The Profession: Medical Technologist / Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Medical Technologists are highly educated laboratory scientists who are involved in all aspects of clinical laboratory testing.  In addition to performing the many types of important laboratory tests, Medical Technologists (also called Clinical Laboratory Scientists) interpret data, analyze results, develop new procedures, manage information, and communicate with other members of the health care team.

Medical Technologists culture and identify bacteria, microscopically differentiate cells, microorganisms, and crystals, and operate complex electronic instruments to analyze blood for the presence of normal, abnormal, and malignant chemical elements, cells, and components.  They determine drug levels to assess treatment and to detect drugs of abuse, prepare blood for transfusion, and evaluate the chemical, cellular, and immune composition of blood, urine, and other body fluids.  Other duties are to operate sophisticated computerized instruments, data management, inventory control, and quality assurance.

Medical technologists work in each of the major areas of the laboratory: a) Blood Banking, b) Chemistry, c) Hematology, d) Immunology and e) Microbiology.  In industry, medical technologists develop, market, and sell products, conduct research, and monitor quality assurance. Medical technologists can also advance to management, consulting, specialist, or teaching positions.

Career Opportunities

Job opportunities are excellent. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that hospitals will need nearly 10,000 new clinical laboratory scientists each year.  Jobs are readily available in Arkansas and across the country.  There is a critical shortage of clinical laboratory personnel, and this shortage will likely become more acute in the near future. 

Medical technologists have many choices for practice 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; paternity testing laboratories; and biotechnology, food, and cosmetic industries. 

The starting salary for new graduates in Arkansas is approximately $35,000 annually.  The national median is $43,000. Higher salaries are available for working evening or night shifts.  Experienced supervisors? and managers? average salaries range from $45,000 to $60,000.

A Career in Medical Technology Offers You So Much 

? Medical technology is a rewarding, exciting, career.

? Flexible and stable jobs as medical technologists are readily available.

? Medical technology is a helping profession that involves less direct patient care than nursing and fewer years of education than medical school.

? Medical technology is ideal for students who love biology or chemistry.

? Medical technologists enjoy analysis, problem-solving, accuracy, and attention to detail.

? A bachelor?s degree in medical technology is an excellent option for those preparing for medical school, dental school, pharmacy school, or an advanced degree in biology, microbiology, or chemistry. 
 

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