What Are the Requirements To Become A Medical Laboratory Technologist?
Medical laboratory technologist is a career that will help you in providing quality healthcare to people. They handle blood, urine, and saliva samples using laboratory techniques. To be a medical laboratory technologist, you need to have a college degree in biomedical science. It would help if you also had experience working in a medical laboratory and with clinical data.
Once you have all of these qualifications, you can start your career as a medical laboratory technologist. While there are many different types of medical laboratory technologists, the most common ones are those who work in clinical laboratories.
Requirements for employment as a medical laboratory technologist vary by position. Still, generally, the skill set required includes knowledge of laboratory procedures and practices, good scientific understanding, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, strong attention to detail, and superb problem-solving abilities.
he following are general requirements for entrance into a medical laboratory technician program: high school diploma or equivalent (GED accepted), holding a valid license in one of the fifty U.S. states or Washington D.C., at least two years experience in a clinical laboratory setting, no felony convictions, promise to refrain from the use of illegal drugs.
To qualify for certification by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) as a medical laboratory technician (MLT), potential employees must meet minimum requirements, including passing an exam covering clinical lab techniques and standard safety procedures and possessing current CPR certification.
Skills generally required for employment as a medical laboratory technologist include excellent communication and interpersonal skills, strong attention to detail, and superb problem-solving abilities.
What is a Medical Laboratory Technologist?
What are the requirements to become a medical laboratory technologist?
To become a medical laboratory technologist, you will need a degree in biomedical science from an accredited college or university. You will then need to complete an accredited Medical Laboratory Technology program. After completing the program, you must pass the National Technological Accreditation Board (NTAB) certification exam.
What is the salary for a medical laboratory technologist?
Medical laboratory technologists typically earn between $50,000 and $70,000 per year.
Education Requirements for Medical Laboratory Technologists
Medical laboratory technologists (technologists in laboratories that perform medical tests) work in settings exposed to potentially harmful viruses and other diseases. Requirements for certification as a medical laboratory technician vary by state but typically include completing an accredited technology program and passing a licensing exam. Additional requirements may include having a certificate of competency in safety precautions or working under the supervision of a registered professional technologist.
Generally, medical laboratory technicians working with blood and body fluid samples must be vaccinated for hepatitis B, varicella-zoster virus, measles, mumps, rubella, and chicken pox. In addition, some states require workers to be vaccinated against the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that lab workers receive the INFANRIX vaccine series (up to three doses) if they have not been previously vaccinated or if their last vaccination occurred more than ten years ago.
Certification Requirements for Medical Laboratory Technologists
Generally, medical laboratory technicians working with blood and body fluid samples must be vaccinated for hepatitis B, varicella-zoster virus, measles, mumps, rubella, and chicken pox. In addition, some states require workers to be vaccinated against the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that lab workers receive the INFANRIX vaccine series (up to three doses) if they have not been previously vaccinated or if their last vaccination occurred more than ten years ago.
Job Opportunities for Medical Laboratory Technologists
Medical laboratory technologists perform various laboratory tests, including blood work, urine testing, and cancer screening. These technologists need a degree in medical technology or a related field and experience working with lab equipment. Often, they must also pass a certification exam.
Medical laboratory technicians can find jobs in hospitals and private clinics. In addition, many labs contract out their services to other businesses, such as drug companies and manufacturing plants. Certification can give you an edge in the job market.
Medical laboratory technologists usually earn a good salary, though the exact amount depends on experience and certification. Some opportunities may include voluntary work with blood drives or cancer screenings.
If you are interested in a career as a medical laboratory technician, your best bet is to learn as much as possible about the field. There are many online resources available, such as labs.org and labratmap.com. You can also contact your local American Society for Clinical Pathology or the American Nurses Association to learn more about the certification process.
