Medical Laboratory Technologist

A medical laboratory technologist, also referred to as clinical laboratory scientist or medical laboratory scientist, are a big part of a health care team. Medical laboratory technologists primarily study and practice diagnostic medicine by generating accurate and reliable test results in chemistry, hematology, immunology, immunohematology, and microbiology. A medical laboratory technologists typically collect samples and perform tests to analyze body fluids such as blood and urine, tissue, and other substances (UND.edu). A medical laboratory technologist must possess important qualities to be successful in this career. One very important quality that a medical laboratory technologist must possess is the ability to use technology. The reason why a medical laboratory technologist must be able to use technology is because they have to operate sophisticated laboratory equipment, such as microscopes, cell counters, and automated equipment. Another quality that a medical laboratory technologist must possess is dexterity or the skill to work with their hands. They work very closely with needles and precise laboratory instruments. They must be able to handle these tools effectively. The last important quality that a medical laboratory technologist must possess is physical
stamina. Medical laboratory technologists work on their feet for long periods of time. They may also need to lift or turn disabled patients to collect samples for testing (bls.gov). A medical laboratory technologist must be able to relate to people, must be calm and have reasonable judgment, and is able to demonstrate a commitment to patients. A medical laboratory technologist should have good communication skills to interact with other members of the health care team, external relations, customer service, and patients. They must demonstrate ethical and moral attitudes to gain and maintain confidence of patients, professional associates and the community (UND.edu). Medical laboratory technologists typically need a bachelor’s degree. A bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory technology includes courses in chemistry, biology, microbiology, mathematics, statistics, clinical laboratory skills, and management. Some states require laboratory personnel to be licensed before they start working. To be licensed, a technologist needs a bachelor’s degree and must pass an exam. A medical laboratory scientist may pursue higher education to advance further in this career, such as getting a Master of Science, Master of Business Administration, Master of Health Administration or Doctor of Philosophy. Medical laboratory technologists are trained to work with infectious specimens and specimens that can produce fumes. They are trained to follow methods to control infections and sterilize equipment so that few hazards can exist. They are also trained to wear protective masks, gloves, and googles for their safety and protection (UND.edu) Medical laboratory technologists in small laboratories perform many types of tests, while in larger laboratories, a medical laboratory technologist can specialize in several areas.
Immunohematology technologists collect blood, classify it by type, and are involved with blood transfusions. Clinical chemistry technologists analyze the chemical and hormonal contents of body fluids such as urine and blood. Cytotechnologists examine body cells for abnormalities. Immunology technologists examine the human immune system. Microbiology technologists identify bacteria and other microorganisms. Lastly, molecular biology technologists perform complex protein and nucleic acid tests on cell samples
(bls.gov). Opportunities of employment can exist not only in hospitals and clinics, but also in the armed forces, physician offices, government agencies, industries, and research facilities. About 50 percent of medical laboratory technologists in 2012 worked in the general medical and surgical hospitals, either state, local, and/or private. 17 percent worked in medical and diagnostic laboratories, 10 percent worked in offices of physicians, and 5 percent worked at colleges, universities, and professional schools. Medical laboratory technologists work full time. Technologists who work in hospitals and independent laboratories work around the clock. They can work evenings, weekends, and overnight hours (UND.edu). Medical laboratory technologist’s employment is projected to grow about 14 percent from 2012 to 2022. The growth of the employment of medical laboratory technologists is due to an increase of aging population. The increase of aging population will lead to a greater need to diagnose medical conditions through laboratory procedures. This is why there is an increase of demand of medical laboratory technologists to work equipment needed for diagnosis and treatment. Federal health legislation will more than likely increase the number of patients who can have access to health insurance. This will increase patients’ access to medical care. As a result of the increase, the demand for the services of medical laboratory technologists will increase (bls.gov). The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. In May 2012, the hourly wage was about $22.99 and the median annual wage for medical laboratory technologists was $57,580. 10 percent earned less than $39,580, and 10 percent earned more than $78,900 (bls.gov).