Medical Technologist
A Medical Technologist is a healthcare professional who conducts high-level medical testing and analysis in laboratories, primarily to diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases. These specialists ensure the accuracy of their tests by meticulously calibrating laboratory equipment, maintaining a sterile environment, and demonstrating strong organizational skills. Most commonly employed in hospitals, medical testing companies, and research facilities, medical technologists may focus on specific substances or work with various materials, depending on the size of their workplace. Typical duties include preparing tissue samples, maintaining testing machinery, and analyzing clinical substances using sophisticated equipment. Medical technologists play a critical role in documenting test findings, which are then used by medical professionals for diagnosis. To become a medical technologist, individuals typically need a bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory technology or a related field, alongside relevant coursework in biology, chemistry, and mathematics. The profession attracts those with a strong interest in science, problem-solving abilities, and a detail-oriented mindset, making it well-suited for individuals who thrive in structured, technical environments.
Medical Technologist
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Health Science
Interests: Science, mathematics, research, solving problems, analyzing data
Earnings (Yearly Median): $60,780 per year $29.22 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 5% (Faster than average)
Entry-Level Education Bachelor's degree
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-Training None
Overview
Medical technologists perform high-level medical testing and analysis in laboratories and other clinical settings. Most testing performed by medical technologists is intended to diagnose, treat, and prevent disease, although technologists may also work in medical research, testing, and development. A major responsibility of medical technologists is to ensure the accuracy of the tests they conduct. Accuracy assurance entails precisely calibrating highly technical laboratory equipment, maintaining the cleanliness of the technician’s environment, and intricate administrative organizational skills.
Sphere of Work. Hospitals, medical testing companies, and research facilities employ the majority of medical technologists. Technologists employed by large hospitals and laboratories usually specialize in analyzing one particular body fluid, tissue, or other specific substance. Those employed by smaller hospitals and testing laboratories may work with, collect, and test different materials every day. Medical technologists can also be classified into numerous laboratory-related occupational subsets and disciplines, including blood bank technologists and phlebotomists, critical chemistry, immunology, and molecular biology.
Work Environment. Medical technologists work almost exclusively in clinical and laboratory settings. Technologists specializing in blood or tissue collection, however, may work remotely or at different sites depending on the particular nature of their employment. Medical technologists employed by emergency medical personnel and criminal investigation units may be required to collect, test, and take samples at varying locations daily. In contrast, those employed in hospitals and other clinical environments work with samples provided by doctors, researchers, and other technicians.
Occupation Interest. Medical technology and testing generally attract students and professionals passionate about science and math and for identifying, researching, and solving complex problems. Many medical technologists possess a strong investigative nature, patience, organizational skills, and a desire to find facts and solve problems rationally. Professionals interested in a career as a medical technologist are also comfortable with procedure and routine, and they are comfortable working long hours with segments of data and particular details rather than with open-ended, creative concepts. Prospective medical technologists should also have strong attention to detail, sharp analytical thinking skills, and a high tolerance for stress.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Medical technologists’ daily duties and responsibilities can be categorized into three major concentrations, regardless of their particular specialization or area of expertise:
Preparing tissue samples for evaluation involves handling potentially toxic and infectious material carefully. Technologists must ensure their safety and prevent sample contamination, which could influence test results and lead to incorrect treatment options or other clinical actions. The constant upkeep and sanitization of laboratory testing machinery and laboratory materials is paramount to avoiding contaminating or damaging test findings.
Testing blood and other clinical substances demands precise monitoring and manipulation of complex and sophisticated medical testing equipment. Depending on their level of expertise and specific employment arena, medical technologists may be required to operate software programs, various testing machines, computer programs, and laboratory equipment.
The most important role of medical technologists is to illustrate and document findings from test results. Findings are generally conducted independently of any contribution from medical practitioners. The role of medical technologists is not to diagnose, treat, or prevent diseases in patients; medical technologists offer unbiased facts regarding testing results that medical professionals then utilize to make diagnoses.
Immunohematologists (078.221-010). Immunohematologists perform tests, recommend blood problem solutions to doctors, and serve as consultants to blood banks and the community.
Histotechnologists (078.261-030). Histotechnologists prepare sections of human or animal tissue for immediate examination of specimens received from surgery.
Hemotherapists (078.261-042). Hemotherapists collect blood components and provide therapeutic treatments, such as replacement of plasma or removal of white blood cells, to patients and donors.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Laboratory settings predominate. Findings may be documented in administrative settings that are independent of labs.
Human Environment. Medical technologists tend to work alone, although collaboration with others regarding certain tests is not uncommon. Medical technologists may also consult with outside sources or fellow technologists to troubleshoot any issues.
Technological Environment. Medical technologists must be well-versed in medical software like eClinicalWorks electronic health record (EHR) software, laboratory information software, test result delivery software, and a wide array of laboratory equipment and relevant procedures. These include chemical analyzers, portable coagulation systems, and flame photometers.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. Students interested in a career as a medical technologist should take an extensive array of coursework related to biology, anatomy, mathematics, physical science, and computer science. Coursework in chemistry and life sciences is also extremely beneficial. Independent study or participation in science fairs can provide an important background on topics related to both medicine and technology.
Postsecondary. The majority of entry-level positions in medical technology require a bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory technology or a related field. Undergraduate medical technology students study the six main facets of clinical laboratory science. These disciplines include chemistry, hematology, immunohematology, serology, microbiology, and urinalysis. College coursework related to medical technology also includes instruction and hands-on experience in instrument maintenance, data entry, retrieval and examination, and quality control. Several colleges and universities in the United States offer master’s programs in medical technology. Graduate students in the field work to develop innovations in the technology, methods, and techniques used in testing and data analysis.
Related Occupations
− Medical Laboratory Technician
Bibliography
“Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians.” Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/clinical-laboratory-technologists-and-technicians.htm. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
"Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technologists." My Next Move, 2024, www.mynextmove.org/profile/summary/29-2011.00. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
"What Is a Medical Technologist--Career Guide." University of Arizona Online, 5 Sept. 2023, online.arizona.edu/news/what-medical-technologist-career-guide. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.