Medical Technologist

Answer 1

The Career

Medical technologists, also known as clinical laboratory scientists, carry out diagnostic laboratory tests in a clinical environment. They are in charge of running tests that physicians order, analyzing and interpreting the results, and reporting back to the original physician. Medical technologists analyze everything from blood, to stool, to cells, to urine, to fungi, to everything in between. A general medical technologist could be investigating bacteria one day and typing blood cells for transfusions the next day. However, medical technologists do have the ability to specialize. A clinical laboratory scientist may work only in chemistry, for instance, or only with microbiology.

Much of the work involves the use of microscopes, computers, and sterile equipment. Medical technologists have to have a good grasp of statistics and computer models, as well as the ability to perform adequately under sterile procedures. They may be involved in supervising clinical laboratory technicians, fellow lab employees who carry out similar, but more minor, tasks.

Education And Training

The NAACLS is the accrediting body for medical technologist programs. To obtain licensure, a student must have completed a bachelor’s degree in clinical laboratory science, medical technology, Biology, chemistry, or another of the life sciences. Then they must complete a 12 month internship in a clinical laboratory. Many medical technology bachelor’s degree programs include the internship within the program, but students with a degree in biology or chemistry will have to obtain internship independently.

Clinical laboratory technicians have the option of entering programs that bridge their associate’s degree to a bachelor’s degree in medical technology.

Salary

The entry level salary for a medical technologist is around $40,000 to $45,000 dollars. Experienced medical technologists earn above $50,000. Wages vary sharply by state. California is one of the most high paying states for clinical laboratory scientists. The average wage for the profession in that state is $30 or more an hour.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for medical technology is expected to be rapid. Patients enjoy having quick turnaround time on the tests that have been ordered for them, and new tests are constantly being developed, requiring hospitals to employ many medical technologists in order to keep up. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 12% increase in the profession through to 2018.