A medical laboratory technician is also known as a clinical lab technician. Some lab technicians specialize in different areas like hematology, immunology, microbiology, blood banking or chemistry. The main job of a medical lab technician is to perform routine tests using on-site tools and equipment. The results of the diagnostic tests will aid the physicians in diagnosing and treating a patient’s illness.
Medical lab technicians can find work in hospitals, community clinics, physician’s offices, medical facilities, research facilities, pharmaceutical companies, private laboratories and government medical facilities. They typically work under the close supervision of an experienced medical laboratory technologist or manager.
If you have an interest in the biological sciences and an aptitude for technology, then becoming a medical lab technician may be the perfect job for you. To land a medical laboratory technician job, you will need an associate’s degree or certificate. Training programs and coursework are offered at community colleges, vocational schools, hospitals, universities and online schools. Use these tips to learn how to become a medical laboratory technician.
Job Description and Skills
The duties of a medical lab technician involves the following:
- Perform routine lab tests
- Operate and maintain equipment such as microscopes, computers and laboratory instruments
- Generate accurate lab reports
- Communicate lab results to medical professionals
Medical lab technicians should possess excellent analytical skills and attention to detail. Specimens and the laboratory equipment must be treated with the utmost care, and test instructions followed precisely. A mistake in the lab can affect the results of the diagnostic test. Medical lab technicians should also possess good oral and written skills as they do reports verbally and in written form, and be proficient with computer technology.
Training and Education
The following medical lab technician training and education is required to enter this medical profession.
- High school diploma or GED: While in high school, pay close attention to science subjects, especially chemistry. Do well in your math subjects as well.
- Medical laboratory technician program: This is usually a one to two year certificate program or associate’s degree with classroom and laboratory education. Vocational or technical schools, community colleges and online schools offer associate’s degrees in medical technology. Make sure the program you choose is accredited by a recognized professional agency such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
- Expect coursework in the following areas:
- Chemistry
- Microbiology
- Microscopy
- Immunology
- Pathology
- Laboratory mathematics
- Other options: Some hospitals offer medical laboratory technician programs that marry coursework with on-the-job laboratory training. Other lab technicians receive their training in the Armed Services.
Becoming a Certified Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)
The regulations and requirements for certification of medical lab technicians are different between states. Contact the Department of Health for information about the requirements in the area where you work.
Several professional agencies offer national certification testing for medical laboratory technician candidates, including:
- American Medical Technologist (AMT)
- American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification
- Board of Registry of the American Association of Bioanalysts
- National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA)
Visit the Web sites of these organizations to find out the requirements for certification, including fees and schedules.
Upon achieving certification, the candidate earns the title of Certified Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT). Many employers prefer to hire MLTs. Most organizations require MLTs to maintain their credential through continuing education. You can use this opportunity to stay up-to-date on advances in technology and procedures, specialize in particular fields, or acquire additional training, education and skills to become a medical laboratory technologist.
Job Prospects and Salary
Job prospects for medical lab technicians are expected to be excellent, given advances in medical technology and testing. Hospitals will continue to be the main employer, but lab technicians will also be needed at private clinics, doctor’s offices, medical and diagnostic laboratories, biomedical companies and universities.
The annual salary for an MLT ranges from $21,000 to $51,000. Jobs at hospitals typically pay around $34,000 per year.
Medical laboratory technicians are an important part of any laboratory diagnostic team. This career track will give you many opportunities for advancement. The healthcare profession has come to rely on laboratory tests and findings more and more, and breakthroughs in medical technology keep increasing the kinds of testing that can be done in an on-site laboratory. This means that MLTs will continue to be in high demand.