Bringing Focus to the Profession of Medical Laboratory Technician

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Bringing Focus to the Profession of Medical Laboratory Technician
On July 05, 2016

Whether in a hospital setting, a doctor’s office or a clinical laboratory, there are trained professionals whose technical expertise is a critical part of the healthcare field. A Medical Lab Technician, or MLT, is a real-life laboratory detective finding clues to aid physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. These scientific professionals collect, test, and analyze various biological specimens including tissue, blood and other bodily fluids.  MLTs, who are sometimes referred to as medical or clinical laboratory scientists, use sophisticated equipment in a clinical setting to perform vital test ordered by doctors or other medical professionals.  MLTs use a vast array of technical instruments to perform tests in many laboratory areas, including hematology, microbiology, toxicology, infectious disease and immunology.

While MLTs often may not have direct patient contact, they are integral members of the medical team. The analytical information provided by a Medical Lab Technician often provides the medical clues that physicians and medical specialists need to diagnose their patients. Additionally, an MLT provides the medical team with information that is the vital to determining the proper and most effective medical treatment for patients.

Medical Lab Techs have an Associate Degree with a strong background in chemistry, biology, microbiology and physiology.  Most MLTs are employed in hospitals, however these professionals also work in medical and diagnostic laboratories, physician’s offices, and college and university clinical settings. A career in Medical Laboratory Technology is well-suited to individuals who enjoy science, working with technical instruments and are detail-oriented. MLT’s should enjoy a fast-paced work environment, particularly those who work in a hospital setting.  Since these technician’s deal with the logistics of coordinating analysis, reading and reporting results for a variety of clinical samples, a strong attention to detail and good organizational skills are also very useful in the Medical Laboratory Technician field.  By its very nature, the healthcare field is often unpredictable; therefore, individuals who work in the MLT field often enjoy the variety and fast-paced nature of the field. MLT’s enjoy the challenge of finding technical answers to medical questions and a career in Medical Laboratory Technology provides continual opportunities to learn and discover in the medical field.

The work of a Medical Laboratory Technician can be general in nature or can be highly specialized. Some areas of specialization include phlebotomy, where MLTs specialize in collecting and analyzing blood and its components. Cytotechnologists prepare slides of tissue and cells for further examination with a microscope. Medical Lab Techs who specialize in immunology perform tests and evaluate test data pertaining to the human immune system.  MLT’s with a specialization in histology work to prepare cells and tissues for diagnostic examination under a microscope. Some MLT’s assist genetic specialists by examining DNA and RNA and looking for alterations in genetic material.  Other areas of specialization include virology, fertility and microbiology. Medical Laboratory Techs can also become technical experts on specific clinical instrumentation or analysis including electron microscopy. Given the continual advancement in medicine and medical technology, opportunities for specialization in the medical technology field are expected to increase.  While some Medical Laboratory Technicians continue their education to become specialized in a particular laboratory analysis or instrumentation, other MLTs choose to continue their education to become Medical Laboratory Technologists.

With the continual growth in the healthcare field, careers for MLTs are projected to grow at a faster-than average rate.  According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics the demand for clinical tests to diagnose medical conditions is expected to steadily increase as our population continues to age.  Additionally, as the number of individuals who have health insurance is expected to increase because of health insurance reform the demand for qualified laboratory specialists is expected to grow as well.  In addition to a stable career, Medical Lab Techs also enjoy a good salary, with the average yearly earnings between $45,000 - $50,000 per year.

If you love the challenges of the medical field and feel at home among technical equipment, a career as a Medical Laboratory Technician may be for you. Becoming a Medical Lab Technician is a great way to bridge your love of science with making a difference in the lives of people on a daily basis.  Work in a career where you are integral member of a team that solves medical mysteries. Make a significant impact on the lives of patients every day. Secure your place in this dynamic and rewarding medical field by obtaining the education and training that you will need at Stautzenberger College.  With the exciting earning potential and strong employment growth projected for this career field, now is an ideal time to complete education and training. At Stautzenberger College in Brecksville, Ohio, we offer an 18-month Academic Associate Degree Program in Medical Laboratory Technician that is dedicated to providing quality education for its students in order to promote excellence in this allied-health discipline.

Our program has been carefully designed to provide the ideal combination of classroom instruction by qualified instructors and hands-on training in the lab and clinical work.  Stautzenberger’s Medical Laboratory Technology students develop the requisite knowledge, skills, and behaviors necessary to gain employment as entry-level techs and become contributing members of the multidisciplinary health care workforce. Contact Stautzenberger College, Brecksville today and begin your education in Medical Laboratory Technology.  Call toll free at 1-800-473-2997 or email jpgirard@stautzenberger.comto get started today.

 

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