Medical Technologist Certification | Guide to AMT Certification

Introduction

Medical technology plays a crucial role in the healthcare industry, encompassing a wide range of fields such as clinical laboratory science, diagnostic imaging, and patient care technology.

In order to excel in this field, individuals can pursue a career as a medical technologist through a certified Medical Technology program.

As with many professions, continuing education is also imperative for those working in medical technology, as it ensures that professionals remain current with the latest knowledge and skills.

There are several national accrediting agencies, such as the American Medical Technologists, that set the standards for the profession and ensure that individuals working in this field possess the necessary competency.

Many states also require medical technologists to be certified by these national accrediting agencies in order to practice in their jurisdiction. This certification process includes both a rigorous exam and ongoing professional development to maintain the certification.

Medical technology is an ever-evolving field, and professionals need to stay up to date with the latest advancements to provide the best care for patients.

With the right education and certification, individuals can make a meaningful impact on the healthcare industry through their work in medical technology. 

So, let’s get started and know about medical technologist certification. 

Duties of Medical Technologists 

Medical technologists work in laboratories, doctor’s offices, hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, outpatient care centers and even on school campuses.

• Their job is to analyze and test tissue samples and body fluids such as urine or blood. These tests assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.
• In smaller medical settings they may need to carry out a variety of tests, while for larger settings they usually just specialize in one.
• Medical technologists are often referred to as medical laboratory scientists, clinical laboratory technologists or technicians.

They are the unseen heroes who provide valuable assistance in the healthcare industry. They also have the opportunity to specialize in a variety of fields. 

• Blood bank or immunohematology technologists collect, classify, and prepare blood for transfusions.
• Immunology technologists analyze the body’s immune system in response to foreign substances.
• Chemistry technologists analyze chemicals and hormones in bodily fluids.
• Cytotechnologists look at cells under a microscope to check for abnormalities.
• Microbiology technologists inspect and identify bacteria and other microorganisms.

Each area of specialization offers unique learning opportunities while providing invaluable care to patients.

Average Salary of Medical technologist 

The median annual salary for clinical laboratory technologists in the US is $57,800. This number could change depending on the type of facility they work for, where they reside and their amount of experience.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job growth in this field should grow by 11% between 2020 and 2030, which is more than many other careers.

Medical Technologist Certification Programs

If you want to be a Medical Technologist, you need to get a degree in the field. Two options are available: an associate or bachelor’s degree.

It pays to compare the differences between them to pick the best one for your aims. Every degree has its benefits, so take them into account before making your choice.

Earn Certifications and Diplomas

People looking to become medical technicians can look into certificate and diploma programs.

These can last anywhere from several weeks to one year, and focus solely on training people in the specific skills they need to do the job. Classes are designed to help learners master their desired career path quickly and efficiently.

Phlebotomy Certificate Courses

If you want to learn phlebotomy in a short amount of time, enrolling in a certificate or diploma course is a great option.

Some classes that are part of a phlebotomy program include Phlebotomy Theory/Lab, Communication Skills for Healthcare, Medical Terminology and a Practicum seminar.

Plus, you’ll get to put what you learn into practice with a practicum plus take basic computer or office administration courses. So why not get on board with a certificate or diploma program today?

Associate Degrees for Registered Medical Assistant

An associate degree program generally takes 2 years to complete. It provides an education not only in specialist medical technician topics but also in liberal arts.

Students might choose an associate program over a certificate option if they think they may continue school at a later date and earn a bachelor’s degree. 

The first year of an associate degree covers math, english, and introductory science courses such as anatomy and chemistry. It also looks into blood sample collection and body fluid analysis.

Other topics in the program include pre-analytical procedures, laboratory testing preparations, and clinical laboratory operations. With an associate degree, you’ll be well-equipped to start a career in medical technology.

Medical Laboratory Courses for an Associate

An Associate degree in Medical Technology will set you up to work in a medical lab and give you the qualifications for professional certification.

The curriculum includes courses in hematology, microbiology, medical terminology, phlebotomy, lab procedures, clinical chemistry, AIDS education and immunology. After completing this training, you’ll be ready to ace your certification exam.

Bachelor’s Degrees Needed 

If you’re looking to potentially advance your medical technology career, you may even want to consider getting a bachelor’s degree.

With four years of specialised coursework, you’ll get valuable hands-on experience and cover more advanced topics including management, leadership, and complex medical technology issues.

Your course list will be similar to an associate degree program, but you’ll also learn about things like physiology and clinical lab procedures. A bachelor’s is an investment of your time, but the end result could be worth it!

Courses for a Bachelor’s

A bachelor’s degree in Medical Tech provides several subject specialization to choose from. Genetics, healthcare ethics, mycology (studying fungi), biostatistics, molecular biology and biotechnology are some examples.

You can further specialize with tracks such as public health if that is the area of interest. After completing this degree, you will be equipped with the skill set to work in the role of a medical technologist.

Where does a Medical Technologist Work?

Medical technologists usually work in medical laboratories, clinics, hospitals, doctor’s offices, research labs, and companies that make medical supplies. They have the potential to work in a variety of areas, such as:

Medical Technologists work in different areas of healthcare. They use technology to analyze and diagnose illnesses-

In Chemistry, Medical Technologists analyze the chemical parts in fluids.

• Microbiology Technologists examine bacteria. 
• Blood Banking Technologists get, research and match blood for transfusions.
• Urinalysis Technologists look at urine to figure out physical and chemical characteristics.
• Hematology Technologists investigate blood to know the type and amount of different blood cells available in the body.
• Immunology Technologists observe specimens to identify bacteria, viruses or other elements that may affect the immune system.

Time Taken to Become a Medical Technologist

Generally, you could become a medical technologist in around 4-5 years. The amount of time can vary, depending on the pathway chosen. To become a medical technologist, you need to complete a full-time bachelor’s degree program.

Becoming a medical technologist can take various lengths of time.

For instance, obtaining a bachelor’s degree usually takes four years. But, if you take extra courses each semester, you could finish more quickly.

Alternatively, you don’t need to have an accredited degree in medical technology to become a medical technologist – one year of work experience in this field can also open up job opportunities.

Additionally, some medical technologists opt to become certified to make their applications more attractive to employers — this process can take several months to prepare for the exam.

Difference Between a Medical Technician & Technologist

Medical technicians and technologists have a few similarities in their job duties, such as analyzing body fluids. But there are differences in terms of the complexity of the work.

• Technicians typically take blood samples from patients and enter the resulting data into the system. Technologists look into any abnormalities in the body fluids and report back to the health care team.
• Medical technicians and technologists both work in the medical field. The main difference between them is the skill set and duties.
• Technicians set up, maintain, and clean equipment, while technologists analyze samples and determine blood type and compatibility.
• Technologists may also do manual tests while technicians use automated processes.

When considering a career path, think about the type of environment you would prefer to work in.

Conclusion  

Being a medical technologist is a valuable role in healthcare. As technology advances, there is a greater need for skilled professionals in the field.

Many employers require medical technologists and technicians to be licensed, which is overseen by the ASCP or the American Society for Clinical Pathology. To work in this field, you will need to meet the standards set by ASCP and obtain a license.

Furthermore, working in medical technology requires both training and licensing. You can get the training you need from nationally accredited institutions.

After finishing your education and training, you can apply for a license and officially begin working in the field. Medical technology is essential to modern healthcare, so it’s important to meet the educational and licensing requirements set by local and national organizations.

Good Luck!