If you enjoy science, are a good problem solver, have strong analytical skills and working with laboratory equipment, you will likely enjoy a career as a Medical Laboratory Technician. Medical Lab Techs study cells and bodily fluids in a laboratory setting. Technicians handle the less-technical aspects of the tasks related to lab work; they prepare samples and typically work with automated analyzers.
Job:
As a Medical Lab Tech, you will probably work in a hospital lab under a medical technologist’s close supervision. You might also find work in a public health lab, a university, pharmaceutical company or the military as well. If you do work in a hospital, you will be required to work various shifts as most are open 24 hours a day.
You will need excellent oral and written communication skills and be able to work under pressure in this field of medicine.
Your assignments will likely include the following:
- Analyzing samples for bacteria
- Monitoring tests
- Preparing blood (or other fluid) samples for testing
- Studying the chemical makeup of specimens
- Testing drug levels in blood
- Typing and matching donated blood for transfusions
Salary:
Your salary will depend on where you are working and how much experience you have; according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, you will earn an average salary of about $35,000. With experience, many lab techs earn $52,000 or more.
Education:
To work in a medical laboratory, you will need to earn an associate’s degree in medical laboratory technology. The program you choose will include hands-on clinical experience in addition to your coursework. After you complete your courses, you will need to take an exam to become certified by the National Certification Agency for Medical Laboratory Personnel.
Associations:
- American Medical Technologists
- National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians
- National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel
Thu, Apr 8, 2010
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