How to Become a Medical Lab Technician
Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of a Medical Lab Technician
What does a Medical Lab Technician do?
A Medical Lab Technician performs a variety of routine and specialized diagnostic medical lab tests as requested by healthcare staff according to established protocols and procedures. Prepares specimens for microscopic examination or testing procedures. Being a Medical Lab Technician operates automated laboratory instrumentation and equipment. Performs quality control and assurance procedures. Additionally, Medical Lab Technician records lab results in specified system. Follows all required privacy, safety, and biohazard procedures and standards. Requires an associate degree in laboratory technology, science or equivalent. Requires valid certification or eligibility for certification exam as Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) from ASCP or AMT. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. The Medical Lab Technician works under moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. To be a Medical Lab Technician typically requires 1-3 years of related experience.
This line of work allows you to work in the medical field without all the demands of many other jobs.
In this line of work, you’ll help a doctor or other healthcare professional perform and read medical tests to diagnose health conditions and diseases.
If you like working in labs and performing tests, then this job should be right up your alley.
While you might think that becoming a medical lab technician would require years and years of schooling, that’s not the case.
All this being said, you do not necessarily have to have an associate’s degree to become a medical lab technician.
Step 2: Learn best tips to become a Medical Lab Technician
Best tips for those who want to become a Medical Lab Technician
Here are some tips to become a Medical Lab Technician.
Medical lab technician interview question.
Take the ASCP certification exam.
DETERMINE IF BECOMING A LAB TECHNICIAN IS RIGHT FOR YOU.
OBTAIN A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA WITH NECESSARY COURSEWORK.
COMPLETE AN ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE.
Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Medical Lab Technician
Best colleges and universities for Medical Lab Technician
- Butler University
- Carroll College
- Cooper Union
- High Point University
- Princeton University
- Providence College
Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be a Medical Lab Technician
Is being a Medical Lab Technician Worth it?
This diploma course helps the candidate to become a medical lab technologist and get responsible positions in medical facilities.
Medical laboratory technicians also play an important role in collecting the information needed, sampling, testing, reporting and documentation of these investigations.
According to the College Board, a medical lab technology job requires its practitioners to be logical and precise, with a curiosity in medicine, science and technology.
In an increasingly computerised industry, a medical lab technologist should be capable of using computers and digital equipment and comfortable with understanding new technologies.
Fusion Medical Staffing provides career opportunities to healthcare professionals by helping facilities fill their staffing needs.
Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a Medical Lab Technician
What skills do you need to be a Medical Lab Technician?
Every role has basic skill requirements for success, from supporting level roles to management roles. These skills will be utilized daily within this role: Aseptic Technique, Blood Samples, Clinical Laboratory Testing, Laboratory Equipment Operation, Laboratory Practice Quality Assurance (LPQA), Laboratory Results Reporting, Medical Laboratory Record Management, Microscopy. They may seem basic, but some of the more fundamental skills required for this role include: Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) Software. When applying for this job, it is important to consider these skills, as well as any others you feel would be necessary to succeed.
The medical laboratory technician also needs proficiency in various technological areas.
It also includes a knowledge of medical software such as electronic medical record (EMR) software, test-routing software, test result delivery software and laboratory information system (LIS) software.
Because medical laboratory technicians often work in laboratory environments with other technicians, they need effective communication skills also.
In some cases, technicians may collaborate on various projects or assignments and need to be able to effectively convey their procedures and the results of their findings to other technicians.
They also need to be able to communicate with physicians, patients and other medical personnel regarding their findings.
Step 6: View average salary for Medical Lab Technician
How much does a Medical Lab Technician make?
The average salary range for a Medical Lab Technician is from $46,916 to $59,870. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.
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Average salary for Medical Lab Technician jobs
Step 7: Find relevant Medical Lab Technician jobs, and apply.
Looking for Medical Lab Technician jobs?
Here are some Medical Lab Technician jobs in the United States.