The Truth About How to Become a Medical Lab Technician

1. The Truth About How to Become a Medical Lab Technician Becoming a medical lab technician is one of the most rewarding careers you can have. You will be making a difference in people’s lives while being compensated for your work. So, if you have an interest in helping others, along with a natural affinity for science and chemistry, becoming a medical lab technician may be for you. This career is much more than just taking tests and filling out application paperwork; there is a lot of training involved. To become a medical laboratory technician, you need to complete programs that focus on anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and microbiology. There are also hands-on skills that need to be honed such as proficiency with technology and performance under pressure. There are two main types of medical laboratory technicians: clinical techs and chemistry techs. Both require different skill sets but both offer rewarding careers in the healthcare industry. What Does a Medical Lab Technician Do?

2. Medical lab technicians (MLTs) perform routine medical tests to help doctors diagnose and treat illnesses. They collect blood, urine, saliva, tissue, and other samples from patients. They also prepare samples by mixing them with chemicals or enzymes. Medical lab technicians then use laboratory instruments and equipment to analyze and interpret test results. This includes checking results against established lab values, reviewing patient information, and documenting findings. They are responsible for ensuring accuracy and consistency in the lab, following all safety protocols, and maintaining proper lab records. Some labs may also require you to train new technicians and/or train other employees. In addition, medical lab technicians also assist with research and development in the field of clinical diagnosis. How to Become a Clinical Lab Tech If you want to be a clinical lab technician, you need to first enroll in a diploma in medical lab technology program. You can expect to spend up to three years in school. The first two years are usually spent taking general education courses including anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and microbiology. The third year is reserved for clinical lab technician training. This is when you will gain real-world experience under the supervision of a senior technician. Clinical lab technician programs are available at community colleges, vocational schools, and some universities. After you graduate, you will be required to take a state licensure exam. Most states require clinical lab technicians to obtain a license so that the public is protected from substandard testing practices. For this reason, the licensure exam is rigorous. It is expected that licensure exam questions will cover anatomy, physiology, chemistry, microbiology, safety, and proficiency with lab equipment. How to Become a Chemistry Lab Tech If you are interested in becoming a chemistry lab technician, you should first enroll in a 2-year associate’s degree program. Chemistry lab tech programs also require general education courses such as anatomy, physiology, and microbiology. However, they also cover more specific topics such as organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and biology. At the end of two years, you will likely take an exam to obtain your certification. Once certified, you will need to complete a minimum of 80 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain your certification. This is to ensure that you stay up to date with changes in technology and industry standards.

3. Other Requirements for Becoming a MLT Medical lab technicians have to have a high school diploma or GED. They also need a significant amount of lab experience which can be obtained through an internship or co-op program. Some employers may also ask potential candidates to have a certification in a specific field. This could be chemistry or clinical lab technology. Medical lab technicians also need to be proficient in computer technology. This is because they will be required to enter patient information into the lab computer. They will also need to be comfortable working with hazardous chemicals and maintaining a safe work environment. Tips For Becoming a MLT Here are some tips to help you along the journey to becoming a medical lab technician: - Take advantage of co-op and internship opportunities - Get involved in your school’s biology and chemistry clubs - Ask your science-savvy friends to help you study - Take advantage of free study resources online - Join your local medical society - Attend medical conferences to network with industry professionals - Join a professional organization such as the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science - Get a part-time job in a medical lab - Create a portfolio of all your work experience and education - Practice your interviewing skills Becoming a medical lab technician can be a rewarding career, but it is not easy. You need to be dedicated, hardworking, and committed to your studies. The money that you put in for this course will always prove as an investment. However, the payoff is well worth it. You get to help people while being compensated for your work. You also get to work in a safe and stimulating work environment. With all of this in mind, it is clear that becoming a medical lab technician is not an easy journey. It will take some serious hard work, but it is definitely worth it. Final Advice Becoming a medical lab technician is not a quick and easy journey. It takes years of hard work and effort to become one. If you are dedicated and willing to work for it, you can make it happen. Still, there may be some sacrifices along the way. You may have to go to school full-time while working part-time. You may even have to put off getting married and starting a family until you graduate. The decision to become a medical lab technician is one that will

4. benefit you in the long run. Once you are in the field, you will be able to support yourself and your family. You will get to help others while making a difference in their lives. Source: https://hubpages.com/education/The-Truth-About-How-to-Become-a-Medical-Lab-Te chnician