Medical technologists (MTs) are responsible for running tests on specimens taken from patients so that physicians can make an educated diagnosis of an ailment or disease or see how well a treatment is working. Most MTs work for clinical laboratories or biotechnology firms. To work in this field, you will need a Bachelor’s Degree in medical technology or a related subject, hands-on training in a lab, and certification by a professional agency.
An interest in the biological sciences and technology and the ability to follow procedures precisely are necessary for this job. Sophisticated lab tests can reveal a wealth of information about a patient, from the cause of the illness to the effectiveness of a particular medication or dose. Healthcare professionals rely on these lab tests at all stages of their decision making. Therefore, to ensure that all test results and lab reports are accurate, medical technologists must be meticulous about details and skillful in operating lab equipment and technology.
Scope of Work
An MT is expected to expertly analyze blood, bodily fluids and tissue samples and to report the results to other healthcare professionals. MTs typically perform the following tasks:
- Prepare patient specimens for analysis.
- Examine blood, bodily fluids and tissue for presence of microorganisms or abnormal cells.
- Check cholesterol and blood glucose levels.
- Type and match blood for transfusions.
- Determine patient response to drug therapies.
- Evaluate testing procedures and results for accuracy.
Educational Requirements
Most MTs have a four-year Bachelor’s Degree in medical technology or another life science, with coursework in the biological sciences, chemistry, microbiology, math, laboratory technology and skills, and computer technology. Universities, as well as medical schools affiliated with hospitals, offer Medical Technology degree programs. Make sure that the program you chose is accredited by one of the following agencies:
- Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
- Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
Along with your academic coursework, you will spend time in clinical rotation at a laboratory. This is your opportunity to get hands-on training in actual testing procedures under the supervision of a senior technologist or laboratory supervisor.
Get Additional Training for an MT Specialization
Medical technologists are not required to choose an area of specialty, but you may decide to become an expert in a particular type of medical testing discipline. Doing so can make you more competitive in the job market. Specialized disciplines include:
- Clinical chemistry
- Cytotechnology (analyze normal/abnormal cells, as in Pap smears)
- Cytogenetics (analyze normal/abnormal chromosomes)
- Electron microscope
- Histopathology (biopsy or surgical tissue)
- Immunology
- Immunohemotology (blood bank technologist)
- Microbiology
- Molecular biology
- Toxicology
- Virology
License and Certification
In order to enter MT careers, you will need to get your medical technologist certification. The state where you will be working will determine if you need to be licensed. Your state’s department of health services can explain how to apply for a license, if necessary. You may need to show that you have a Bachelor’s in Medical Technology or pass a state exam. Some states require MTs to take both a state exam and national exam. Others require both registration and licensure. Once you fulfill these requirements, you can start looking for a job.
There are three main professional certifying exams:
- American Medical Technologists (AMT)
- Board of Registry of the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
- National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA)
After passing the exam and getting your professional credential, you may be required to take a certain number of continuing education credits in order to be recertified within a specific time period. Maintaining your certification with a professional agency is a way to keep up to date with knowledge and technology relevant to your job. Of course, continuing education is also an opportunity to expand your skills and advance your career.
MT Job Prospects and Salary
The field of medical technology—particularly genetic testing—is expected to expand and consequently the need for medical technologists should grow. Currently, most MTs work in hospital labs, but there are also jobs available at diagnostic and outpatient facilities.
The median average annual salary for an MT is $56,000. Pharmaceutical manufacturing companies pay more (average wage of $80,000), and some states (California, Nevada) or urban areas (Los Angeles, Boston) pay higher wages than other regions.
Medical technologists have a vital position in the healthcare team responsible for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of various illnesses and diseases. They work in hospital laboratories as well as in small clinics and private diagnostic laboratories. This job requires excellent attention to detail and good analytical and problem-solving skills. As an MT, you will play an integral role in the medical lab, and there will be many opportunities to advance your career.