Medical Lab Technician – The Health Care Professional Scientist
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Medical Lab Technician – The Health Care Professional Scientist

A medical lab technician is also called a medical laboratory science professional. They are highly skilled scientists who discover the presence & absence of disease. He also provides data that help physicians to determine the quality treatment for the patient.

Medical lab technicians & Scientists play an important role in the processing of providing personal care. Although, MLT generates vital data for identifying & treating cardiac disease, cancer, tumor & many other conditions. Almost all laboratory work performed by these professionals is the same. But lab technician focuses on collecting & analyzing specimen, maintenance of the sterilized instrument, performing different lab tasks & related findings for common conditions.

Medical Lab Scientist (MLS) performs the same task. But they have a more theoretical knowledge base. MLT performs more advanced technological testing such as molecular, microbiological, and cross-match blood transfusion testing. Therefore, MLS also conducts research and evaluates the new test methods.

What Does a Medical Lab Technician Do?

Medical lab technicians work behind the scene while still having a positive impact on people’s health care. Additionally, it is important to know that all health care professional is directly involved in patient care.

medical lab technician certification
medical lab technician certification

A medical lab technician is one of the bright future fields, which indicates the estimation of employment increasing around 11% through 2028. They perform different tests such as microscopic, bacteriological, immunological & chemical diagnostic tests. They also analyse various samples such as tissue, blood, urine, semen, and others. However, through accurate and efficient laboratory tests, they look for critical clues about the lack, presence, and extent of various causes of illness. Doctors and other professionals use the results of the test to develop an appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Here are some other responsibilities and duties of medical laboratory technicians include:

  • Explain clinical test procedures to patients and other customers
  • Prepare different test reagents and volume criteria for use in various tests
  • Keep a clean and safe lab working environment
  • With consistent reliability of test results
  • calibration equipment to standardize inspection procedures to ensure usefulness, development of standard operating procedures, and determination of correct reference range for various tests
  • Automated equipment and computerized experiments that can run multiple tests simultaneously Use of equipment

The Important Skills of Medical Lab Technician

The work of a medical lab technician revolves around the laboratory. Therefore, it is not surprising that a lot of accurate technical skills are required. However, some transferable skills are equally important to success in this role. The data below helped employers identify the top hard and soft skills that potential lab technicians are looking for.

medical lab technician programs
medical lab technician programs

The Best – Technical Skills For MLT

  • Quality assurance and control
  • Chemistry
  • Phlebotomy
  • Laboratory testing
  • Patient care
  • Customer service
  • Laboratory equipment
  • Data entry
  • Microbiology
  • Occupational health and safety

The Best – Transferrable Skills For MLT:

  • Communication
  • Organization
  • Computer literacy
  • Physical ability
  • Attention to detail
  • Troubleshooting
  • Research
  • Problem-solving
  • Teamwork
  • Microsoft Office

If you can identify with some of the transferable skills above, it may be the right choice for your career as a medical technician. Consequently, don’t let your technical skills threaten you-these are the skills taught in the Medical Institute Technician Program.

The Role of Medical Lab Technician – In Health Care Field

how to become a medical lab technician
how to become a medical lab technician

Medical lab technicians play an important role in hospitals and doctors’ offices. These professionals are a vital part of any well-functioning healthcare facility. They perform lab tests on specimens under the supervision of physicians, lab managers, or lab technologists. Their work behind the scenes assists doctors in identifying diseases or illnesses and determining treatment options.

Even if you do not interact with a medical lab tech on a regular basis as a patient, that does not mean they do not play an important role in your medical care. Suppose you come across a lab technician. They will most likely be wearing a full lab coat, mask, gloves, and goggles as they collect or handle specimens for testing.

The Specialties of MLT

If you can identify with some of the transferable skills above, it may be the right choice for your career as a medical technician. Consequently, don’t let your technical skills threaten you-these are the skills taught in the Medical Institute Technician Program.

Other possible medical lab technician specialities include:

  • Microbiology
  • Blood banking
  • Immunology
  • Clinical chemistry
  • Molecular biology

The Differentiate B/w – MLT & Medical Laboratory Scientist

medical lab technician schools near me
medical lab technician schools near me

A medical laboratory scientist and a medical lab technician are similar, but few key differences. They both work in laboratories and perform various tests on biological samples. However, a medical laboratory scientist generally has a higher level of education and can perform more lab work. A medical laboratory technician is in charge of more routine laboratory work and is frequently overseen by a medical laboratory scientist.

Working Environment of Laboratory

Medical lab scientists work in hospitals, forensic, health research laboratories, pharma companies, biotechnology firms, or research organisations on a daily basis. Thus, their work hours may vary depending on the setting, but labs are typically open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This type of work allows for scheduling flexibility. Despite the fact that, the majority of medical laboratory scientists work on their feet in the lab to examine test results.

How to Become a Medical Lab Technician

medical lab technician certification programs online
medical lab technician certification programs online

You are probably wondering what qualifications you will need to get one of these jobs. Therefore, the Biostatics laboratory system reports that most medical lab technicians have an Associate’s degree in clinical laboratory science or a related field.

However, the good news is that some medical laboratory technician programmers can be completed in as little as 21 months. After that, this training will provide you with a well-rounded understanding of the field. Here’s a brief look at what to expect.

Higher Qualification requirement

Basically, most medical laboratory scientists obtain some level of higher education and training after receiving a high school diploma. Here are the following standard higher education requirements for medical laboratory scientist jobs:

medical lab technician jobs
medical lab technician jobs
  1. A bachelor’s degree in medical technology or clinical laboratory science is required. A bachelor’s degree in a science or health-related field (for example, chemistry or microbiology) is also acceptable.
  2. They are completing a clinical laboratory Programme or internship as part of their education or through a hospital-based Programme.
  3. Certification as a medical technologist (MT), clinical laboratory scientist (CLS), or medical laboratory scientist (MLS) at the national level (MLS)
  4. Previous work experience in a healthcare setting is required.

Medical Courses Requirement – Medical Lab Technician

medical lab technician certification programs near me
medical lab technician certification programs near me

 

  • Medical terminology
  • Clinical Chemistry
  • Clinical Microbiology
  • Phlebotomy
  • Haematology
  • Urinalysis
  • Immunology
  • Immunohematology

In conclusion, some states may require laboratory personnel licenses. In addition to having a formal education. Visit the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) website to learn about the requirements in your state. Your state may also require MLTs to become certified to obtain licensure. Whether or not your state requires it for licensure, becoming a certified medical lab technician is still a good option for lab technicians. Because it shows a dedication to the field and validation of what you have learned in an academic Programme.

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