running tests such as blood panel, urine analysis, and drug screening. They may also work with medical imaging equipment to generate images of the body.
Since MLTs are responsible for ensuring the accuracy and quality of all test results, they must have a strong understanding of chemistry, biology, and lab techniques. In order to be an effective MLT, you need to have excellent attention to detail and be able to work quickly under pressure.
MLTs usually begin their careers as laboratory assistants before moving on to become MLTs. Some career options available to MLTs include working in hospitals or private laboratories.
The Education Requirements for a Medical Laboratory Technician
Medical laboratory technicians (MLT) work in the laboratory setting and perform tasks that may include examination of blood, urine, tissues, and other specimens. To become an MLT, you will need to have a high school diploma or equivalent and pass the Medical Laboratory Technician National Certification Board (MLTNCB) certification exam. The MLTNCB certification exam covers basic biology, chemistry, medical terminology, and safety procedures. You will also need to have a working knowledge of microbiology, immunology, pharmacology, statistics, and quality control techniques.
The Work Opportunity for a Medical Laboratory Technician
Medical laboratory technicians are in high demand due to the increasing need for accurate and timely medical testing. Many medical laboratories require a minimum of an associate’s degree in medical laboratory technology, but some may also accept a certificate or diploma. There are many opportunities for career growth in medical laboratory technology, and technicians can find jobs in hospitals, doctor’s offices, research laboratories, and more.
The average salary for a medical laboratory technician is around $50,000 per year. The best way to start looking for a career in medical laboratory technology is to attend an accredited school. Some of the most reputable schools include the American College of Medical Laboratory Science (ACMLS) and the Canadian Association of Medical Laboratory Technicians (CAMLT). After completing an accredited program, you will be qualified to work as a technologist in most any hospital or clinical setting.
The Duties of a Medical Laboratory Technician
The medical laboratory technician is a specialised medical assistant who performs various laboratory tests and procedures. They must have a minimum of an associate’s degree in medical technology or a related field, and have passed the National Medical Laboratory Technician Exam.
Medical laboratory technicians work in both clinical and research settings. Clinical lab technicians work in hospitals and clinics, where they perform routine blood tests and other procedures. Research lab technicians work in laboratories that are affiliated with universities or corporations, where they perform studies on new drugs or treatments.
What are the Salaries of a Medical Laboratory Technician?
Medical laboratory technicians are responsible for performing a variety of tasks in a medical laboratory setting. The average salary for a medical lab technician is around $50,000 per year. The salaries vary depending on experience and qualifications, but the majority of medical laboratory technicians earn close to the national average wage. Medical laboratory technicians typically need a degree in medical technology or related field. Many employers also require certification or licensure.
What are the Job Outlook for Medical Laboratory Technicians?
Medical laboratory technologists are in high demand due to the growth of medical testing. Employment for medical laboratory technicians is expected to grow much faster than average over the next ten years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). There are currently about 190,000 medical laboratory technicians employed in the United States. This number is projected to grow by almost 25% over the next ten years, resulting in a need for over 280,000 new medical laboratory technicians.
The majority of medical laboratory technicians work as independent workers. However, many also work in hospitals as part of a clinical lab team or as part of a research lab. Medical laboratory technician positions that require certification may be more rare, but they do exist. In fact, there are currently about 2,000 certified medical laboratory technicians working in the United States.
The job outlook for medical laboratory technologists is very good. The BLS predicts that employment for medical laboratory technicians will grow much faster than average over the next ten years. This means that there will be a lot of opportunities for new graduates to enter the field of medical laboratory technology.
Conclusion
Medical laboratory technicians play an important role in ensuring that the health of both patients and researchers is protected. In this article, we will explore the life of a medical lab technician and provide you with a snapshot of what their day-to-day tasks involve. We hope that this information has helped to give you a better understanding of what goes into being a successful medical lab technician and given you some ideas on how to get started in this exciting career field.