Medical Technology Job Training

Medical technologists assist doctors and nurses by performing tests on specimens in a laboratory. These tests include routine blood tests as well as screening tests for disease or abnormalities.

Job Description

Jobs in medical technology require a quick mind, good problem-solving skills, precision and the ability to work with complicated equipment. A strong interest in science and health is also an asset. Since many hospitals and clinics are open 24 hours a day, the job may require evening, weekend, overnight and holiday shifts.
 
Medical technology is one of the most diverse medical careers, with technologists working anywhere from blood banking to immunology to microbiology. Generally, medical technologists analyze samples of blood, spinal fluid, urine and other bodily fluids. Depending on the assignment, they check for bacteria, viruses and parasites. They may do routine drug testing or analyze blood samples to see how a patient is responding to medication. They also sort blood donations by type and match them to recipients for blood transfusions.
 
Technicians must be able to report their findings to doctors after studying a sample, so good oral and written communication is necessary for this career.

Salary Guide

The average medical technologist salary varies depending on location, education and experience. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, most technologists earn between $47,000 and $59,000 per year. The highest-paying jobs are with the federal executive branch, with the next best-paying jobs lying in hospitals and laboratories. Medical technologists who advance to supervisory or management positions can make upwards of $60,000 a year.

Education, Training and Work Experience

Medical technologists need at least an associate�s degree or a certificate from a hospital or vocational school. Although some technicians can be trained on the job, this is rare. Most colleges and universities also offer a four-year bachelors degree in medical technology. Coursework may include:
  • Biology
  • Business
  • Chemistry
  • Computer applications
  • Management
  • Mathematics
  • Statistics.
 
Some medical technologists may need to be licensed. Licensing requirements vary by state.

Career Advancement

Promotion to a supervisory position is an option for ambitious medical technologists. Supervisory jobs include chief laboratory technicians and laboratory managers. Some technologists choose to leave the lab setting and work in product development, sales or marketing for home-testing kits and lab equipment. Others teach certification courses at hospitals and schools.

Related Associations and Groups

There are many associations for medical technologists which support networking efforts and education. They include:
  • American Association of Bioanalysts
  • American Medical Technologists
  • American Society for Clinical Pathology
  • National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel.
 
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