Should I Become a Lab Technologist?
Medical laboratory technologists, also called lab technologists, work in medical facilities and are responsible for collecting and analyzing blood samples, tissues, and bodily fluids. The results of these tests are used to determine normal and abnormal findings in patients. Physicians receive these reports and interpret the findings.
Some places of employment for these professionals, such as medical labs and hospitals, are open 24 hours a day, which will require technologists to work graveyard, weekend, and holiday shifts. Technologists must often work with infectious substances, but proper safety precautions pose little risks for them. The job typically requires several hours standing.
Career Requirements
| Degree Level | Bachelor's degree |
| Licensure/Certification | Some states require licensure |
| Key Skills | In order to work in the field, lab technologists need to be detail-oriented and good with their hands; understand how to use complex laboratory equipment such as cell counters, automated instruments, and microscopes |
| Median Salary (May 2018)* | $52,330 |
Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Lab Technologist Job Steps
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree
Students enrolled in a medical laboratory science bachelor's degree program take courses in a variety of disciplines, such as chemistry, immunology, microbiology, hematology, and biology. Courses in the program include immunology, clinical chemistry, molecular diagnosis, organic chemistry, and physics. Several laboratory requirements must also be fulfilled to work in the field. Students develop a variety of clinical skills that prepare them to work in a laboratory setting, including cognitive and psychomotor skills.
Step 2: Complete Clinical Training
Medical laboratory science courses require students to complete clinical training in a medical facility. This is an opportunity for students to begin working in a professional setting under the supervision of an experienced lab technologist. Initially, students may perform nominal duties, but as they gain experience, they'll be given a chance to perform more complex tasks. Students learn how to handle specimens, protect against infectious samples, promote a safe work environment, and create lab reports.
Step 3: Pass the Certification Exam
The Board of Registry of the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) offers certification for medical lab technologists. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, certification may be required for licensure in some states, and employers typically prefer to hire applicants who have earned certification. In order to earn certification, technologists need to graduate from an accredited bachelor's degree program and pass an examination.
Step 4: Gain Experience and Earn Additional Certifications
Earning multiple certifications and gaining experience in a specialized area of lab technology may lead to additional career opportunities. Specialized certifications are available through the ASCP in blood banking, cytogenetics, hematology, microbiology, and more.
In summary, lab technologists need a bachelor's degree related to medical laboratory technology, and they may peruse certification and licensure.
