Summary:
A Medical Technologist (MT), also known as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) or Clinical Laboratory Scientist, works to analyze a variety of biological specimens. They are responsible for performing scientific testing on samples and reporting results to physicians.
MTs and MLSs perform complex tests on patient samples using sophisticated equipment like microscopes. The data they find plays an important role in identifying and treating cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and numerous other medical conditions.
These professionals collaborate very closely with physicians and Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLT) in diagnosing and monitoring disease processes, as well as monitoring the effectiveness of therapy. Areas of medical laboratory training include microbiology, chemistry, hematology, immunology, transfusion medicine, toxicology, and molecular diagnostics.
MTs and MLSs work in hospitals, clinics, forensic or public health laboratories, as well as pharmaceutical industries, biotechnology companies, veterinary clinics, or research institutions.
Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Examining and analyzing blood, body fluids, tissues, and cells
- Relaying test results to physicians
- Utilizing microscopes, cell counters, and other high-precision lab equipment
- Cross matching blood for transfusion
- Monitoring patient outcomes
- Performing differential cell counts looking for abnormal cells to aid in the diagnosis of anemia and leukemia
- Establishing quality assurance programs to monitor and ensure the accuracy of test results
- Overseeing the work of a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)
Minimum qualifications/requirements:
- 1+ years recent work experience as a Medical Technologist/Scientist
- Education: Bachelor's Degree in Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, or related health science
- State License required in California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Montana, Nevada, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Tennessee and West Virginia
- MLS (ASCP) or MT (AMT) certification required
- BLS may be required for certain jobs/assignments
- Current TB Screen
- Valid Photo Identification/Driver's License
- Successful completion of a Background Check and Medely's screening process