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Medical Technologist (MT)

Career Description

Work in labs performing complex tests on samples of bodily fluids to help detect, diagnose and treat disease
Tests performed include the analysis of blood, urine, spinal fluid or other tissue specimens
MTs prepare specimens for examination, grow cell cultures, count cells, and look for abnormal cells
Use computers and high tech microscopes and chemicals to perform exams and analyze test results
Perform Quality Control tests and assure that equipment is maintained and calibrated to ensure accurate results
Often supervise other laboratory workers such as lab assistants and medical laboratory technicians
Work with doctors, nurses and researchers

Work Environment

Working Conditions

Always work indoors
Wear protective clothing/equipment such as lab coats, masks, gowns, gloves, goggles
Exposed to diseases/infections on a regular basis
Fast-paced, constantly changing environment; strict deadlines for reporting results
Sight required for highly detailed work; ability to communicate clearly 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
Accuracy important; high level of responsibility for patient results/outcomes
Sound judgment and high level problem solving required

Job Outlook

About 156,000 MTs employed in U.S.; approximately 4,800 work in Massachusetts
Approximately 74,000 job openings expected nationally between 2004-2014 (new and replacement positions); 21% growth rate
60 MT positions predicted to be open annually in MA through 2008; average growth rate expected through 2012

Career Advancement

May specialize in particular area of clinical laboratory science such as cytology (the study of cells), blood bank, histology (the study of tissue structure), cancer research, or in clinical trial work
Medical Technologists may advance to supervisory/management positions in labs
Earning a Masters or Doctoral (PhD) degree may accelerate advancement
May move into the business setting working in product development, marketing, sales, applications (teaching others to use products, equipment) for particular manufacturers of diagnostic testing products and equipment

Earnings

Nationally, the median wage for MTs is $3,700 per month or $44,400 annually; Half of all MTs earn between $3,150 and $4,420 per month, or $37,800 to $53,040 annually
In Massachusetts, the average salary for MTs is $4,270 monthly, or$51,240 annually; Half of the MTs employed in MA earn between $3,650 and $4,820 per month, or $43,800 to $57,840 annually.

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

BS degree in medical technology or life sciences
MT program includes courses in chemistry, biology, statistics as well as laboratory testing techniques and the study of various diseases and conditions

Certification/Licensure Required

National certification examinations, while voluntary, are expected for most jobs and usually necessary for advancement, including:

American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
National Certifying Agency for Medical Laboratory Personnel (NCA)
American Association of Bioanalysts (seven specialty exams offered in Andrology, Chemistry, Embryology, Hematology, Immunology, Immunohematology, and Microbiology)

Prerequisite Educational Requirements

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