Become A Medical Laboratory Tech - Medical Laboratory Technician

Guide To Becoming A Medical Laboratory Tech

A medical laboratory tech is a lab expert who works in testing things like tissue samples, body fluids and blood samples to help the doctor diagnose the patient. It is also important to check for any drugs in the patient's body, checking for blood transfusion donors and looking for any parasites in the cells.

It is a role that is under the supervision of a physician or medical technologist, and it is a crucial component of the medical field. If working in this setting interests you, look into how to begin this challenging career.

Steps to Complete Education

Step 1: Complete high school or get a GED. Take as many science courses as possible in high school, focusing on biology, chemistry and physics.

Step 2: Apply to an accredited clincial laboratory technician program. To become a technician, you only need to attain a certificate in 1 year or an associate's degree in 2, and there are about 479 accredited institutes in the US to choose from, many of which are online. Look for a program that offers a strong clinical lab component and that will adequately prepare you to sit your certification exam.

Step 3: Complete your coursework and practical training. You will have to complete some general courses in things like sociology, psychology, ethics and communication, and then take specialized studies in phlebotomy, urinalysis, hematology, coagulation, immunization, physiology and microbiology. You will then practice your lab skills by getting clinical experience in a lab.

Step 4: Go for your certification. The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) and the American Medical Technologist (AMT) both offer national certification exams, and although it is not mandatory in every state, being certified is appealing to employers because you are demonstrating your level of competency, which will therefore open more opportunities for you.

Step 5: Maintain your certification with continuing education. The amount of continuing education credits you will require varies based on the state you're on and the level of work you are doing in the lab, so look into specific obligations.

Once you have completed all of your training and necessary certification, a medical laboratory tech is a position that is in high demand and is expected to increase by 10-20% in the next 8 years due to the rise in the senior population and the need for health care. Now is the perfect time to join this profession.

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