Medical Technologist Career & Jobs: Training, Salary & Certification Requirements

Whenever people are ill or in pain for no apparent reason, doctors and nurses usually order a barrage of tests to better determine what is going on with their bodies. These tests can include blood, fluid, stool and tissue analysis as well as other procedures. Doctors usually do not have the time or the expertise to perform these tests and procedures themselves, so they pass the work on to medical professionals that are more qualified to perform them. These professionals are known as medical technologists, and they are responsible for operating laboratory equipment that is used to detect, diagnose and treat different medical conditions and diseases. These medical technologists are trained to use sophisticated equipment to prepare and examine the samples that are provided to them.

Salary Outlook

Average Annual Salary
$45,100
Salary Range
$37,600 - $50,300

Work Environment

Because they are required to have access to medical equipment and laboratory settings when they perform their job, medical technologists are usually employed in hospitals or research universities that have the money for such costly tools. However, it is not uncommon for medical technologists to also work at pharmaceutical companies, public health clinics, colleges, and in the armed forces.

High School Preparation

Those individuals that think they would excel at the responsibilities of the medical technologist should spend their high school career focusing on the sciences and new technology that is developed for the medical field. Supporting courses include algebra, geometry, biology, chemistry, physics, and physical education. Additional experience in data entry, communications and research is also desirable.

Requirements

After obtaining their high school diploma or the approved equivalent, it is essential that all individuals that are interested in working as medical technologists enroll in an accredited college program that focuses on biology, chemistry or the health professions. Programs that include clinical or research experience in their coursework are the most desirable. Those who complete this formal education must then obtain certification of their skills from an appropriate professional organization, such as The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science.

Career Outlook

As the population in this country continues to grow and more elderly people are living longer and requiring more extensive medical attention, the demand for medical technologists is also expected to increase. Technologists are an important link in the chain of quality medical care, and qualified professionals are expected to be in demand at laboratories and hospitals over the next ten years. As digital technologies become more easy to use and more affordable, technologists will have to increase their knowledge of these practices in order to remain competitive.

Professional Organizations

American Medical Technologists
10700 West Higgins Road
Suite 150
Rosemont, IL 60018
Phone: (847) 823-5169
www.amt1.com