Laboratory tests have become increasingly important in the detection,
diagnosis, and treatment of many illnesses and diseases. Medical
laboratory technicians, also called clinical laboratory technicians,
perform routine laboratory procedures on blood, tissue, and other bodily
fluids using instruments such as microscopes, chemicals, computers, and
complex laboratory equipment. They usually perform these duties under the
supervision of a medical laboratory scientist, pathologist, or other
professionals that specialize in biological sciences. The technician has
knowledge of specific techniques and instruments and is able to recognize
factors that directly affect procedures and results. Medical laboratory
technicians can specialize in one of five different areas: blood banking,
chemistry, hematology, immunology, or microbiology. They are also called
upon to report lab results to other medical personnel, maintain equipment,
and maintain laboratory records. This career path requires patience and
precision and the ability to work well under pressure.
Work Environment:
Most medical laboratory technicians work in hospital laboratories. Other
places of employment are public health laboratories, reference
laboratories, biomedical companies, universities, industrial medical
laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, forensic medicine, and the armed
forces.
High School Preparation:
Students interested in pursuing a career as a medical laboratory
technician should concentrate on subjects such as algebra, geometry,
biology, chemistry, physics, computer skills, English, health
occupations/medical professions education, and physical education.
College Requirements:
Students entering a medical laboratory technician program should have a
high school diploma or equivalent. Individuals must complete an Associate
Degree program in medical laboratory technology that includes clinical
training. After completing this program, candidates must pass a national
certification examination given by the Board of Registry of the American
Society of Clinical Pathologists, the National Certification Agency for
Medical Laboratory Personnel, or the American Medical Technologists. It is
recommended that a counselor be consulted for advice on the certification
process. Students interested in medical laboratory technology should
contact schools for information on admission and course of study.
For educational institutions in
Mississippi
offering this course of study
click here.
Career Outlook:
Employment opportunities for medical laboratory technicians are expected
to increase 10% to 20% over the next eight years. The rapidly growing
older population will be one reason for this growth, since older people
tend to have more medical problems that will require lab work. New and
exciting advancements in technology will also add to a rise in employment
in this sector. As in most occupations, many openings will result from the
need to replace workers who transfer to other companies, retire, or stop
working for some other reason.
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Salary:
Average Annual Salary
$32,400
Salary Range
$24,700-$38,300
Professional Organizations:
American Society for Clinical
Laboratory Science
7910 Woodmont Avenue
Suite 530
Bethesda, MD 20814
Phone: (301) 657-2768
www.ascls.org
American Society of Clinical Pathologists
2100 W Harrison Street
Chicago, IL 60612-3798
Phone: (312) 738-1336
www.ascp.org
American Medical Technologists
10700 West
Higgins Road
Suite 150
Rosemont, IL 60018
Phone: (847) 823-5169
Fax: (847) 823-0458
Web:
www.amt1.com
Mississippi Society for Clinical Laboratory Science
The University of Mississippi
Medical Center
2500 North State Street
Jackson, MS 39216-4505
Phone: (601) 984-6300
http://shrp.umc.edu
Download our
Medical Laboratory Technician brochure
here.
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