What is a medical technologist? This is probably the first question you will ask yourself before pursuing this rewarding career. If you have a strong desire to help others and an undying interest for science, you will certainly excel the field of medical technology. Solid critical thinking skills, the ability to work well with a team, and great manual dexterity are only some of the qualities that can help you succeed in this job. Here are a few questions you need to ask yourself before taking a course related to medical technology.

Is a Career in Medical Technology Right for You?

Once you start working as a technologist in a medical laboratory, you can enjoy an exciting career that leaves a lot of room for personal and professional growth. Your responsibilities will include the need to conduct bacteriological, chemical, biological, and immunologic tests. You will also get the chance to examine specimens, make cultures of tissues, and analyze chemical content of certain compounds. You may also be asked to evaluate the results of laboratory tests and supervise clinical laboratory technicians. On top of these challenging tasks, you also get the opportunity to help people while earning a decent living.

How much training do you need?

As with other medical careers, a career in medical technology requires a bachelors degree, preferably a course related to science. You will also need to complete a medical technologist program that has been accredited by the NAA-CLS. To prepare for this career, you have to perform well in high school and excel in key subjects such as math, chemistry, biology, and the computer sciences. You can then major in any related subject such as biochemistry, biology, or microbiology. Upon the completion of your bachelors degree, you will be a fewer steps away from your dreams of becoming a medical lab technologist.

How can you qualify for medical technologist jobs?

After choosing the appropriate medical school and completing your undergraduate degree, you will need to become certified in the field of medical technology. Some states may require you to have a license to practice the skills you learned. Most employers prefer applicants who graduated from an accredited program and passed a certification exam. To achieve optimum success you have to take the national certification exam that the ASCP offers. This will certify that you are proficient in your field and it will also allow you to use the initials MT. You need to renew your license by taking the exam every three years.

What is the average pay?

The average salary of medical technologists is about $49,000 per year. Among medical technologists, the top 10% earners were also found to make as much as $69,260 a year. As a medical lab technologist, you will get the chance to work in a variety of settings such as hospital laboratories, public health institutions, clinics, commercial laboratories, and even universities. According to the ASCP, there is an extremely high demand for medical technologists. It currently has a 10.4% vacancy rate, which is highest among all laboratory careers.

What is a medical technologist? You can now answer this question with confidence now that you already know what medical technologists do, how much they earn, and how they qualify for laboratory jobs. If you have always wanted to become a member of the medical community, a career in medical technology is certainly right for you.