Logan Reid
Medical laboratory technicians are the generalists of the laboratory, performing a variety of testing procedures on blood, tissue, urine, and other bodily fluids. They also prepare tissue samples for microscopic viewing and perform routine chores such as typing blood donations. Laboratory technicians typically learn their profession through a two-year associate degree program. They are qualified to work under the title medical laboratory technician and use the MLT (ASCP) credential. Medical laboratory scientists (also known as medical technologists), on the other hand, perform similar duties but enter the field after completing a full four-year bachelor's degree in science. They have the expertise to recognize subtle irregularities in cells and choose appropriate diagnostic tools for challenging cases. They also perform more complex tests, such as molecular diagnostics and genetic testing. Medical laboratory scientists are qualified to work under the title medical laboratory scientist or medical laboratory technologist and are awarded the MLS (ASCP) credential.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Form | MT: Medical Technologist, Medical Technology, or Medical Laboratory Technologist |
| Qualification | MTs are required to complete a full four-year bachelor's degree in science |
| Duties | MTs perform a variety of testing procedures and prepare blood or tissue samples for evaluation by pathologists |
| Salary | The median annual wage for MTs was $53,120 in May 2019 |
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What You'll Learn
Medical laboratory technicians vs technologists
Medical laboratory technicians and technologists are professionals who work in healthcare settings such as hospitals, medical and diagnostic laboratories, and doctors' offices. They are responsible for performing medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases.
Medical laboratory technicians, also known as MLTs, typically obtain an associate's degree and certification to work in this role. They are trained to perform a range of basic testing procedures on blood, tissue samples, urine, and other bodily fluids. They also prepare tissue samples for microscopic examination, type blood donations, and perform routine tasks in the laboratory. MLTs may also assist with making formal diagnoses by collaborating with doctors and discussing laboratory test results.
On the other hand, medical laboratory technologists, also referred to as MTs or MLSs, typically hold a bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific field. They perform more complex and specialized testing procedures, such as molecular diagnostics, genetic testing, cancer research and diagnosis, and immunology. Technologists have a deeper understanding of medical conditions, which enables them to recognize subtle irregularities in cells and choose the appropriate diagnostic tools for challenging cases. They often work with physicians to determine the health of tissues and may supervise other laboratory staff, including technicians.
The demand for both technicians and technologists is expected to remain high, with an 11% projected growth in employment through 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The median annual wage for these professionals was $53,120 in May 2019, with the highest 10% earning more than $81,530.
While there are distinct roles and responsibilities for medical laboratory technicians and technologists, there may be some overlap in their duties, and both are essential to the smooth functioning of medical laboratories and the healthcare system as a whole.
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Qualifications and certifications
To become a medical laboratory technician (MLT), you must complete an associate's degree and obtain certification. This typically involves a two-year program at a community college, hospital, or trade or vocational school. The MLT certification qualifies individuals to work as medical laboratory technicians, who are the generalists of the laboratory. They are trained to perform a wide range of testing procedures on various samples, including blood, tissue, urine, and other bodily fluids.
The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) offers the MLT (ASCP) credential to those who meet the educational and experience requirements. To be eligible for the MLT credential, applicants must hold an associate's degree in a relevant field and either complete an accredited medical lab technician program, gain clinical laboratory experience in specific areas, or complete a US military medical laboratory training course.
To become a medical laboratory scientist (MLS), also known as a medical technologist, a bachelor's degree and certification are required. The MLS credential is a higher-level qualification than the MLT credential. Candidates for the MLS credential generally obtain eligibility by completing a bachelor's degree in the biological sciences and/or chemistry, along with five years of full-time clinical laboratory experience.
MLS professionals perform more complex testing procedures, such as molecular diagnostics and genetic testing, and have the expertise to recognize subtle irregularities in cells. The ASCP also offers the MLS (ASCP) credential to those who meet the eligibility requirements.
Both MLTs and MLSs are in high demand and are essential in hospital laboratories, with the demand for qualified MLS professionals growing rapidly. Technicians and technologists are well-compensated, with the median annual wage for these roles being $53,120 in May 2019, and the highest 10% earning more than $81,530.
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Salary expectations
Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLTs) are qualified to work under the title "medical laboratory technician" after obtaining an associate's degree and relevant certification. They perform a variety of testing procedures and prepare blood or tissue samples for evaluation by pathologists. MLT pay rates vary, with some sources citing $14 per hour, and others suggesting a range of $16-19 per hour. This can depend on location, with one source noting that MLT pay starts at $18.50 per hour at their hospital.
On the other hand, Medical Technologists (MTs) or Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLSs) are qualified with a bachelor's degree and certification to work as "medical laboratory scientists." MTs perform similar duties to MLTs but have additional expertise due to their higher level of training. They can recognize subtle irregularities in cells and choose the appropriate diagnostic tools for complex cases. MTs typically earn higher salaries than MLTs, with pay rates ranging from $25-30 per hour, or about $35 per hour in California.
The median annual wage for laboratory technologists and technicians was $53,120 in May 2019, with the highest 10% earning more than $81,530. However, salaries can vary widely depending on the specific position and organization. For example, the Mount Sinai Health System's salaries range from approximately $45,365 per year for a Patient Coordinator to $330,755 per year for a Center Director.
Overall, both MLTs and MTs are in high demand and are essential to the clinical laboratory workforce. While MTs typically have higher salary expectations due to their more advanced qualifications, specific pay rates can depend on various factors such as location, experience, and the employing organization.
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Testing procedures
Medical technicians, or medical technologists, are responsible for performing a variety of testing procedures in a hospital or clinic. They are often referred to as medical laboratory technicians or medical laboratory technologists/scientists. These professionals are well-versed in various laboratory procedures and play a crucial role in the healthcare system.
Medical technicians are trained to perform a wide range of testing procedures on different types of samples, such as blood, tissue, urine, and other bodily fluids. Here are some common testing procedures they may undertake:
- Hematology: This involves examining blood samples to study blood cells, blood diseases, and related disorders. It includes tests like complete blood counts, blood smears, and coagulation studies.
- Clinical Chemistry: Medical technicians perform chemical analyses of blood, urine, and other body fluids to assess organ function, identify abnormalities, and aid in disease diagnosis. Examples include renal function tests, carbohydrate metabolism assessments, and endocrinology profiles.
- Microbiology: Technicians are skilled in identifying microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. They culture samples, perform microscopic examinations, and conduct antimicrobial susceptibility testing to guide treatment.
- Immunology and Serology: These tests focus on the immune system and the detection of antibodies or antigens in the blood. This includes assessing immune responses, transplant compatibility, and the diagnosis of infectious diseases.
- Molecular Diagnostics: More advanced procedures, such as molecular diagnostics, are often performed by medical technologists with higher qualifications. This involves the use of molecular techniques to detect genetic mutations, identify infectious agents, and guide personalized medicine.
- Genetic Testing: Technologists may also perform genetic tests to identify genetic disorders, chromosomal abnormalities, or predispositions to certain diseases. This field combines biology, chemistry, and genetics to provide valuable diagnostic information.
- Blood Banking and Transfusion Medicine: Medical technicians play a critical role in blood typing, cross-matching, and preparing blood products for transfusion. They ensure safe and compatible blood transfusions for patients in need.
- Analytical Procedures: These procedures involve the analysis of samples using various techniques. This includes bacteriology, virology, parasitology, and mycology. Technicians follow strict protocols to identify pathogens and guide treatment decisions.
- Pre-analytic and Post-analytic Procedures: Beyond the actual testing, medical technicians also handle pre-analytic and post-analytic tasks. This includes specimen collection, processing, and handling, as well as result interpretation and reporting.
Certification and Examination:
To become certified as a medical technician or technologist, individuals must complete specific educational requirements and pass examinations. In the United States, the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) offers certification for laboratory staff. The eligibility routes for the exam include education, military service, or alternate education paths. The exam assesses knowledge in various areas, including laboratory instrumentation, laws, mathematics, microscopy, chemistry, and hematology.
Additionally, there are practice tests available to help candidates prepare for their certification examinations. These practice tests cover a range of topics, such as immunology principles, infectious diseases, serologic procedures, laboratory mathematics, instrumentation, and quality assessment.
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Demand for MTs
Medical Technologists (MTs) are healthcare professionals who work in hospitals, clinics, research labs, and public health agencies. They play a critical role in the diagnosis and treatment of patients by performing laboratory tests and working closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals to provide essential information that guides patient care. MTs are responsible for the accurate and timely analysis of patient samples and for maintaining and troubleshooting laboratory equipment.
With the increasing demand for healthcare services, the demand for Medical Technologists is expected to grow in the coming years. This makes it a stable and rewarding career choice for those interested in healthcare and the sciences. The aging population, in particular, has a major impact on emergency care, resulting in an increased demand for MTs in this setting.
As the demand for healthcare services continues to grow, the need for accurate and timely laboratory diagnostics will also increase. MTs are well-positioned to meet this demand, utilizing their expertise in laboratory tests and equipment to provide essential information for patient diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, the ongoing advancements in medical technology and the development of new diagnostic tests and treatments will require the expertise of MTs to implement and utilize effectively.
In addition to the increasing demand for healthcare services, there is also a growing need for MTs in research and public health. MTs can contribute to the development of new treatments and diagnostics by participating in research studies and collaborating with researchers. They can also play a crucial role in public health agencies, where their skills in laboratory testing and analysis can be utilized for disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, and public health policy development.
Overall, the demand for MTs is expected to remain strong due to the increasing demand for healthcare services, advancements in medical technology, and the growing need for professionals in research and public health. MTs will continue to play a critical role in the healthcare system, contributing their expertise in laboratory diagnostics and patient care to improve patient outcomes and satisfaction.
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Frequently asked questions
MT in a hospital typically stands for Medical Technologist, also referred to as a Medical Laboratory Technologist, Medical Laboratory Scientist, or Clinical Laboratory Scientist.
Medical Technologists perform a variety of testing procedures and prepare blood or tissue samples for evaluation by pathologists. They also perform more complex testing procedures, such as molecular diagnostics and genetic testing.
To become an MT, you need to complete a four-year bachelor's degree in science.
The median annual wage for an MT in the US was $53,120 in May 2019, with the highest 10% earning over $81,530.
