Medical Laboratory Tech
Medical laboratory technicians analyze biological samples like blood, urine, and tissues in the laboratory to help diagnose patients’ ailments while communicating effectively with doctors and taking thorough but concise notes. Medical lab techs get training to utilize and maintain highly specialized lab equipment. Depending on the position, a medical laboratory technician might or might not work closely with patients collecting samples as part of their day-to-day work.
For the Medical Lab Tech
Licensed medical laboratory technicians seeking work can apply to Options Staffing 360 for job placement. We have 20 years of experience helping medical professionals like you find work, and we have the connections to help you find the best position for you, whether that means flexible hours at a hospital or full-time at your local blood bank.
If you have your eye on one of the jobs in this essential and growing medical field but don’t have the credentials for it, keep reading to learn about the requirements to be a medical laboratory technician.
Education
To be a medical lab tech, you’ll need an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory technology or a related degree program from an accredited university or college. For a shorter program, you can seek a certificate in medical laboratory science from your local community college or vocational school. A certificate program will take a year to complete, and a degree program can take between a year and two years, depending on your program.
Before pursuing licensing, you may need to seek experience. You may have it included in your degree or certificate program. If not, you’ll want to take on an internship to prepare you for your next step.
Certification and Licensing
Requirements for certification and licensing vary from state to state, so it would be best to do your research before pursuing employment to ensure you’re ready to work. If your state doesn’t require certification, it still offers the opportunity for you to stand out from other medical lab techs.
The
American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) is an international certification organization that prides itself on setting the standard for medical lab professionals. It has a certification for medical laboratory technicians and numerous specialization options, including blood banking, cytogenetics, molecular biology, and others. Their certification remains active for three years, with different maintenance required depending on the certificates you have.
While a standard medical laboratory tech certification may be all you need to work, specialized certifications will offer you more job opportunities. Consider specializing for the chance to focus on something you find intriguing, like hematology, cytology, or microbiology.
For Potential Employers
Trying to find the right medical lab tech for your team can be a struggle. At Options Staffing 360, we make it easy by helping you find certified and licensed medical professionals that meet all of your standards. All of our candidates are thoroughly vetted and are ready to join your team, working to maintain the quality of care and environment your facility needs and your patients expect.