Medical
technologists perform essential laboratory testing that is critical to the
detection, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. They prepare and analyze
body tissues, blood and fluids for doctors and researchers in the
diagnosis of diseases. Most medical technologists are baccalaureate level
laboratorians that are educated as generalists in clinical laboratory
science. Their work includes the use of microscopes, chemicals, computers,
and complex laboratory equipment and instruments. They perform tests
in all sections of the laboratory including hematology, bacteriology,
chemistry, urinalysis, serology, immunohematology, forensic pathology,
immunology, and toxicology. Their work includes collecting blood specimen,
inoculating cultures needed to identify bacteria, monitoring the quality
control of tests and procedures, and reporting abnormal results to
pathologists or higher level medical technologists.
Medical technologists may also perform complex and sophisticated
laboratory analysis, evaluate the effects that a patients physiological
conditions have on the results of the test performed, confirm test results
and provide the physician with the necessary data to determine the
presence, extent, cause, and treatment of the disease. They must also
assume the responsibility for accurate results.
Work Environment:
Medical technologists are employed in hospital laboratories, clinics,
public health laboratories, research facilities, technical college and
university programs, pharmaceutical companies, industrial laboratories,
and the military.
High School Preparation:
Students interested in becoming a medical technologist should take courses
such as biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, computer skills,
English, health occupations/medical professions, physical education,
algebra and geometry.
College Requirements:
Medical technologists must complete a four year Bachelor Degree plus
additional clinical training. After completing all educational and
clinical requirements, medical technology candidates must pass a national
certification examination. Students interested in medical 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 technologist are expected to grow by
10 to 20 percent over the next ten years. This rate is equal to the
average growth for all occupations in the United States. Although the
aging population will increase the need for laboratory tests, advances in
technology is expected to make it possible for non-laboratory personnel to
conduct the more routine tests.
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Salary:
Average Annual Salary
$45,100
Salary Range
$37,600 to $50,300
Professional Organizations:
American Medical Technologists
10700 West
Higgins Road
Suite 150
Rosemont, IL 60018
Phone: (847) 823-5169
Fax: (847) 823-0458
Web:
www.amt1.com
The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science
7910 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 530
Bethesda, MD 20814
Phone: (301) 657-2768
Fax: (301) 657-2909
E-mail: ascls@ascls.org
Web: www.ascls.org
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