High School
To be hired as a medical laboratory technician, you must have a high school diploma and one or two years of postsecondary training. In general, courses in health, biology, chemistry, mathematics, English, and computer science will be most helpful in a career as a medical laboratory technician.
Postsecondary Training
After high school, prospective technicians enroll in one or two-year training programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools, or the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences. One-year programs include both classroom work and practical laboratory training, and focus on areas such as medical ethics and conduct, medical terminology, basic laboratory solutions and media, manipulation of cytological and histological specimens, blood collecting techniques, and introductions to basic hematology, serology, blood banking, and urinalysis.
To earn an associate's degree, you must complete a two-year post-high school program. Like certificate programs, associate's degree programs include classroom instruction and practical training. Courses are taught both on campus and in local hospitals or other health care settings. On-campus courses focus on general knowledge and basic skills in laboratory testing associated with hematology, serology, chemistry, microbiology, and other pertinent biological and medical areas. The clinical training program focuses on basic principles and skills required in medical diagnostic laboratory testing.
Prospective medical laboratory technicians who think they might want to specialize in cytology or blood bank technology should definitely consider earning an associate's degree, which will best prepare them for the additional education they may need later.
Other Education or Training
Keeping up with industry trends is key to being a successful medical laboratory technician, and many associations require the completion of continuing education (CE) credits as a condition of re-certification. Many associations provide some form of CE, such as webinars, conference workshops, and seminars. For example, the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science offers clinical lab investigation case studies, webinars like "A Look to the Future: Artificial Intelligence Frameworks in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine," the Labucate online learning system, live virtual events, and self study courses. The American Association of Bioanalysts, American Medical Technologists, and the American Society for Clinical Pathology also provide continuing education opportunities. Contact these organizations for more information.
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