Six Important Q&As for Medical Technologist Students
Q&A on Medical Technology: What do they do and where do they work?
What is a medical technologist?
Medical technologists (also known as clinical laboratory scientists) conduct tests on blood, bodily fluids and tissues to collect diagnostic information.
What do medical technologists do?
Medical technologists (MTs) perform multiple lab tests that range from standard health tests to complex procedures that test for cancer and HIV.
MTs report the findings of these tests to doctors and are responsible for the accuracy of their results. As a medical technologist, you must work quickly to help physicians diagnose patient conditions as accurately as possible.
MTs work in a cutting-edge field that employs the latest computer technology, which may be applied to five primary areas:
- Hematology
- Chemistry
- Microbiology
- Blood banking
- Immunology
Where do medical technologists work?
MTs work in a variety of settings, which include, but are not limited to, the following :
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Private laboratories
- Public health organizations
- May work in specialized fields, such as molecular biotechnology
What kind of medical technology training will I need?
MTs need to receive a bachelor's degree in Medical Technology or Clinical Laboratory Science, which includes courses in chemistry, microbiology and immunology. In addition, they should receive one year of professional (clinical) training, which is often incorporated into their degree program.
Do I need to be licensed in medical technology?
After you fulfill academic and lab requirements, medical technologists must pass a national certification examination give by the American Society for Clinical Pathology.
What is the salary range for medical technologists?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2010 report, the median annual salary for medical technologists ranged from $47,130 – $66,370 for the middle 50 percent.