Guide to Medical Laboratory Technician Certification | MLT Program

Introduction

Clinical lab science makes a huge difference in the healthcare system. Medical lab technicians are at the heart of it, carrying out tests and procedures that help diagnose, monitor and treat people.

So, if you’ve got three years’ worth of college courses under your belt and want to make a real difference, medical lab tech could be for you.

All you need to do is finish a program by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) and take an exam to get certified. If you’re looking to become certified as a medical laboratory technician, you’ll need some hands-on laboratory experience first.

The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certification exam is a great place to start – it’s respected by healthcare clinics across the country. Here at this guide, we want to give future MTLs all the info and help they need to get certified and build a rewarding career.

Get started today and know about medical lab technician certification.

Duties & Responsibilities of a Medical Laboratory Technician 

• In medical labs, technicians get samples ready for testing and use specialized machines to take a closer look at different types of microorganisms. They may also be responsible for examining blood for transfusion and checking drug levels in the blood. Regardless of the task, they help ensure that medical research and treatments are accurate and safe.

• Testing for diseases. Medical labs use bodily fluid samples such as blood and urine to search for diseases. The lab techs measure the amount of certain substances in the sample that can tell whether a disease is present. This helps identify possible health issues quickly so people can get the care they need.

• Doctors rely on laboratory staff to record critical testing results so they can give their patients the best possible care. It’s important for these results to be recorded accurately and quickly – so that those who need help can get it as soon as possible.

• Accuracy is essential for medical lab technicians – mistakes can have serious consequences. For example, if data is not recorded properly, a healthy patient could be given the wrong diagnosis and put on the wrong medication. This could lead to physical, mental and emotional harm, not to mention potential legal action. So it’s vital that tests and analyses are done with accuracy.

• Keeping instruments clean and working is essential for doing lab work. To make sure everything is up to standard, lab techs need to look out for equipment that’s out of date or contaminated. Sometimes single-use equipment is the way to go in order to prevent cross contamination. That way you can trust that the results are reliable.

• Being a lab technician involves setting up systems to keep samples organised. Ensure everything is neat and tidy by following the right steps and keep your supervisor in the loop. Help make sure the lab runs smoothly with your organisation skills.

Becoming A Lab Tech

Looking to become a lab technician? Here’s what you need to know. Lab technicians are trained professionals who work in scientific, industrial, and medical labs. They collaborate with senior technicians and other stakeholders to conduct experiments and tests.

Additionally, they document the process and results of the tests. Lastly, they make sure the laboratory workspace and its equipment are up to standards. To become a lab technician, here are the steps to follow:

1. Complete your Schooling with Science Stream

If you want to become a lab technician, you need successful completion of 10+2 with physics, chemistry, math, or biology as the main subjects.

After 10+2, you can join a diploma program or an associate degree program related to laboratory technology. However, both need you to have 10+2 in science as a qualification.

2. Pursue a Formal Qualification

If you want to work as a lab technician, it’s essential to have either a diploma or undergraduate degree. Some employers may require a Bachelor’s in a related field, while those looking for more advanced qualifications can study for a Master’s.

With experience, you can specialise in areas such as bacteriology, microbiology, radiology, genetics or clinical pathology. With the right qualifications, you can open doors to a career in laboratory technology.

That means earning one or more of the following:

• a diploma in ECG Technology
• Medical Imaging Technology
• Medical Laboratory Technology
• Radiography Technology
• Cardiovascular Technology
• Clinical Analysis
• Medical Laboratory Assistant.

Or go the extra mile and pursue a BSc in X-Ray Technology, Medical Imaging Technology, or Medical Laboratory Technology, or a Bachelor of Medical Lab Tech (BMLT).

Even further, you could get an MSc in Medical Laboratory Tech or Medical Imaging Tech, an MSc in X-Ray Tech or ECG and Cardiovascular Tech, and finish with a Post Graduate Diploma in Lab Services in Science, Biomedical Lab Tech, or Medical Lab Tech.

So you can get qualified and turn your dream of being a lab technician into reality.

3. Complete Medical Lab Technician Certification Courses & Programs

Ready to kickstart your career in lab technology? Certification programs could be the perfect place to start.

These short-term courses give you the skills you need in the latest innovations. From diagnostics to instruments and software, you’ll get up to date. Plus, when it comes to job prospects, those shiny certificates can really come in handy. 

Consider signing up for one of these courses:

• Laboratory Technology
• Medical Laboratory Technology
• Blood Bank Technology
• Clinical Diagnostic Techniques
• ECG Technology
• Medical Record Technology
• Cath Lab Technology

Take the next step on your career path and start studying for your certification today!

4. Start your Education and Training

If you’re looking to become a lab technician, training programs can help you develop the skills you need. Search for internships while studying—many labs offer paid or unpaid internships.

This is a great way to get practical experience and learn from experienced technicians. You’ll be helping with tasks like collecting samples, maintaining equipment, and preparing reports. Take advantage of internships to update your skills and stay ahead of the competition.

When it comes to finding a job as a lab technician, it helps to have the right qualifications. It’s good to have some experience first – look for internships and work experience in your chosen field.

You can search for opportunities online, on company websites, or in newspapers. Make sure you get the necessary licensing and accreditation for your job – this could be beneficial.

Having academic knowledge combined with real-life experience will help you stand out and land the job.

5. Gain Relevant Skills

Get the right skills to become a lab technician. You don’t need super fancy qualifications, but having some skills will give you a leg up. Building relationships with other professionals and higher-ups is part of this job. Your career can take off faster if you master the right skills.

Preparing for MLT(ASCP) Certification Examination

Are you ready to become an MLT (ASCP) certified professional? To get there, first make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements and decide when you want to take the exam.

Then, don’t forget to prepare for it! It’s important to understand what to expect when you’re on the test, so you can give it your best shot. Taking the exam without the right preparation could mean you’ll have to go through the process again.

Start preparing today and get closer to achieving your dream.

Preparing for the medical laboratory technician examination? There is no single right way to do it, but there are lots of things you can do to increase your chances of success.

Start by checking out the ASCP’s Suggested Reading for Exam Preparation which lists both online and print options for getting ready. Take some time to explore these resources – you may be surprised at what you can learn!

Average Salary of a Medical Laboratory Technician 

Do you have what it takes to work in the medical lab? It’s an exciting field with plenty of potential rewards! Working as a lab technician or technologist could earn you an average salary of $57,800 a year.

Even if you’re just starting out, you can expect a solid paycheck of around $44,000 a year. Where you work and how much experience you have makes a difference, so you could make even more. Start exploring your options and find your place in the medical lab!

Scope of Practice & Projected Job Growth

The job market for clinical lab techs and technologists is projected to grow by 7% in the next ten years. That’s an estimated 21,800 new jobs that could be created. So, if you’re looking for a career in this field, now’s a good time to get started.

Skills Required to Become a Lab Technician 

1. Hand-Eye Coordination

Working with small objects requires a special touch. You need to be able to control your hands and have good coordination between what you see and the action you take.

This will help you succeed in tasks like preparing samples. Make sure you have the skills necessary to get the job done right.

2. Tech Know-How

Working in a lab means having the tech-know-how. Lab techs need to be able to operate their technology and keep it in good shape. Maintaining the tech tools helps ensure you get accurate test results. Having tech skills is a must for a successful lab tech.

3. Detaial – Oriented

As a lab technician, you need to be detail-oriented. With each job you take on, you need to make sure you don’t miss any important information. Pay attention and read through each instruction carefully.

Doctors and scientists depend on you to get it right – they rely on accuracy and precision in your work. The ideal candidate will have an eye for the details that matter most. If this sounds like you, becoming a lab technician is a great opportunity.

4. Assessing

Lab techs use special tools to take a good look at something and figure out what it means. They document the data so it’s easy for all of us to understand. When you analyze something, you’re getting a closer look and working out everything it means.

This skill is important whenever we look at any kind of information.

5. Interpersonal Skills

Being a lab technician means communicating accurately and clearly. That includes taking the time to explain results to those who ordered them, and using language that everyone can understand.

It’s important for lab technicians to also keep written records of their work, so everyone can comprehend the data. To do your job properly, having good communication skills is key. This will help you meet all the standards and regulations.

6. Being Organized

Working in a lab can mean juggling lots of different tasks and samples. Making sure everything is organized helps things run smoothly. Plus, it makes sure that nothing bad happens! Keeping records neat and tidy makes it easier to find the right information.

For equipment – keeping things neat and orderly can stop accidents from happening. In other words, organizing your workspace makes it safer and more efficient!

Conclusion

Thus, lab technicians perform many important duties in the chemical, medical, and food and beverage industries. Some of their tasks include recording information, running tests, tracking inventory, and keeping the lab neat and tidy.

They use specialized equipment to analyze materials and measure different substances. In medical labs, technicians analyze samples of blood or urine to check for pathogens.

The data they collect helps ensure that a product or process meets safety requirements. For researchers, technicians provide support for conducting experiments and making observations.

Good Luck!