Work behind the scenes with a Medical Laboratory Technician career

Medical laboratory technicians play a crucial role in the medical field. Their work aids in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of disease. Like most medical professionals, medical laboratory technicians are in demand – you can expect job security and options in this career.

What is a medical laboratory technician?

A medical laboratory technician will examine body fluids and cells for a variety of reasons. Common tasks include looking for bacteria, parasites and other microorganisms; analyzing chemical content of fluids; matching blood for transfusions; and testing for drug levels in blood. An important part of a medical laboratory technician’s job is knowing universal medical laboratory testing procedures; how to prepare, store and transport samples; and how to document results.

What does a medical laboratory technician earn?

Salary information for medical laboratory technicians varies depending on experience and place of employment. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical laboratory technicians earn $16.63 to $17.41 an hour.

What training do I need to become a medical laboratory technician?

To become a medical laboratory technician, you should earn an Associate degree. Courses can include chemistry, biological sciences, microbiology, mathematics and statistics, along with specialized training on skills used in the laboratory.

What is the job outlook for this position?

Because the healthcare industry is one of the fastest-growing career fields, job outlook is expected to remain positive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical laboratory positions should see a 14% increase through 2016 – this is faster than the average career growth rate. The healthcare sector will continue to add new jobs because of the aging population and advances in healthcare and medicine.

Where can I work after graduation?

Upon completion of a medical laboratory technician program, there are several options available. They include hospitals, health laboratories, clinics, blood banks, research labs and private medical practices.

Prepare for a career where you are valued and can make a difference – prepare for a medical laboratory technician career! Begin your training today!