American Medical Technologists (AMT)

How to Become a Medical Laboratory Technician

If you have interest in science and are extremely detail-oriented, a career as a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) may be right for you.

If you have an interest in science and are extremely detail-oriented, a career as a medical laboratory technician (MLT) may be right for you. Though they work behind the scenes, MLTs play a vital role in the quality of a patient’s healthcare by helping to diagnose and prevent disease. Read on to learn more about what it takes to become an MLT, how to get certified and the job outlook for this career.

What Does a Medical Laboratory Technician Do?

Medical laboratory technicians must have good analytical judgment and the ability to work under pressure. Close attention to detail is also essential for medical laboratory technicians because small differences or changes in test substances or numerical readouts can be crucial to a diagnosis. Manual dexterity and normal color vision are highly desirable, and with the widespread use of automated laboratory equipment, computer skills are important.

MLTs collect samples and perform tests to analyze body fluids, tissue and other substances. Their duties include less complex routine tests and laboratory procedures, such as:

  • Preparing specimens for testing
  • Analyzing body fluids such as blood, urine and tissue samples, and recording normal or abnormal findings
  • Using automated equipment and computerized instruments capable of performing a number of tests at the same time
  • Working under the supervision of medical laboratory technologists or laboratory managers

Where Do MLTs Work?

Medical laboratory technicians often work in hospitals, but they can also work in labs and doctors’ offices.

The Path to Becoming a Medical Laboratory Technician

Most MLTs have an associate degree from a community or junior college, a vocational or technical school, or the Armed Forces. Technicians who learned their skills on the job must also meet the educational requirements and necessary semester hours of training. 

Choosing an Accredited Program

Nationally recognized agencies that accredit medical laboratory technician programs include agencies such as the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) and The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). It is important to consider whether a program is accredited by one of these bodies when choosing a school because completion of an accredited program may be required for certification. 

Obtaining Licensure and Getting Certified 

Some states also require MLTs to be licensed or registered, and many employers prefer applicants who are certified by a recognized professional association, such as AMT. Earning certification indicates that the medical laboratory technician meets certain standards of competence. Choosing a certifying body is just as important as choosing a school or program. When you choose a certification that is rigorous and practical, you are showing employers that they can trust your skills and knowledge. 

To get certified through AMT, you must meet certain eligibility criteria and pass an exam. Those who meet the requirements have an excellent chance of passing the certification exam.

The examinations supporting the certification programs are intended to assess the knowledge underlying the competent performance of primary tasks typically required of healthcare practitioners at entry into an occupation.  AMT’s MLT certification is targeted at individuals who are completing their education as well as those who already work in the field but are not yet certified. We target entry level practitioners across all states in the US and through our eligibility criteria identify those who qualify to be certified by AMT. If you are interested in becoming certified through AMT as an MLT visit our Medical Laboratory Technician page to determine if you are eligible.

Want help choosing the application route that's right for you?

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Information on licensure is available from state departments of health or boards of occupational licensing.

Medical Laboratory Technician Career Advancement 

Medical laboratory technicians can advance and become technologists through additional education and experience. Technologists may advance to supervisory positions in laboratory work or may become chief technologists or laboratory managers in hospitals. Manufacturers of home diagnostic testing kits and laboratory equipment and supplies also seek experienced technologists to work in product development, marketing and sales. Professional certification, specialization and/or a graduate degree in medical technology, one of the biological sciences, chemistry, management or education usually speeds advancement.

Medical Laboratory Technician Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical technologists and medical laboratory technicians held about 335,500 jobs in 2020. Employment of medical technologists and medical laboratory technicians is expected to grow 11 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. 

An increase in the aging population will lead to a greater need to diagnose medical conditions, such as cancer or type 2 diabetes, through laboratory procedures. Medical laboratory technicians will be needed to use and maintain the equipment necessary for diagnosis and treatment.

Medical Laboratory Technician Salary

According to The American Society for Clinical Pathology, the average annual wage of staff-level medical laboratory technicians was about $50,724 in 2021. A lead or coordinator averaged about $60,380 annually in 2021. In general, salaries are higher in a hospital setting than in physician offices.

Want to Learn More?

Check out our blog post on the importance of medical laboratory professionals on the health care team.

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What does a medical laboratory technician do?

Would you make a good medical laboratory technician? Take our career test and find your match with over 800 careers.

What is a Medical Laboratory Technician?

A medical laboratory technician performs essential laboratory tests and analyses to aid in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases. These technicians work under the supervision of medical laboratory technologists and other healthcare professionals, utilizing a variety of laboratory equipment and technologies to process and analyze patient samples, such as blood, urine, and tissues. Medical laboratory technicians work in hospitals, clinics, diagnostic laboratories, or research facilities, contributing to the timely and accurate delivery of crucial medical information that informs patient care decisions.

What does a Medical Laboratory Technician do?

A medical laboratory technician looking at a test tube in the laboratory.

Duties and Responsibilities Medical laboratory technicians perform a variety of duties and responsibilities within clinical laboratory settings to support the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases. Here are their primary responsibilities:

  • Sample Collection and Processing: Medical laboratory technicians collect patient specimens, such as blood, urine, tissue, and other bodily fluids, following established protocols for proper handling and labeling. They prepare specimens for analysis by centrifuging, aliquoting, and labeling them accurately to maintain sample integrity and traceability.
  • Laboratory Testing: Medical laboratory technicians perform a wide range of routine laboratory tests using automated analyzers and manual techniques. These tests may include hematological, biochemical, microbiological, immunological, and molecular assays to detect abnormalities and disease markers in patient samples.
  • Quality Control and Assurance: Medical laboratory technicians adhere to quality control and assurance procedures to ensure the accuracy, precision, and reliability of laboratory test results. They perform regular calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment and instrumentation to maintain optimal performance.
  • Data Entry and Record Keeping: Medical laboratory technicians record test results, observations, and other pertinent information accurately in laboratory information systems (LIS) or electronic medical records (EMR). They maintain detailed records of patient specimens, test requests, and laboratory procedures for documentation and traceability purposes.
  • Communication and Collaboration: Medical laboratory technicians communicate effectively with healthcare providers, laboratory staff, and other members of the healthcare team to relay test results, discuss sample requirements, and resolve any issues or discrepancies. They collaborate with laboratory technologists, pathologists, and clinicians to interpret test results and provide timely and accurate information for patient care.
  • Compliance and Safety: Medical laboratory technicians adhere to regulatory requirements, safety protocols, and infection control procedures to ensure a safe working environment for themselves and others. They follow standard precautions, wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and handle hazardous materials and biohazardous waste according to established guidelines.
  • Continuing Education: Medical laboratory technicians participate in ongoing training, continuing education programs, and professional development activities to stay updated on new laboratory techniques, technologies, and best practices. They strive to enhance their knowledge and skills to provide high-quality laboratory services and contribute to the advancement of the profession.

Are you suited to be a medical laboratory technician?

Medical laboratory technicians have distinct personalities . They tend to be investigative individuals, which means they’re intellectual, introspective, and inquisitive. They are curious, methodical, rational, analytical, and logical. Some of them are also realistic, meaning they’re independent, stable, persistent, genuine, practical, and thrifty.

Does this sound like you? Take our free career test to find out if medical laboratory technician is one of your top career matches.

What is the workplace of a Medical Laboratory Technician like?

Medical laboratory technicians can work in a variety of environments, including hospitals, clinics, physician offices, diagnostic laboratories, research institutions, and public health agencies. In hospitals and large medical centers, medical laboratory technicians typically work in clinical laboratories, which are equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation and facilities to perform a wide range of laboratory tests and analyses.

Within the clinical laboratory, medical laboratory technicians work in well-organized and controlled environments designed to meet strict regulatory standards for quality, safety, and infection control. They may spend their days in laboratory settings, performing laboratory tests, operating laboratory equipment, and handling patient specimens. Medical laboratory technicians collaborate closely with other laboratory personnel, including medical laboratory technologists, pathologists, laboratory managers, and administrative staff, to ensure efficient workflow, accurate test results, and timely delivery of laboratory services.

The work of medical laboratory technicians requires attention to detail, precision, and adherence to established protocols and procedures to maintain the integrity and reliability of laboratory testing. They may work independently or as part of interdisciplinary healthcare teams, depending on the complexity of laboratory tests and the level of supervision required. They may also interact with healthcare providers, nurses, and other members of the healthcare team to discuss test results, interpret findings, and contribute to patient care decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Medical laboratory technician vs medical laboratory technologist.

The terms "Medical Laboratory Technician" and "Medical Laboratory Technologist" are often used interchangeably, but there are some differences between the two roles in terms of education, responsibilities, and scope of practice.

Education and Training:

  • Medical Laboratory Technicians: Typically complete a one to two year Associate Degree or Certificate in Medical Laboratory Technology. MLT programs provide training in laboratory techniques, procedures, and instrumentation, along with clinical rotations in various laboratory departments.
  • Medical Laboratory Technologists: Generally hold a Bachelor's Degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Clinical Laboratory Science, or a related field. MLT programs at the bachelor's level include coursework in biology, chemistry, microbiology, and laboratory science, as well as supervised clinical rotations.

Responsibilities and Scope of Practice:

  • Medical Laboratory Technicians: Perform routine laboratory tests and analyses under the supervision of medical laboratory technologists or laboratory managers. Technicians may conduct basic laboratory procedures, operate laboratory equipment, maintain quality control measures, and document test results.
  • Medical Laboratory Technologists: Have a broader scope of practice and may perform more complex laboratory tests and analyses independently. MLTs often work in specialized areas of the laboratory, such as clinical chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology, or molecular diagnostics, and may be responsible for interpreting test results, troubleshooting instrumentation, and supervising laboratory staff.

In summary, while both medical laboratory technicians and medical laboratory technologists play essential roles in clinical laboratory settings, medical laboratory technologists typically have more advanced education and training, as well as a broader scope of practice, compared to medical laboratory technicians.

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Home / The Pros and Cons of Becoming a Medical Laboratory Technician

The Pros and Cons of Becoming a Medical Laboratory Technician

Follow your passion for a career in healthcare and make a difference.

Choosing the right healthcare career is a very important decision and weighing the advantages and disadvantages is essential. So, before committing to the  medical laboratory technician  field, looking at the pros and cons can help you determine if this is the right career for you. Check them out below.

  • All in the name of science.   Medical laboratory technicians  have a crucial job in the healthcare field. They work closely with medical professionals to prevent, monitor and treat diseases all through science. If that’s your passion and you love discovering things through chemistry and microbiology, you should consider a career as a medical laboratory technician.
  • Help  make a difference  in patients’ lives.  You can help save someone’s life or figure out what’s causing pain or illness by diagnosing what’s wrong with them by looking at their blood or other bodily fluids through a microscope.
  • U.S. News and World Report  ranks medical laboratory technicians as a top 20 healthcare support job.  Lab work has become more complex over the years, especially with viruses on the rise, so the support from a medical lab technician is crucial to help diagnose patients in a timely fashion.
  • It’s a fast-paced job.  This job will keep you on your toes as it requires a lot of work around the lab. At times, it can be very busy or hectic, especially with the pandemic. But this makes the day go by faster.
  • Additional training for advancement.  Within the medical lab technician field, you can continue your education as a medical technologist and then continue on to become a manager or more. However, this requires additional training and supervisor roles are not always easy to come by.
  • You work behind the scenes.  You won’t be in the “spotlight” necessarily as medical laboratory technicians work behind the scenes. However, most are content with this decision and happy to be making a difference helping physicians and medical professionals making diagnoses.

If you’d like to make a career out of your passion for science, we recommend our  Medical Laboratory Technician program.  It’s offered at our  Colorado Springs campus  and takes 19 months to complete. Bring out your inner scientist at  Pima Medical Institute .

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Become a Medical Lab Technician

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5 Reasons to Become a Medical Laboratory Tech

Although some individuals want to become nurses or physicians, these career paths aren’t the best choice for everyone. If you’re looking for a rewarding healthcare career that doesn’t require hands-on patient care, becoming a medical lab technician might be a great option for you.

What Is a Medical Lab Technician?

A medical lab technician analyzes bodily fluids and tissues for proper diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For example, a medical lab tech might look at tissue under a microscope to spot cancer cells or other abnormalities. They might also ensure blood types match prior to transfusions or test urine samples for drugs.

5 Reasons to Become a Medical Lab Technician

A career as a medical lab technician has many unique benefits. Here are five reasons why a medical lab technology career might be a great choice for you.

1. Workplace Flexibility

Medical lab techs work in a wide range of facilities, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, laboratories and more. You have the option to work in a setting you enjoy most. Depending on the organization you choose, you may be able to select a schedule that fits your needs, working days, nights or even weekends.

2. “Behind-the-Scenes” Work

Not every healthcare career requires direct patient care. Although they support medical professionals, medical lab techs complete their work behind-the-scenes. In fact, you may not come into contact with patients at all.

3. Cross Between Science, Tech and Healthcare

Medical lab technicians use high tech equipment daily to test samples of the human body for diagnosis. For individuals who love science, technology and healthcare, a medical lab tech career is a perfect mix of all three fields.

4. Fast Entry Into the Workforce

Entering the workforce as a medical lab technician is pretty quick. Through our Medical Laboratory Technician program, you can be ready for employment in as little as two years.

5. Employment Growth

Medical lab tech careers are thriving across the country. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , the employment of these technicians is projected to grow by 11% between now and 2028, much faster than average. This demand makes finding the perfect job easier for you.

Get Started Towards Your Medical Lab Tech Career With Cambridge

If you’re ready to get started towards your medical lab technician career, we’re here to help. To learn more about our program or to apply today, give us a call at 877-206-4279.

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6 Signs a Medical Lab Tech Career Is Right for You

By Will Erstad on 02/05/2018

Medical Lab Technician Career

You’ve always been the type of person who takes a painstaking amount of time to make sure the details are correct and meticulously recorded. You’re a multitasking whiz who enjoys order and routine in your life. Wouldn’t it be great if you could find a career that capitalized on all of these characteristics?

FACT: MLT jobs are expected to increase 13% through 2026.

It’s important to make sure that your personality and natural gifts align with the profession you pursue. You’ll be happy to hear that a medical lab tech career might be right up your alley. This will allow you to join the fast-growing healthcare field while still getting to work a technical, behind-the-scenes job.

If this seems like an ideal option for you, then keep reading to see if you have what it takes to launch a successful medical lab tech (MLT) career.

6 Signs you’re cut out for a medical laboratory technician career

Want to figure out if working as a medical laboratory tech is a good job for you? We spoke with Tammy Renner, the Rasmussen University national MLT program director and 33-year medical lab veteran, to identify some common characteristics that the best MLTs share.

1. You’ve always loved science

MLTs usually have a strong background in chemistry, biology and physiology. Specifically, knowledge of tissues and cells is required, as is an expert understanding of chemical compositions and interactions.

If this kind of knowledge excites you, that’s a good sign you’d enjoy a medical lab tech career, according to Renner. She says most MLTs are fascinated in figuring out what type of organism has infected a patient and, more importantly, which antibiotic will help destroy it.

But don’t think you have to be a science whiz from the get-go. Your basic curiosity and a healthy desire to learn will help you acquire everything you need to know from your MLT course curriculum.

2. You’re extremely detail-oriented

Not everyone pays attention to the particulars. If you’re someone who values accuracy and thoroughness, then the medical community needs you. MLTs have to compile, categorize, code and calculate their findings to help doctors determine a diagnosis.

Missing the smallest detail could have big implications, as it could directly affect how the patient is treated. Complex problem solving and precise communication are also important characteristics of an MLT.

3. You don’t mind repetition

You appreciate routine and are able to stay focused in the midst of recurring tasks. An MLT’s daily duties may seem redundant, but they know the importance of their work and complete each test with the same amount of precision.

"We understand there is a life behind every sample we test."

“Each patient sample is treated individually,” Renner says. “We understand there is a life behind every sample we test.”

Renner adds that while the actions themselves may seem repetitious, many facilities allow MLTs to rotate through different departments within the lab. This variety helps keep things interesting.

4. You prefer working behind the scenes

Not everyone wants to be center stage, and that’s okay. You don’t have to be interacting with patients at the bedside all day long in order to make a difference. A medical lab tech career will allow you to play an integral role in the healthcare system without being in the spotlight.

“Lab professionals do have patient contact, but on a limited scale,” Renner explains. MLTs may draw blood, instruct patients on how to properly collect body fluid or conduct other bedside tests. Even so, the majority of their time is spent in a peaceful and secluded work environment.

5. You’re seeking a stable career

If security and stability are important to you—both in your life and in your career—look no further than an MLT career. Jobs for MLTs are projected to increase at a faster-than-average rate of 13 percent through 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). As the population ages and medical issues arise in the elderly, this will lead to a greater need for MLTs to run tests to detect diseases such as type-2 diabetes or cancer.

Also, since more patients will be able to access healthcare as federal health legislation increases its availability, the need for MLTs will greatly increase. Changes like these indicate the future is bright in this field, so you can settle in for the long run.

6. You’re eager to enter the workforce

Many healthcare careers are notorious for the extensive education process. So how long is med lab tech school? Unlike becoming a surgeon or physical therapist, you can launch a medical lab tech career in fewer than two years. That’s right; some Medical Laboratory Technician Associate’s degree programs can be completed in as little as 21 months. *

This means you’ll be working with your microscope in the lab sooner.

Is a medical laboratory tech career in your future?

Can you relate to any of these characteristics? If you’re intrigued at the idea of pursuing a medical lab tech career, don’t stop examining.

Now that you know you’re a good fit for the field, learn more about the ins and outs of the job in our article, “ What Does a Medical Lab Tech Do? ” 

*Completion time is dependent on transfer credits and courses completed each term. AUTHOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in April 2013. It has since been updated to include information relevant to 2018.

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Will is a Sr. Content Specialist at Collegis Education. He researches and writes student-focused articles on a variety of topics for Rasmussen University. He is passionate about learning and enjoys writing engaging content to help current and future students on their path to a rewarding education.

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