The healthcare sector is a huge industry and consists of numerous fields and roles. One of the roles is of a Medical Laboratory Technician. Who is a Medical Laboratory Technician, What does the technician do, and does this role have a demand?
In this blog, we will find out about the same. Keep reading……….
Table of Contents
- Definition of Medical Laboratory Technician
- How to Become a Medical Laboratory Technician
- Roles and Responsibilities
- Career Opportunities
- Final Thoughts
Definition of Medical Laboratory Technician
Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLT) also known as Medical Laboratory Scientist are expected to plan, conduct, collect samples, and provide actuate diagnosis. They provide diagnostic services and are technically skilled to perform different tests required and analyze the same before sending it to the physician.
How to Become a Medical Laboratory Technician?
1. Educational Requirements to Become a Medical Laboratory Technician
- You first need to complete your high school and make sure you have chosen the science and technology course.
- After you complete the same, you need to take a graduation or associate degree in Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Technology. Later on, you can take up a Master’s in the same field in which you have completed your graduation.
- Further, you can become a specialized MLT by taking some of the renowned certifications such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) Certification, Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS) Certification, Medical Sciences Council of New Zealand (MSC) Certification, Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) Certification, American Medical Technologists (AMT) Certification.
- While doing these certifications or degrees you can also take up internships, or on-job training in clinical laboratories, hospitals so that you become professionally skilled.
2. Skills Required for an MLT
Here are some skills that one will require to become a Medical Laboratory Technician.
1. Attention to Detail
MLTs must provide accurate test results and it is vital for them to resolve any errors if they are been made while analyzing or testing any result.
2. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
MLTs often need to face complex issues for which they need to make informed decisions. They also need to make quick solutions for the same.
3. Communication Skills
They need to explain the complex analysis to the physicians, hence they need to be clear in their thoughts and communicate all the details properly.
4. Technical Proficiency
They need to have good knowledge of various technologies such as (EMR) systems, test-routing software, and laboratory information systems (LIS). They should be flexible to adapt to any new technology or computer applications that keep trending.
5. Organizational Skills
MLTs should be able to provide accurate records, maintain the documentation of the records, and should be able to handle all the tasks efficiently.
6. Physical Stamina and Dexterity
MLTS need to have good physical stamina as they need to perform manual tasks that take long hours, perform several tests, and handle samples.
7. Interpersonal Skills
They should be patient, empathetic with medical staff, should be able to work in a team, and be interactive to gather knowledge.
8. Troubleshooting Skills
The MLTs should be able to identify any malfunctions that take place in the equipment, able to resolve issues if they take place during blood collection.
All the above-mentioned skills will help you to become a successful MLT in the healthcare industry.
Roles and Responsibilities of a Medical Laboratory Technician
The role of MLTs is to provide proper diagnostic results and treat diseases by doing accurate analysis. Here are some duties an MLT performs daily.
1. Sample Collection and Preparation
They collect blood, urine, tissue, and other samples, prepare labels for each sample, and handle them properly.
2. Perform Lab Tests
They conduct several diagnostic tests using various automated and manual techniques depending upon the tests that are being performed.
3. Quality Control and Assurance
Follow different standard procedures and maintain equipment once they are used. They see to it the tests are done and the outcomes of the tests are accurate.
4. Data Entry and Record Keeping
They maintain the patient’s record properly in the Laboratory Information System
5. Supervision
Senior MLTs need to provide training to the junior MLTs and guide them if they get stuck while performing any tests, analysis, or laboratory work.
6. Follow all the Safety Measures
While performing any tasks they should follow the safety protocols and make use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) so that they can protect themselves from any kind of infection.
Career Opportunities of Medical Laboratory Technician
I. Is there a demand for this role?
Yes, there is a lot of demand for this role as the aging population is increasing day by day, and new diagnostic equipment is released, hence these technicians should be able to handle the same. After the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a rise in this field as they need to test for infectious diseases. They are required in hospitals, diagnostic labs, clinics, research facilities clinics. The demand for this role is increasing and will keep increasing till the next decade.
Final Thoughts
Medical Laboratory Technicians play an important role in the healthcare sector and provide accurate diagnostic results that help physicians make appropriate decisions about the patient’s disease. MLT is a rewarding profession for those who have scientific knowledge, technical skills, and good communication skills.
