Medical Laboratory Technologist

Many people dont like to see blood, urine, or tissue samples daily. But those who choose a career as a medical laboratory technologist may not mind.

This medical position offers many great benefits for people who have a scientific, analytic mind. I want to provide you with job duties, advancement, salary and outlook for this career.

This is mainly a scientific medical career, with little to no patient contact.

A medical laboratory technologist (MLT) uses research skills to uncover data that helps treat serious diseases and health conditions.

They may also collects blood, urine, and tissue samples from patients and analyze the samples.

After the analysis, the technologist will decide if the finding is normal or abnormal.

But a technologist does more than analysis. The tech gets to study samples of blood that will be used in transfusions.


The goal: Identify cell morphology, blood groups, types, and compatibility with other blood types.

To achieve this, you use sophisticated automated and computerized equipment and instruments.

After getting data from your testing, you will enter it into the patients medical record and discuss the test results with a physician.

Specialties

Keep in mind the tests you do will vary depending on where you work and what specialty you choose.

For instance, you could work in a blood bank, collecting and classifying blood.

If you worked as a cytotechnologist or microbiology tech you would spend a lot of time working under a microscope, examining cells and bacteria.

 How much is a medical laboratory technologist salary?

The pay is good. The average median wage in 2010 was $56,140, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The BLS also notes that the position does have an expected growth of 11 percent by 2020.

Although this is not the highest percentage of growth, it does mean that there will be a projected 19,200 more medical laboratory technologists needed.

How do I become one?

A MLT position requires a minimum of a bachelors degree.

You will have a broad theoretical knowledge in chemistry, math, and biology.

You may also be able to complete a degree in the life sciences or a medical technology program.

After your graduation, you may be required to be licensed, depending on your state. You should check with your state to make this determination.

Qualities need to succeed

Like all medical careers, you need to like the life sciences. You will be working with technological equipment and instruments so you will need strong technical skills.

You will need to be detail orientated, too the last thing you want to do is mix up the labels on vials of blood.

Depending on your position, you may be working with patients. If that is the case, you have to be empathetic and have compassion.


I hope this information about a career as a medical laboratory technician has helped you.