Kim Lee | April 2nd, 2024
Have you ever wondered what happens to your blood sample after you give it at the doctor’s office? Or how the lab determines if you have an infection? Medical technologists, also known as med techs, lab technicians, or med technicians, are the professionals who work behind the scenes in medical laboratories to perform these essential tests.
Medical technologists are highly trained scientists who use cutting-edge technology to diagnose and treat diseases. They play a vital role in the healthcare system by helping doctors to provide accurate and timely diagnoses to their patients.
In this blog post, we will provide a beginner’s guide to the profession of medical technology. We will discuss the different types of medical technologists, the skills and training required, and the job outlook.
What is a medical technologist?
A medical technologist is a healthcare professional who performs laboratory tests to diagnose and treat diseases. They use a variety of equipment and techniques to analyze blood, urine, tissue, and other bodily specimens.
Medical technologists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, reference laboratories, and research institutions. They may specialize in a particular area of medical technology, such as clinical chemistry, hematology, microbiology, or blood banking.
Types of medical technologists
There are three main types of medical technologists:
- Clinical chemists: Clinical chemists analyze blood and other bodily fluids to measure the levels of various chemicals, such as glucose, cholesterol, and electrolytes. They use this information to diagnose and monitor diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease.
- Hematologists: Hematologists analyze blood and bone marrow to diagnose and monitor blood disorders, such as anemia, leukemia, and lymphoma.
- Microbiologists: Microbiologists study microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. They use this knowledge to diagnose and treat infections.
Skills and training required
To become a medical technologist, you must complete a bachelor’s degree in medical technology or a related field. Many medical technologists also choose to pursue a master’s degree or PhD in medical technology or a related field.
In addition to their academic training, medical technologists must also complete a clinical internship. This internship provides them with hands-on experience in a medical laboratory.
Once they have completed their education and training, medical technologists must pass a national certification exam. This exam ensures that they have the necessary knowledge and skills to practice medical technology safely and effectively.
Job Outlook
The job outlook for medical technologists is very good. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of medical technologists will grow 11% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.
This growth is due to a number of factors, including the aging population, the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, and the growing demand for medical testing.
Benefits of being a medical technologist
There are many benefits to being a medical technologist. Here are just a few:
- Job satisfaction: Medical technologists play a vital role in the healthcare system and help to improve the lives of patients.
- Good salary: Medical technologists earn a good salary. The median annual salary for medical technologists in 2020 was $62,460.
- Job security: The job outlook for medical technologists is very good.
- Benefits: Medical technologists typically receive benefits such as health insurance, dental insurance, and vision insurance.
Medical technologists are highly skilled and trained professionals who play a vital role in the healthcare system. They use cutting-edge technology to diagnose and treat diseases, helping doctors to provide accurate and timely diagnoses to their patients.
If you are interested in a career in medical technology, there are many resources available to help you get started. You can learn more about the profession, find educational programs, and connect with other medical technologists by visiting the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) website.
If you aren’t already heading to your next assignment, let’s chat! 😊
Email [email protected] to get connected with a recruiter!
Apply Here to get started today!