Introduction

Medical laboratory technician represents a rewarding and advancing career opportunity in the healthcare industry. It has vast job prospects in the coming ten years and is a rising career option. Therefore, if you want to pursue a career as an MLT, welcome to a field that represents unlimited advancement potential. So enroll in Medical Laboratory Technician Programs in your country and let your career take a start. 

A medical laboratory technician is a health care professional who works to assist physicians in disease diagnosis and treatment. He follows a set of standard protocols to 

This blog will enlighten you with the career outlook and the advancement opportunity of an MLT.  

What is the Job Role of a Medical Laboratory Technician?

A medical laboratory technician is responsible for collecting biological samples and performing prescribed diagnostic tests. Furthermore, they assist senior scientists in carrying out research and investigations. So they collect the samples, perform the prescribed medical test, measure, record, analyze and interpret the results. In this way, they play their part in building a safe and secure society worldwide. In addition, they abide by the safety protocols and follow some standard rules to ensure the results are accurate.

What is the Skill Requirement of a Medical Laboratory Technician? 

• Attention to Detail: MLTs must be attentive to details to ensure that diagnostic test results are accurate and reliable. They should pay attention to specific procedures and protocols to ensure consistent results.
• Multitasking Abilities: MLTs should multitask to manage their workload, which may include multiple samples and tests simultaneously. They should be able to prioritize tasks effectively to meet deadlines.
• Communication Skills: Effective communication skill is the key to success. MLTs must be able to communicate effectively with patients as well as physicians to ensure the correct delivery of diagnostic results.
• Knowledge of Laboratory Equipment and Procedures: MLTs must have a deep knowledge of laboratory equipment and procedures to perform tests accurately and safely. They should know the laboratory safety protocols and be able to manage equipment malfunctions.
• Ability to Work under Pressure: The work environment in a laboratory can be speedy and stressful at times. MLTs should be able to handle pressure and work well under high pressure while maintaining accuracy and attention.

How Can You Become a Medical Laboratory Technician?

Heading towards an MLT career path requires you to complete specific education and training. Here’s a guide for you:

• Obtain a High School Diploma or Equivalent: For the first step, you should obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. You should have a strong background in science, specifically chemistry, and biology. 
• Earn a degree: You should acquire a bachelor’s or Associate’s degree. Obtaining an associate’s degree is considered better. 
• Complete an Accredited MLT Program: Some community colleges, vocational schools, and technical institutes offer MLT programs. These programs can range from one to two years and provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to work in a laboratory setting. Coursework includes classes in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, laboratory procedures, and clinical practicums.
• Obtain certification/license: MLT can gain a certification or license in most states. You can acquire these certifications by passing a national certification exam ASCP. In some states, you may require an MLT license. 

Career Outlook and Advancement Opportunities

The field of medical laboratory technology (MLT) is among the top healthcare professions in the United States. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), around 470,400 clinical laboratory technicians are employed in the country. The majority of them work in general medical and surgical hospitals. The BLS projects that the demand for clinical laboratory jobs will increase by 7% between 2021 and 2031. It is the highest projected growth rate for any professional field.

The aging population and the increasing prevalence of diseases contribute to the demand for more clinical laboratory technicians. In return, it creates new job opportunities for MLTs.

An MLT not only conducts diagnostic tests, but they have other career opportunities as well: 

• Phlebotomist: it is the category of MLT specialized in drawing patients’ blood and collecting other biological samples. 
• Anesthesia Technician: assists anesthesiologists in carrying out medical procedures effectively. They aid them by patient care, forming dosages, maintaining equipment, monitoring drugs, etc. 
• Histology technician: works on biopsies and tissues to assist in disease diagnosis. They prepare test samples, perform immunohistochemistry, and examine biopsies. These procedures need high sterility. 
• Cytotechnologists: they study cells and look for disrupted cell functions. Their prime role is to study chromosomes and detect any chromosomal abnormality or aberration.
• Pathologist assistants: They work under pathologists and perform prime duties like tissue dissection, reporting autopsies, etc. 
• Nuclear medical technicians: they perform nuclear imaging tests. They administer radioactive drugs to patients, performs imaging test, and generate images of internal organs. 

Challenges and Rewards

Some common challenges for pursuing a career in MLT are:

• Stressful work environment: MLTs often work in a peer-pressure environment with the utmost responsibility of maintaining accuracy. They are required to work with strict protocols and attentive details. Sometimes, tight deadlines are also a big hurdle. 
• Exposure to toxic substances: they are exposed to toxins and microbes daily. So they are at potential risk of developing diseases or injuries. Therefore, they must follow specific standard rules to minimize the hazard. 
• Shift work: MLTs do not have fixed shifts. They may work irregularly long, during night shifts and weekends. 

Now let’s see some rewards the MLTs get for working hard with dedication and traversing the unduly path:

• Helping patients: they aid patients in getting better soon by carrying out appropriate diagnostic tests. 
• Advancement opportunities: you may not stop as an MLT for your entire life but advance as you progress. You can eventually gain the post of a lab technologist or a lab manager. 
• Job security: MLT is not a declining career scope but a rising career option. The job prospects are duly to increase and thus securing the job.

Conclusion 

To conclude, if you are looking for the Latest healthcare jobs in USA, MLT is the right choice. The field of MLT is promising and shows positive growth prospects in the future. The career option requires a bachelor’s or associate’s degree with certification or license requirements in different states. The career outlook provides job security and opening of new jobs shortly. There are many challenges and rewards for the career option which infuses beauty into this field.