How to Become a Medical Lab Technologist

A medical lab technologist uses a microscope to study body fluid samples.

Medical lab technologists play an important role in diagnosing, treating and preventing disease. Medical lab technologists examine body fluids and tissues to detect disease. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical and clinical laboratory technologists earned a mean annual wage of $55,620 in May 2009. Job prospects are typically best for those with a formal education in medical technology.

Instructions

1. Find an accredited program. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) recognizes 479 programs for medical lab technologists and programs for other similar careers.

2. Enroll in a medical technology program. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, most employers seek a bachelor’s degree. Consider taking up a bachelor’s degree in medical technology or a life science. According to the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act, technologists who conduct highly complex tests must have a minimum of an associate’s degree.

3. Take helpful courses. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, your coursework will include classes such as chemistry, microbiology, biological sciences, statistics and mathematics. Programs may also offer related classes in business, management and computer applications.

4. Check if your state requires licensing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, technology licensure often requires the minimum of a bachelor’s degree and passing an examination. However, requirements vary from one state to the next, so look for information on licensure, which is available from state departments of health or boards of occupational licensing.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do not have the formal educational training, you may be able to qualify for some job openings with a combination of on-the-job specialized training and education.

• Receive an edge over the competition with certification. Many employers actually prefer technologists certified by a credible professional association. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, reputable associations that offer certification include the American Medical Technologists, the American Society for Clinical Pathology and the Board of Registry of the American Association of Bioanalysts. Each agency has different requirements for certification.

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2009: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
• Occupational Information Network: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists

Resources

• National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
• American Medical Technologists
• National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel
• American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science
• Clinical Laboratory Management Association