How to Become a Medical Lab Technician & Education

Medical lab technicians have a fulfilling career in what some may call behind-the-scenes of the healthcare profession. It’s a perfect option for students who find research intriguing and appreciate the idea of carrying out tests. How to become a medical technician requires a few steps. For example, a medical lab assistant program provides the foundational information and abilities required to work in a diagnostic laboratory. With a degree in this field, you will be able to work in a lab technician position.

Becoming a medical laboratory technician has numerous benefits. One advantage is the potential for employment. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an annual average of 25,900 job opportunities for medical laboratory technologists and technicians. It’s difficult to assume that employment for qualified employees in this field would soon decline, given the industry’s remarkable expansion.

Are you eager to become a medical lab technician? If this seems ideal, then keep reading to unravel the essential steps required to enter the field.

What is a Medical Lab Technician?

Medical lab technicians, sometimes called clinical lab technicians, analyze blood fluids and tissues using lab instruments and test processes. Further, they use their findings to diagnose and treat medical diseases correctly. Medical lab technicians typically work under the direction of laboratory managers, lab technologists, and physicians. In addition, they work in hospital laboratories, clinics, and medical labs.

They remain an integral member of the healthcare team, and doctors cannot effectively diagnose patients without their assistance. Although they occasionally interact directly with patients, most day-to-day tasks and responsibilities are behind the scenes.

What Does a Medical Lab Technician Do?

Before patients can receive medical therapy, healthcare specialists must diagnose their condition correctly. Because many distinctive illnesses and treatments might have conflicting symptoms.

Above all, medical laboratory technician responsibilities and daily activities involve:

Creating the reagents or solutions to be utilized with the samples
Obtaining samples of patients’ blood, tissue, or other substances
Establishing, operating, cleaning, calibrating, and evaluating the cleanliness of lab apparatus

Furthermore, MLTs must correlate blood types for transfusions. They analyze the chemical makeup of secretions or look at immune system components. Also, they use advanced laboratory equipment to look for bacteria, parasites, and other microbes in their samples.

How to Become a Medical Lab Technician

With your current understanding of the duties of medical lab technicians, you certainly want to know what qualifications are required. According to BLS, many medical lab technicians have an associate’s degree in clinical laboratory science or a closely related field.

Interestingly, candidates can finish most medical lab tech degrees in as little as 24 months. An MLT program will provide a thorough understanding of the industry. Below is a preview of what to anticipate and the steps to take to become a medical lab technician:

1. Obtain a high school degree

To be eligible for a certificate or degree program, you must have a high school diploma or the equivalent. Chemistry, physics, biology, and health vocations are important high school introductory subjects.

2. Register in a degree program for medical laboratory technicians

Enrolling in an MLT associate’s degree program at an accredited college is an essential step in a new profession as a medical lab technician. One option is to enroll in a NAACLS accredited MLT program online. In fact, almost all students receive acceptance into MLT programs.

3. Earn the Medical Lab Technician Associate’s Degree

The coursework will primarily teach students what is necessary to become skilled lab technicians. Nevertheless, a robust general education curriculum in disciplines like English, science, and math is also required. During an MLT program, students will familiarize themselves with the samples and tests they will be handling, including how they fit into a broader scheme of treating and managing patients.

Before earning the MLT degree, you will spend time conducting supervised lab work in a live clinical setting.

4. Get Certification From One of the Top Accredited Agencies

Students are qualified to take a board examination from any MLT certifying organization once they have earned an associate’s degree. While it’s not often necessary to have a medical lab technician certification, many businesses will only recruit those who are certified. Therefore it’s worth it to become fully licensed. Furthermore, the certifying agencies you should consider are the American Medical Technologists and the American Society for Clinical Pathology.

5. Obtain a State Licensure

Anyone working in laboratories requires a license, though criteria vary depending on the type of facility and the state. Contact the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science or the state’s health department for further information. The ASCLS offers specifics of MLT licensure in each state.

What is Required to Become a Medical Lab Technician?

According to the BLS, an associate degree in clinical laboratory sciences or a BS in medical laboratory technology are the minimum academic requirements for lab technicians. A 1-year certificate program can help medical professionals who have previously obtained an associate’s degree, such as nurses, acquire the necessary skills.

MLT License / Certification

A medical laboratory technician license enables practitioners to report their test findings and carry out phlebotomy. For instance, clinical lab tests considered moderately complex or waived under Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments. However, the following tests cannot be performed by MLTs, because the CLIA regards them as high complexity:

Crossmatch procedures
Direct antiglobulin test
Identification and detection of antibody tests

Why is an MLT License/Certification Necessary?

Even though it’s not a prerequisite, several organizations favor applicants who have obtained certification from a professional association. MLT certification demonstrates to prospective employers that you’re knowledgeable and skilled. Certification validates competence in performing standard medical lab tests.

How to Get a Medical Lab Technician License

According to the American Society for Clinical Pathology, existing MLTs must meet the following requirements to be qualified professionals:

A 4-year bachelor’s degree that is accredited;
1-semester of math and one semester each of chemistry and biological science;
Practitioners must have 2-years of recent full-time approved clinical lab expertise in specific disciplines.

Education Admission Requirements for an Online Medical Lab Technician Degree

Depending on the school, candidates must meet the following requirements before enrolling in online MLT programs:

Official academic transcripts from a recent institution attended, along with documentation of required education (e.g., physics, chemistry, biology)
Excellent GPA (e.g., >3.0)
Application essays or Statement of purpose (500-600 words)
Exam results (e.g., SAT, ACT, GRE, or TOEFL for ESL students)
Application fee (if applicable)

Note: Please be aware that certain programs may require interviews, clinical portfolio samples, and recommendation letters from workplaces or lecturers.

Online MLT Programs

1. Phlebotomist

A phlebotomy technician’s main responsibility is gathering blood samples. They ensure quality and follow patient safety procedures to support stringent standards and professional practice behavior for phlebotomists.

A phlebotomy certificate prepares students to sit for the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification Phlebotomy Technician Exam. A GED or post-graduate diploma is a prerequisite. In addition, it takes 14 weeks to complete the program in most colleges.

2. Clinical Chemistry

Clinical chemists conduct research and laboratory techniques, aiding doctors in making an accurate diagnoses and customizing patient care. MLTs in clinical chemistry labs perform a broad range of biological investigations in an automated workplace environment.

A bachelor’s degree opens doors to entry-level positions in medical and clinical chemistry jobs, such as lab technicians. To become a researcher, you’ll need to earn a doctoral or medical degree.

3. Hematology

Hematology is the study of blood disorders. In medicine, hematologists are board-certified healthcare professionals with specialized training in analyzing blood components. In brief, they use their findings to detect abnormalities or problems in blood sample specimens.

All aspiring hematologists must have a bachelor’s degree in anatomy, biology, pre-medicine, or other science disciplines. Candidates must also excel in the first phase of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). Furthermore, understanding medical theories and concepts is a core area tested on this exam.

4. Clinical Microbiology

This field of research examines how micro-and macro-organisms interact under pathological and normal conditions. The process is done through biomechanics, describing treatment until recovery.

Full-time students complete the program in 1-year, while it takes part-time students 2-year to complete course units and associated research projects. To enter a master’s program in clinical microbiology, students must have obtained an undergraduate degree in one of the following:

Microbiology
Biomedical sciences
Medical laboratory sciences
Biology academic degrees that integrate elements of Microbiology and human biology

5. Molecular Diagnostic Science

Molecular diagnostics science refers to procedures that examine biological markers and how cells express particular genes in medical testing. Certification prepares students for the American Society for Clinical Pathology’s Molecular Biology Board of Certification exam. Also, a six-credit internship in a real-world context marks the completion of the certificate program. However, the entire process takes a year to complete.

6. Urinalysis

A Urinalysis curriculum teaches students about urinalysis tests. For this program, candidates must have a diploma or bachelor’s in a medical field. At the same time, candidates might enter with a minimum of 1-year work experience in a related medical setting. In practice, students cover the following major areas:

Patient requisitions
Components of urinalysis
Physiology and anatomy of the human renal system
Understand the importance of urinalysis as a test for detecting both nonrenal and renal disorders.
Recognize various urine specimen or sample types and different collection techniques

Medical Lab Technician Career Options

Even though most of the responsibilities of each career may be comparable, what is researched and studied is not. Consider what resonates with you most when you sort through the selections of medical laboratory technician jobs:

Clinical/Medical Lab Technician

Medical laboratory technician responsibilities: Clinical laboratories use integrated systems to perform diagnostic or mechanical procedures. In other words, they use various tools and software applications to conduct comprehensive and accurate testing. MLTs are also required to document material they come across for examination by scientists and medical professionals. Another aspect of the work is the cleaning and disinfecting of the lab apparatus.

Medical contexts in which lab technologists work vary. Among them are ophthalmology clinics, dental offices, and labs.

Medical lab technician salary: clinical/medical laboratory technicians and technologists earn an average of $57,800 annually, according to the BLS.

Histotechnician

Histotechnicians examine the intricate details of biological matter to ascertain their structural and functional relationships. The field focuses on how physiology, molecular biology, and biochemistry interact with all disease processes.

Daily activities: Like several other MLT disciplines, you will examine samples, conduct analysis, and provide data to researchers, scientists, and physicians.

Pathologist Assistant

A pathologist prepares and diagnoses blood, tissue, and other materials in a medical laboratory. As a pathologist assistant, you investigate corpses to ascertain the cause of death based on the workplace environment. For example, autopsy specimens may need to be collected and examined; samples may need to go through various tests, and diagnostic images may need to be analyzed and recorded.

Molecular Technologist

Another popular medical laboratory technician job that is readily available is a molecular technologist. These professionals are in charge of running laboratory tests for medical studies and clinical trials. They gather lab samples and record research results to support statements and initial assumptions. Typically, they work with chemical solutions and delicate samples that require meticulous compliance with health and safety procedures and laws.

Biological Technicians

Biological technicians, also known as laboratory assistants, carry out scientific tests, studies, and analyses. They perform tests using automated machinery, cutting-edge robotics, and conventional laboratory tools. According to the BLS, biological Technicians earn an average annual salary of $48,140.

Job responsibilities:

Setting up, maintaining, and cleaning lab apparatuses like microscopes, test tubes, and pipettes;
Prepare and collect biological samples for laboratory assessment, such as bacteria cultures, food, and blood.

FAQs about Medical Laboratory Technicians

What does a Med Tech do in a Lab?

Med Techs are responsible for collecting and preparing medical samples, strictly following safety and sanitation protocols for analysis. For example, evaluating the chemical contents of body fluids. Further, providing results of lab examinations and recommendations to the attending physician; calibrating and maintaining laboratory equipment; maintaining quality control standards.

What is the Highest Paid Lab Technician?

Biotechnology Engineers, Immune Pathologists, and Bioinformatics scientists are some of the highest-paid professions. They earn an average of $70,000 – $100,000 annually.

Is Being a Medical Laboratory Technician Hard?

A career in MLT is very versatile and rewarding. This profession can easily develop and progress in many specializations of interest—at the same time, enjoying financial stability.

Is a Lab Tech the same as a Med Tech?

Yes, laboratory technicians and medical technicians are the same. Most persons often use the terms interchangeably.

Which Degree is Best for a Lab Technician?

A diploma in Clinical Analysis, X-Ray, ECG Technology, or Cardiovascular Technology is best. However, the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Technology is the most preferred route.

What is the Difference Between a Medical Lab Technician and a Medical Lab Technologist?

While the roles are similar, technologists perform more complex tests and procedures than technicians. A technologist must have a 4-year degree, whereas a technician might need a certificate.

What is the Difference Between a Medical Lab Technician and a Clinical Lab Technician?

A medical lab technician is also known as a clinical lab technician. There is no difference between the two certifications.

What is the Difference Between a Medical Lab Technician and a medical lab scientist?

A medical lab scientist sometimes referred to as a medical technologist, holds a bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science. In contrast, a medical lab technician has a diploma in medical laboratory science. Due to this, the MLS-certified professionals are open to more job opportunities than the MLT professionals.

How long is a Medical Lab Technician Program?

Becoming a medical lab technician generally takes two years of academic training.

Can I Attend an Online Medical Lab Technician Program?

Yes, you can. Colleges offer graduate and certificate degree programs in medical laboratory technology via online platforms.

Do I need to be Certified to be a Medical Lab Technician?

Depending on where you intend to practice, certification as an MLT might be required. But, it may not be compulsory in other regions. To be on the safe side, obtain your license.

How Much Does it Cost to Become a Medical Lab Technician?

It costs an average of $4,500 to $10,000 depending on in-state vs. out-of-state status to attend a medical lab technician certification program online.

Find Online MLT Programs Today

With the information in this guide, we believe you have an idea of how to become a medical laboratory technician. Becoming certified will help you find the best position for your professional goals.

At GetEducated.com, we have more academic resources that cover different certificate degree programs. Check out the online microbiology, nursing, and healthcare degrees available today!