Medical technologist?

Question

I did some research on this profession and I was wondering the following?:

*the specific type of experiments medical technologists conduct
*if it is an enjoyable job (where you will not get bored)
*if there is interaction between/with other people
*different taks medical technologists are required to do
*the salary of a medical technologist

Answer 1

Types of experiments Medical Technologists can perform and tasks they are required to do:

A full range of laboratory tests from simple blood tests to more complex tests to even assisting with the uncovering of diseases such as cancer:

*Look for bacteria, parasites, and other microorganisms
*Analyze the chemical content of fluids
*Match blood for transfusions
*Test for drug levels in the blood to show how a patient is responding to treatment
*Prepare specimens for examination
*Count cells
*Look for abnormal cells
*Use automated equipment and instruments capable of performing a number of tests simultaneously
*Use microscopes, cell counters and other sophisticated laboratory equipment
*Perform complex chemical, biological, hematological, immunologic, microscopic, and bacteriological tests
*Microscopically examine blood, tissue and other body substances
*Make cultures of body fluid and tissue samples to determine presence of bacteria, fungi, parasites or other microorganisms
*Analyze samples for chemical content or other reaction and determine blood glucose and cholesterol levels
*Type and cross match blood samples for transfusions
*The examination of blood for cells, which would indicate leukemia or anemia
*The chemical testing of blood for products of metabolism
*Evaluate test results
*Develop and modify procedures
*Establish and monitor programs to ensure the accuracy of tests

Work with other people:
**Analyze results and relay them to physicians
**May supervise medical and clinical laboratory technicians

Is it enjoyable? Depends on how much you like working with testing and computers...plus do you like working with complex analysis and responsibilities that require excellent judgement?

If you need lots of variety, Medical Technologists who work in small laboratories perform many types of tests; if you like to become "an expert" than you'd fit better in large laboratories that require specialization:

*Clinical Chemistry Technologists – prepare specimens and analyze the chemical and hormonal contents of body fluids
*Microbiology Technologists - examine and identify bacteria and other microorganisms
*Blood Bank Technologists/Immunohmatology technologists/Phlebotomy Technicians – collect, type and prepare blood and its components for transfusions
*Immunology Technologists – examine elements and responses of the human immune system to foreign bodies
*Cytotechnologists – prepare slides of body cells and microscopically examine these cells for abnormalities that may signal the beginning of cancerous growth
*Molecular Biology Technologists – perform complex genetic testing on cell samples

Education requirements:
Medical Technologists usually have a bachelor’s degree with a major in medical technology or in one of the life sciences, or they have a combination of formal training and work experience. Universities and hospitals offer medical technology programs.

It is also possible to qualify through a combination of education, on-the-job, and specialized training.

Some states require laboratory personnel to be licensed or registered. Information is available from state department of health boards. Certification is a voluntary process by which a non-governmental organization grants recognition to an individual whose professional competence meets prescribed standards. Widely accepted by employers and in many cases is a prerequisite for most jobs and often is necessary for advancement.

Estimated Earnings:
Median annual earnings of medial and clinical laboratory technologists were $40,510 in 2000. The middle 50 percent earned between $34,220 and $47,460. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $29,240 and the highest ten percent earned more than $55,560. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest number of medical and clinical laboratory technologists in 2000 were as follows:

Hospitals $40,840
Medical and dental laboratories 39,780
Offices and clinics of medical doctors 38,850

Employment Outlook:
Employment of clinical laboratory workers is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2010. Expected growth is about 10-20% through 2010.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Yes. When I need blood drawn from the medical lab at my hospital, the medical technologist is the one who does it. Even when I visit my doctor, he orders tests that are done by a medical technologist. This goes for specimen and the like. They don't do any tests that require them to do any kind of "light surgery." Peace and God Bless.