Health Care Careers
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Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLT)
Career Description:
- Work under the direction of a Medical Technologist or higher level staff member in laboratories
- Perform automated tests on samples of body fluids, tissue and cells to help Doctors diagnose diseases
- Prepare slides for examination under microscope by Doctor or Laboratory Technologist
- Prepare solutions, controls and reagents; sometimes prepare vaccines and serums and test them to be sure that they are “active” to treat patients with
- Prepare specimens and use machines that automatically analyze samples
- Record test results
- May assist medical researchers
- Set up, adjust, clean and maintain lab equipment
Work Environment:
- Hospitals (most common)
- Outpatient Health Centers; doctor’s Offices
- Public Health Labs; Medical Research Facilities
- Pharmaceutical Companies
- Universities; Industrial Medical Labs
Working Conditions:
- Always work indoors
- Usually wears special uniforms; Surgical scrubs and/or lab coat
- Sometimes exposed to diseases/infections.
- Fast-paced, constantly changing environment
- May require extended periods of standing and walking; need good hand control
- Sight required for highly detailed work; ability to communicate important
- May work full or part-time
- May be on call or work nights, weekends, or holidays on a rotating basis
- Work as part of a team
- High level of interaction with Doctors, Nurses, co-workers and patients
- Accuracy important; high level of responsibility for patient results/outcomes
- Sound judgment and high level problem solving required
Job Outlook:
- About 147,500 MLTs employed in U.S.; approximately 2,890 work in Massachusetts
- Approximately 76,000 job openings expected annually in U.S. between 2004-2014 (new and replacement); 25% growth rate
- 80 job vacancies predicted annually in MA through 2008, with average growth rate through 2012
- Medical tests, treatments continue to grow, but technological advances such as robotics will limit job opportunities
Career Advancement:
- Most typical advancement is advancement to Medical Technologist (requires BS degree and either 2 years of experience or attendance at a nationally accredited Medical Technologist program)
- May become a sales representative or product tester for lab equipment manufacturers
- May advance into leadership roles/teaching roles w/ increased experience and education
Earnings:
- In Massachusetts, most Medical Technicians make $13.60–$20.40 per hour ($28,288-$42,432 per year).
Salary information is based on data extracted from the Massachusetts Department of Workforce Development Career Information System, the Massachusetts Hospital Association “Pulse” website, and the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wages vary by employer, geographical location, experience and level of education. Salaries in the Boston area are generally higher than stated Massachusetts and National averages.
Education/Training Required:
- A.S. degree (includes formal education plus clinical training) from accredited Clinical Laboratory Technician Program;
- National Certification exam usually required from the Board of Registry of the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
Prerequisite Educational Requirements:
- H.S. diploma or GED
- Must have completed high school algebra I and II, chemistry and biology with a minimum grade of “C-.”
- Successful candidates have excelled in high school and/or College science and math courses
Is this career for you?
- Can you successfully complete required math and science courses?
- Do you enjoy working as part of a team?
- Do you enjoy a fast-paced environment?
- Do you enjoy working with a diverse patient/staff population?
- Are you interested in technology?
- Are you a good communicator?
- Are you able to stand for long periods of time?
- Do you enjoy learning and education on an ongoing basis?
For more information on this career visit:
Schools:
Schools for Medical Lab Technician (MLT)-Mass Pulse
