How can i become medical technologist

Medical technology online programs are designed for students who have an existing background in the field. Some schools only accept students into their distance learning medical technology program if they are currently employed in a hospital or lab.

If you earn a specialized certificate, your coursework will be tailored to fit that focus area, such as in phlebotomy. Classes may include phlebotomy theory and lab, medical terminology and communication skills for health care. No matter which path you choose, you can expect to learn a wide range of skills. Medical technology courses focus heavily on clinical procedures, safety, lab testing, computer technology, professional ethics and equipment operation.

For example, if you prefer working on a close-knit team where you are relied on to complete tasks in a fast-paced environment, a surgical tech position in a hospital could be for you. Medical technicians can also enjoy an upward career trajectory. Most medical technicians work in hospitals, according to the U. Bureau of Labor Statistics. If you plan to work as a phlebotomist, your career path may lead you to a hospital, lab or donation facility. Some phlebotomists also travel to see patients.

Operating and delivery rooms at hospitals are where most surgical techs are necessary, but your career path may also lead you to outpatient care facilities or working with a surgeon who performs specialized surgeries. Medical technicians are responsible for a variety of tasks. Depending on the medical technician career path you follow, your duties may vary slightly.

Make sure needles and syringes are sterile and ready for first-time use. In other words, you need to adapt quickly and use different techniques to make patients feel comfortable. With the help of an undergraduate education, medical technologists can earn a decent salary. According to the U. Various factors—geographic location and experience level, to name a few—contribute to the type of pay you can earn as a medical technologist. Medical technology is a career path with advancement opportunities, which can boost your pay.

You might work toward a supervisor or senior role in the laboratory. A medical technology certification program evaluates your skill level and abilities as a medical technologist.

Many employers require or prefer that medical technologists and technicians have certification. The American Medical Technologists AMT is the certification agency that administers the exam to test your knowledge and skills. There are three different routes to become certified as medical technologist. Routes to Certified Med Tech Roles. The process is similar for medical technicians, but check with AMT for exact eligibility criteria. Twelve states require medical lab techs be licensed, according to the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science.

Medical technology online programs are designed for students who have an existing background in the field. Some schools only accept students into their distance learning medical technology program if they are currently employed in a hospital or lab. If you enroll in a program that requires that you already work in a lab or hospital, your hands-on work will be conducted there. Your didactic courses will be available online in the form of lecture notes, videos and other methods.

The school will work with you to find an appropriate location to conduct your clinical experiences, usually in your city or town. Those who work as medical laboratory scientists perform work that assists physicians in determining the correct course of action when treating patients; as such, these scientists have significant responsibilities and duties within the healthcare field. However, unlike physicians or other advanced healthcare professionals, medical laboratory scientists must only complete a four-year degree in order to practice in their field.

Healthcare is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the United States and careers are projected to be in abundance The BLS estimates that between and that clinical laboratory technologist and technician careers will grow at a rate of 7 percent, which is much faster than the national average at 4 percent BLS This equates to 24, fresh openings in the same time period. Nearly 70 percent of those positions will be in hospitals and laboratories BLS Ultimately, a career as a medical laboratory scientist can be rewarding for a number of reasons.

Anyone interested in pursuing this path should read further to become familiar with what to expect throughout the process. Read on to learn more about how to pursue a career in medical laboratory science as well as state licensure information. A medical laboratory scientist should possess certain key attributes in order to succeed in the field. The Mayo Clinic notes the following as important personal qualities that an aspiring medical laboratory scientist should possess:.

This is only a handful of the useful skills possessed by effective medical laboratory scientists. Many others may be important depending on the aim of the laboratory and the scope of position responsibilities. Ideally, the degree should be in a relevant field, such as clinical or medical laboratory science, biomedical science, or a life science program such as biology or biochemistry. Some MLS positions require applicants to have professional certification which is detailed below.

Before an individual can begin work as a medical laboratory scientist, he or she may choose to obtain certification as such from the American Society of Clinical Pathology ASCP , which certifies an individual as a medical laboratory scientist.

Because of this, it is important that aspiring medical laboratory scientists obtain all information necessary from their state of residence regarding licensure requirements. As the multiple eligibility pathway routes listed above show, there is no one set path that all individuals must follow in order to become a certified medical laboratory scientist. However, in general, certain steps will be the same for those interested in working in this field. The following is the most common path towards the MLS career.

To begin, students should obtain a high school diploma or a GED. One of these is a requirement for admissions into virtually all four-year colleges or universities and therefore are necessary for certification as a medical laboratory scientist.