Medical Laboratory Technologist - Career Information

Medical Laboratory Technologist - Career InformationMedical Laboratory Technologist - Career InformationA medical laboratory technologist performs complex tests that help other healthcare professionals such as physicians detect, diagnose, and treat diseases. A lab tech who works in a small laboratory typically performs a variety of tests, but one employed in a larger lab is more likely to specialize. Specialties include histotechnology, immunology, microbiology, and cytogenetic technology.Medical laboratory technologists are also known aslaboratory technologists and medical laboratory scientists. Quick Facts Medical laboratory technologists earn amedian annual salaryof $51,770 (2017).Almost171,000people workin this occupation (2016).Most have jobs in hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, and physicians offices.The job outlookfor this occupation is excellent. Employment is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2016 to 2026. How to Become a Medical Labo ratory Technologist If you want to work in this career, you will need a bachelors degree in medical laboratory science (MLS). You can search for a program that has beenaccreditedby the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) on that organizations website NAACLS Accredited and Approved Program Search. Medical laboratory technologists need a license to practice in some states.The Licensed Occupations Tool from CareerOneStopcan help you learn what the requirements are where you plan to work. You can also contact that states health department or board of professional licensing. Some states and many employers also require professionalcertification. Credentialing agencies include theAmerican Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certificationand the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS). WhatSoft SkillsDo You Need to Succeed in This Career? In addition to the technical skills you will learn in school and an aptitude for science , you will need the followingsoft skills- personal qualities you were born with or acquired through life experience- to succeed in this field Active Listening Excellent listening skills will allow you to communicate with patients and fellow medical personnel.Problem Solving You must be able to identify problems and solve them.Critical Thinking This skill will allow you to determine your options when making decisions or solving problems, compare them, and then choose the one with the most promising outcome.Attention to Detail Precision is of the utmost importance when conducting testing procedures.Reading Comprehension You must be able to understand and follow physicians written instructions. The Truth About Being a Medical Laboratory Technologist You will have to wear protective equipment and use procedures that mitigate your risk of coming into contact with infectious materials.If you work in a hospital or other facility that is open 24/7 your work hours may include evenings, overnights, weekends and holidays.Plan to spend a large part of yourday on your feet. Differences Between a Laboratory Technologist and a Laboratory Technician Medical laboratory technologist and laboratory technicianare related occupations that people often confuse with one another. They differ considerably regarding educational preparation and, subsequently, job duties. Because technologists must earn a bachelors degree, they have a much more extensive theoretical knowledge base than technicians, who need only an associate degree. Technicians collect, process, and analyze specimens. They perform lab procedures and maintain instruments.Medical laboratory technologists conduct the same procedures technicians do but also execute sophisticated analyses. They evaluate and interpret the results, conduct research and develop new methods (What is a Medical Laboratory Science Professional. ASCLS The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science). What Will Employers Expect From Y ou? Here are some requirements from job announcements onIndeed.com Ability to work independently and as part of a teamPersonal computer skills, including strong typing ability and proficient use of Microsoft OfficeMust be self-motivated and able to prioritize workMust be able to accommodate scheduling adjustments, off shifts, holiday, on-call, and weekend work assignmentsAbility to deal with problems involving several variablesStrong organizational skills Is This Occupation a Good Fit for You? A suitable career matches your personality, interests, and work-related values. A self assessment will let you find out if you have the traits that make this career a good fit. They are Interests(Holland Code) irk (Investigative, Realistic, Conventional)Personality Type(MBTI PersonalityTypes) ISTJWork-Related Values Support, Independence, Achievement Related Occupations TitleDescriptionMedian Annual Wage (2017)Minimum Required Education/TrainingPathologistAnalyzes patient specimens to diagnose the presence of diseases$208,000+Doctorate or post-doctoral studyRadiologic TechnologistPerforms CT scans, x rays, MRIs, and mammograms to help doctors diagnose illnesses and injuries$58,440Associate degree in radiographyPhlebotomistDraws patients blood$33,670Certificate or diploma from one-year postsecondary phlebotomy training programNuclear Medicine TechnologistUses PET and SPECT scans to help doctors diagnose diseases$75,660Associate or bachelors degree, or 12-month certificate in nuclear medicine technology Sources Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor,Occupational Outlook Handbook Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor,O*NETOnline(visited June 18, 2018).