What is a Medical
Technologist?
Medical Technologists (MT) are
clinical professionals working in hospitals, pu
blic or private laboratories, or other
health science-related institutions. They hold at least a baccalaureate degree
(B.S.), usually from a NAACLS-accredited MT program, and have passed a national
certification exam - the MT(ASCP) Exam. MTs are, in other words, highly skilled
professionals who are responsible for performing critical laboratory tests and reporting
their results to pathologists and other doctors. These test results greatly
influence the treatment a patient will receive.
An MT will work in areas such as
Blood Banking, Urinalysis, Hematology
(
analyzing and describing blood
cells; coagulation), Microbiology, Clinical
Chemistry/Toxicology, and Clinical Microscopy.
As such, important diagnostic tests and procedures are performed, often with the
aid of state-of-the-art equipment, and the test results passed on to the attending
pathologist or physician. Another area in which many MTs find themselves is
Laboratory Management; for this reason, coursework in business or management is a plus!
The job market for MTs can best be
described as "very bright" . Re
cent interns at one of our affiliated
hospitals all had more than one job offer, and all were hired even before their graduation
at the end of the internship year! Starting salaries average in the $35,000 range
for a new graduate. Some MTs go on to specialize in one of several areas of MT
(Blood banking,, Chemistry, Hematology, Immunology, Microbiology), or obtain their
Laboratory Management Diplomate (DLM). Others return to school for graduate degrees.
Is Medical Technology for you?
Consider this..... There is currently a
NATIONAL
shortage of board-certified Medical Technologists, a
situation that is likely to worsen in the short run. The Bureau of Labor
Statistics estimates that just over 4000 graduates will enter the job market in
the next 8 years, a shortfall of 200% of the expected demand (AMT)!!
Consequently, starting salaries are rising
steadily ( ~ $35,000). [Link
to the AMA's Salary page]. Most Med Tech graduates have had multiple
job offers by the time they finished their
program! Medical Technologists are highly
trained professionals with employment opportunities
in industry (Avon, Kodak, Westinghouse) and in hospitals.
For more information about various Clinical Laboratory
Science professions, please visit the NAACLS
web site, the American Medical Association's Allied
Health Pages, or the ASCP links below.
Interested in more?
Please contact me.
American Medical Technologists
The
Medical Technologist - Career Resource flyer (ASCP)
Careers in the Medical
Laboratory - overview (ASCP)
This page was last updated on 07/09/13
.
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