Career Profile: Medical Laboratory Technician
Medical laboratory technicians are a critical part of a patient’s healthcare team. Responsible for performing diagnostic tests on bodily fluid and tissue samples, medical lab technicians help medical professionals diagnose various health conditions.
What Does a Medical Laboratory Technician Do?
Medical laboratory technicians have a wide range of duties they may perform on a daily basis. Some of these duties include:
- Analyzing bodily fluids and tissues in search of abnormalities
- Collecting samples from patients
- Testing fluids such as blood and urine for drug presence
- Preparing solutions to add to samples for testing
- Analyzing blood to ensure a perfect match for successful blood transfusions
- Prepping and maintaining equipment such as microscopes and cell counters
As a medical lab technician, you may have a varying schedule depending on where you choose to work. Most medical lab technicians work during the day with full-time hours. Yet, you may also have the choice to work nights or weekends, depending on your needs.
What Do I Need to Become a Medical Lab Technician?
To become a medical lab technician, you’ll need a high school diploma as well as an associate degree. It’s also important to have hands-on training through clinical externships to ensure career success. Through Cambridge, you’ll gain real-world experience in local hospitals and care facilities.
Once you complete your degree, you must seek certification and licensure through the American Medical Technologists Association. After certification, you’ll be able to seek employment as a medical lab technician.
What Is the Employment Outlook for a Medical Lab Technician?
Due to advancements in healthcare and an aging population, most healthcare careers are growing rapidly, including the medical lab tech career. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of these technicians is projected to grow by 11% between now and 2028, much faster than average.
Apply Today to Become a Medical Lab Technician
If you’re passionate about quality patient care, a career as a medical lab technician might be a great choice for you. Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology makes it simple to jumpstart your career via our Medical Lab Technician program. To learn more or to apply today, give us a call at 877-206-4279.
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