Frequently Asked Questions about Medical Technologist Careers
What is a medical technologist?
Medical Technologists are highly educated laboratory
scientists who perform tests on blood, body fluids and tissues which aid the physician in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of disease. Medical Technologists (also called Clinical Laboratory Scientists) interpret data, analyze results, develop and evaluate new test procedures, manage information, and communicate with other members of the health care team. Approximately 85% of medical decisions are based upon the test results generated by the clinical laboratory.
Are there jobs available for medical technologists?
Yes. In fact there is a nationwide shortage of medical technologists. Most of our students have multiple job offers before they graduate.
What kind of salaries can graduates from the medical technology program earn?
In the Little Rock area, recent graduates are currently earning from $34,500 to $37,500 per year. Higher salaries are available for working evening shifts, night shifts or weekends. Experienced supervisor and manager positions average from $45,000-$60,000 and over.
What is the scope of testing I will learn about in the medical technology program
The Program focuses on the major areas of clinical laboratory testing which include:
- Clinical Chemistry (testing and measurement of chemical analytes)
- Hematology (examination and enumeration of blood cells)
- Urinalysis (detection of chemical components and elements in urine)
- Microbiology (culture, staining, and biochemical identification of microorganisms)
- Immunohematology (typing and crossmatching of patient and donor blood)
- Immunology (detection of antibodies and unique proteins)
- Newer areas of testing including Flow Cytometry and Molecular Diagnostics
Are medical technologists limited to working in a hospital laboratory setting?
No. Because of the medical technologist’s comprehensive course work, extensive training and problem-solving skills, many choices for practice are available including hospital, clinic, public health, research, and private laboratories; companies manufacturing laboratory analysis systems, supplies, equipment or media; state or national crime labs; physician office laboratories; fertility laboratories; and biotechnology, food, and cosmetic industries. A Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology also provides a strong foundation if a student should decide to pursue a career in medicine, dentistry, law, pharmacy, or other advanced degree.
Do medical technologists take a state or national licensing examination?
Arkansas clinical laboratory personnel are currently not required to be state or nationally licensed; however, most hospitals do require employees to be certified by passing a nationally administered exam.
Where can I find out more about medical laboratory science as a career?
More information is available at the following sites:
American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) - http://www.ascls.org
American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) -
http://www.ascp.org
Diagnostic Detectives - http://medlabcareers.msu.edu
What if I have a question about the profession of medical technology, or the program at UAMS?
Contact the department by email or by phone for more information, and we will gladly answer your questions and send you a packet of information.
Phone: 501-686-5776
Toll free: 1-800-981-4427
Email:
