Medical Technologist Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a medical technologist. Feel free to use our job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a medical technologist.
Who is a Medical Technologist?
Medical technologists are highly qualified health professionals who analyze blood and other bodily fluids. Medical technologists are responsible to operate and maintain the equipment that is used to analyze specimens and ensure that tests are done in a timely and accurate manner.
The training of medical technologists is much more extensive than the training of the medical laboratory technicians with whom they frequently work. Although they don’t often have to interact with patients directly, medical technologists are vital in the proper diagnosis, treatment, and care of patients.
All areas of medical technologists are involved in the laboratory, including genetics, immunology, microbiology, and histology.
While the role of a medical technologist is determined by the specialty of the lab, it is limited by what tools they have. It is not a diagnostic role.
The medical technologists in the hospital are like cast members in a play. Although they don’t see patients often, they are essential members of the healthcare team.
The hospital laboratory is home to a variety of medical technologists, also known as clinical laboratory scientists. Many of the decisions doctors make about diagnosing and treating disease are based on laboratory results. The medical technologist is responsible for providing accurate results and exact data. Medical technologist may have life or death at their fingertips. Therefore, they must be able to recognize when results are wrong and require rechecking.
These professionals can perform everything, from simple pregnancy tests to monitoring antibiotic drug treatment, and perform more complex testing to uncover diseases such as diabetes, AIDS, or cancer. All this is done by using sophisticated electronic equipment and precision instruments that cost millions of dollars, as well as operating microscopes.
A medical technologist will conduct a wide range of laboratory tests. These tests can be simple blood tests or more complicated tests that reveal diseases such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, or diabetes. They are skilled in many areas of laboratory work, including histology, blood banking, microbiology, and immunology. They calibrate complex equipment, precision instruments, and computers for assistance in their operation. Because they are responsible for the accuracy and reliability of test results, the information the laboratory technologist provides to the doctor will influence the medical treatment that a patient will receive.
Doctors and nurses can rely on the expertise of medical and clinical laboratory technologists to help them choose the right lab tests and collect the specimens correctly. They also help maintain the integrity and quality of the laboratory process by recognizing potential errors and rejecting sub-standard specimens. They also investigate discrepancies in results.
Medical Technologist Job Description
Below are the medical technologist job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a medical technologist job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The job and duties of a medical technologist include:
- Following established laboratory protocol for performing laboratory tests.
- Determining the validity of the various specimen
- Informing clients about the recollection protocol if a specimen is not accepted
- Diagnosing any problems that might arise with your laboratory equipment
- Verifying all test results, and making sure they match the specimen correctly
- Labeling and organizing tests appropriately to ensure that they are easy to find,
- Preparing biological samples to be tested, including blood, urine, and spinal fluid.
- Respecting patient confidentiality laws
- Assisting in the collection, processing, and handling of blood and/or biological specimens.
- Performing clinical laboratory tests in areas such as hematology and microbiology, immunology, and clinical chemistry.
- Performing blood tests for transfusion purposes. May draw blood from the patient’s finger, ears, or vein to obtain samples.
- Assisting in the development and maintenance of cell/tissue cultures, and is responsible for identifying specimens using advanced laboratory techniques.
- Assuring accuracy and validity of test results.
- Performing calibration and troubleshooting of instruments and systems to ensure compliance with established standards.
- Maintaining records and reports about results in accordance with established procedures.
- Practicing safety, environmental, and infection control methods
- Assigning other job-related duties.
- Preparing tissue samples for culture
- Monitoring and establishing programs to ensure data accuracy
- Inspecting slides of bodily fluids microscopically
- Performing transfusions using cross-matching blood
- Analyzing blood and urine for toxic substances
- Analyzing lab reports to detect errors
- Calibrating and operating equipment
- Transmitting test results to researchers, patients, or physicians
- Collecting and analyzing blood samples to determine the morphology
- Talking to doctors and other medical professionals regarding required tests
- Subjecting patients to routine medical tests, including blood tests.
- Carrying out compatibility test, full blood counts, blood type, and blood group
- Counting the cells in prepared samples as well as microorganisms such as bacteria and parasites.
- Analyzing biochemical composition, and determining the presence of drug chemicals.
- Determining if sample parameters are within normal ranges, and identifying abnormalities.
- Summarising results and reports in electronic format and supplying them to doctors and medical specialists.
- Collaborating on patient care.
- Assisting in the storing of laboratory stock and supplies.
- Following best practices in medical laboratory science and staying current with developments in the field.
- Performing chemical analysis of various body fluids, such as blood, urine, saliva, and liver
- Assuring the cleanliness and functionality of laboratory equipment.
- Maintaining inventory records for the company and stocks and organizing lab supplies
- Answering the question of vendor, physician, and patients
- Participating in professional associations, workshops, reading, and engaging in other activities to update and maintain knowledge.
- Maintaining cleanliness in the laboratory and following sanitation guidelines.
- Disposing of hazardous and infectious materials properly and safely
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science degree with a focus in medical technology, clinical laboratory science, or something similar.
- Preferential designation for American Medical Technologists (AMT).
- 4 years experience as a medical technologist
- Expertise in the preparation and analysis of biological samples
- Proficiency with electronic health record management systems, such as AdvancedMD or eClinicalWorks.
- Have experience in the usage of medical laboratory equipment, procedures, and techniques.
- Excellent ability to summarize and report test results.
- Expertise in inventorying supplies and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
- Have technical know-how of the latest developments and best practices in laboratory science.
- Experience in working with specialists and healthcare providers.
Essential Skills
Medical technologists must be wearing protective equipment when working. Also, you need to be careful by using precautions that minimize the chance of getting in contact with infectious material.
It is important to be able to work nights, weekends, and holidays. Most of the time while you are working will be spent standing.
A medical technologist must have the following skills to be successful in their job:
- Excellent communication skills
To communicate effectively with patients, a medical technologist must be able to engage in active listening. This will help in the collection and use of as much information as possible for tests. Medical technologists will be required to explain the results of any tests and maintain healthy, close interpersonal relationships.
It is important to be able to understand written information as well as to read and comprehend materials related to your work. Clear and concise writing is also helpful in understanding what the technologist wants to communicate.
- Critical Thinking Skills
This field is very demanding and requires someone who can evaluate different options before making a decision. A medical technologist must compare the results and find the best solution to solve problems.
He will then use logic and reasoning in such situations to determine the best course of action and find the most effective solution.
- Science Skills
A medical technologist must have scientific knowledge in a variety of areas, including biology, microbiology, and anatomy.
The most important thing is that they should have the scientific knowledge to understand chemical reactions and chemical structure. These skills should be continually improved.
- Problem Solving Skills
The ideal candidate for this job must be able to identify problems quickly and find solutions in a short time.
- Technological Skills
The medical technologist should have the necessary technical knowledge to work in health care environments. Because there are many technological tools and software that a lab technologist may use, and this is important. These include electronic medical records software, laboratory information software, and test-routing technology.
Medical technologists will be able to do their job better if they are skilled in the use of technology.
- Taking Care of Patients
The medical technologist must be able to show genuine concern for patients. They should be willing to go the extra mile for doctors to make the best diagnosis possible.
They should also strive to provide laboratory results that show the true medical condition of the patient.
- Working Around the Clock
An aspiring medical technologist should be able to work at odd hours if he or she works in a hospital. Hospitals are open 24 hours a day, and 7 days a week, including holidays.
- Teamwork
Medical technologists and other health care technicians must be able and willing to work together. As a medical technologist, you must be able to work in a team and listen to others.
Understanding other people’s reactions are important. Instead of reacting, you should try to find ways to help them. It is important to share your knowledge with others, especially if it has an impact on medical decisions.
How to Become a Medical Technologist
There is no single path to becoming a certified medical technologist, as the various eligibility pathways above illustrate. However, some steps will be common for anyone interested in this career. This is the most popular route to becoming a medical technologist.
- EARN A HIGH-SCHOOL DIPLOMA
Students should have a high school diploma, or a GED can begin. These are required for admissions to almost all four-year colleges and universities. They also serve as certification requirements for medical technologists. Students in this period, although not explicitly required, should strive to excel in courses like biology, English, mathematics, chemistry, and foreign languages to be admitted to a reputable college.
To gain a better understanding of the workplace, students should consider internships or work in summer employment at a clinic.
- EARN A BACHELOR’S DEGREE
After completing high school, students should apply to a four-year university or college that is accredited and then pursue a bachelor’s program. Students who cannot afford to go to a four-year college because of financial constraints can consider the military as an alternative route. Some military programs offer training in medical technology for those who have committed to military service. It is a good idea to inquire about practical learning opportunities when choosing a degree program.
- GAIN CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
Students should also be able to do additional training during a four-year degree program. This could include volunteer work at hospitals or laboratories nearby. This type of training will give you a lot of practical knowledge, and it will also help you to make important professional connections within the medical field. These connections can prove to be invaluable when looking for a job.
- EARNING OF ASCP CERTIFICATE
After the student has completed his or her studies and gained the required work experience, he/she should start the application process with the American Society of Clinical Pathology to become a medical technologist. ASCP Board of Certification offers an online tool that allows applicants to determine the certification they want and to provide information for and what documents are needed to apply.
- FIND AN ENTRY-LEVEL STAFF
Once a person is certified as a medical technologist, they should start looking for work in a hospital or health center. After having gained some additional experience, the medical technologist can apply for additional specialties such as blood banking, clinical microbiology, toxicology, or any number of other areas.
A person who wants to become a medical technologist must have a realistic expectation of the time it will take. Although exact time frames will vary from person to person, the following outline shows the steps necessary to be successful in this field.
- High school diploma: This usually takes four years, but some people may complete it in less time.
- Bachelor’s degree: Most bachelor’s degrees take at least four years, but some students are more ambitious and may complete them in less time. A bachelor’s degree may be completed by students who are eligible for service in the armed forces.
- Work experience: To be eligible for certification, an individual must have a bachelor’s degree program (in this case, the work experience requirement is waived), or sufficient work experience. This could take up to five years in certain cases, as described above.
To become a certified medical technologist, individuals must pass an exam. Although the exam is only one day long, preparations, including scheduling and approval, can take several months.
A person could start working as a medical technologist within five years after completing a high school diploma. This includes the time required to obtain a bachelor’s degree and relevant work experience, and to schedule and pass certification exams. Although this is longer than what is required for certain technician jobs, medical technologists are highly rewarding and have many additional responsibilities. This makes the commitment to the career worthwhile.
Where to Work
Many settings are available for medical technologists to work. They include:
- Hospitals
- Clinics & medical laboratories
- Blood Services
- Research institutes
- Research laboratories of the government and universities
Medical Technologist Salary Scale
As of November 29, 2021, the average salary for a Medical Technologist in the United States was $72,376. However, the typical range is between $66,885 to $78,792. The range of salaries can be very varied depending on many factors such as education and certifications.
