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Medical Technician Degrees
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What Does a Medical Laboratory Technician Do?
A medical laboratory technician performs most of the testing used in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases. These professionals examine and analyze bodily fluids, tissue, and cells. A medical laboratory technician also searches for bacteria, parasites, and other microorganisms, as well as analyzes the chemical content of these fluids. In addition, they match blood for transfusions and test for drug levels in the blood.
Medical laboratory technicians may prepare specimens and operate automated analyzers, or perform manual tests. These technicians are able to work in several areas of the clinical laboratory or specialize in just one. For example, histotechnicians cut and stain tissue specimens for microscopic examination by pathologists, and phlebotomists collect blood samples. A medical laboratory technician usually works under the supervision of medical and clinical laboratory technologists or managers.
Depending on the facility that a medical laboratory technician is employed with, some may work during the day, evening, or night shift, as well as weekends and holidays. These professionals may be on call several nights a week or even weekends, in case there's an emergency and their expertise is needed immediately.
Medical Laboratory Technician Training
If you are interested in becoming a medical laboratory technician, you will need to obtain at least an associate's degree from a university or college. You may also earn one of the appropriate certificates that are offered from many hospitals, technical schools, or one of the U.S. Armed Forces.
In some cases, individuals learn the necessary skills by on-the-job training. If you want to advance to becoming a technologist, you can obtain more formal education, as well as on-the-job experience.
