Medical Laboratory Technologist Schools, Salaries, and Job Data
Medical Laboratory Technologists Job Overview
Medical laboratory technologists carry out complex biological, hematological, immunologic, microscopic and bacteriological tests to help detect, diagnose and treat diseases. They microscopically examine blood and other body fluids, make cultures of body fluid and tissue samples and determine the presence of bacteria, parasites, fungi or other micro-organisms. They may also use various types of computer-controlled equipment to run tests. They also make sure that the equipment is maintained and calibrated to ensure accurate results. Medical laboratory technologists in small laboratories perform many types of tests, whereas those in large laboratories generally specialize in one or two types.
Medical Laboratory Technologists Schools and Degrees
Medical laboratory technologists usually have a bachelor's degree in medical technology or a life science, which consist of courses in chemistry, biology and statistics. They also learn how to conduct and supervise complex medical tests. Hospitals and four-year colleges offer training programs. Some of them have a combination of formal training, on-the-job training and special training. The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act requires technologists who perform highly complex tests have an associate’s degree.
The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences fully accredits about 470 programs for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, medical and clinical laboratory technicians, histotechnologists and histotechnicians, cytogenetic technologists and diagnostic molecular scientists. NAACLS also approves about 60 programs in phlebotomy and clinical assisting. Other nationally recognized agencies that accredit specific areas for medical laboratory workers include the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.
Job Requirements
With the increasing use of computer technology, medical technologists are required to have more analytical skills. The complexity of tests, the level of judgment needed and the amount of responsibility they assume depend largely on the amount of education and experience they possess. They should possess good communication skills so that listeners can understand and make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
Nature of Work
Medical laboratory technologists usually work in well-lighted and clean environments. However, specimens, solutions and reagents used in laboratories may sometimes produce fumes. They are trained to work with contagious specimens. Protective masks, gloves and goggles are often necessary to ensure safety. They might have to spend a lot of time standing and their work hours vary with the size of the laboratory. In large hospitals or in independent laboratories that operate continuously, they may work day, evening or overnight shifts, and may have to work on weekends and holidays as well.
Medical Laboratory Technologists Jobs and Outlook
According to research in 2006, medical laboratory technologists held about 167,000 jobs in the U.S. That number is expected to grow by 14% in the next ten years. Employment is the highest in the following industries:
Colleges, universities, and professional schools
Federal Government
General medical and surgical hospitals
Medical and diagnostic laboratories
Offices of physicians
The mean hourly wage for medical laboratory technologists in the U.S. is about $25.20, while the mean annual wages are around $52,410.
Job Numbers and Growth
There are an estimated 167,000 medical laboratory technologists nationally. Most recently, workers have experienced a very low level of joblessness. An estimated 2% of employees did not have employment in 2008.
Area Job Conditions
Medical laboratory technologists -of-a-feather seem to flock to Burlington (North Carolina), Durham (North Carolina), and Gainesville (Florida). They are less likely to be found around Reading (Pennsylvania), Santa Cruz (California), and Myrtle Beach (South Carolina).
Compensation of workers is best in Salinas (California), San Jose (California), and Santa Barbara (California), and much worse in New Bedford (Massachusetts), Reading (Pennsylvania), and Spartanburg (South Carolina).
Training and Education
Employees often find employers are looking for a bachelor's degree. Medical laboratory technologists, in 51% of cases, have bachelor's degree or higher. After high school, 35% of workers pursued some additional career education. Employees, in 14% of cases, had only a high school education. Recommended schools are shown in the column to the right; request information from them to help you decide which if any could help you with this career.
Part-Time Work and Self-Employment
Medical laboratory technologists employed part-time are 14% of the total. Workers, in about 1% of cases, work for themselves.
Medical Laboratory Technologists by Metropolitan Area (city and its surroundings)
In the table below, a Job Density near 0% means the area has an average number of people in this occupation, for its population. A higher or lower Job Density (e.g., +22% or -45%) tells you there are that many more or fewer workers of that type there than in the average US metro area. So, the higher the number, the more common the occupation.
Schools recommended for people interested in this career. Request info with quick online forms. These particular schools are noted for getting back to people fast.
Schools recommended for people interested in this career. Request info with quick online forms. These particular schools are noted for getting back to people fast.