Definition of Clinical Medical Technologist
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the demand for clinical medical technologists will increase by 12 percent from 2008 through 2018. Spurred by advances in medical care, this growth should create 20,500 new jobs.
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Function
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Clinical medical technologists gather and prepare tissue and blood samples for donation or diagnostic testing. Technologists also perform chemical experiments to analyze samples in order to diagnose medical conditions and diseases.
Types
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Cytotechnologists analyze human body cells for the presence of abnormalities like cancer, while immunohematology technologists gather and prepare blood for transfusions. Microbiology technologists look for presence of bacteria, viruses and parasites in tissue samples.
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Skills
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Successful clinical medical technologists possess attentiveness to detail, analytical and problem-solving skills and manual dexterity. The ability to operate microscopes, chemical analyzers and medical database and diagnostic software is typically necessary as well.
Education
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Most employers require clinical medical technologists to have a bachelor's degree in medical technology. Some colleges and universities offer technology certificates to individuals who have bachelor's degrees in chemistry or biology.
Compensation
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As of May 2008, clinical medical technologists averaged annual salaries of $54,050, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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