Medical Technologist

To be a successful Medical Technologist you should…

• be self-sufficient, precise, and thorough
• be a trouble-shooter who not only reports accurate results, but also knows when results are incorrect and need to be rechecked
• like challenge and responsibility
• be reliable, work well under pressure, and able to finish a task
• communicate well, both orally and in writing

What will my job be like?

The medical technologist performs a full range of laboratory tests – from simple pre-marital blood tests to more complex tests to uncover diseases such as AIDS, diabetes, and cancer.

Medical technologists work quickly and carefully. The test results they give to doctors influence the medical treatment a patient receives.

Medical Technologists may specialize in any of the following:

• Blood Banking
• Chemistry
• Hematology
• Immunology
• Microbiology

Where could I work?

Medical technologists are employed in hospitals, independent laboratories, clinics, and public health departments.

Other workplace settings:

• Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Industry
• Medical Supply and Equipment Sales
• Physician Offices
• Research Laboratories
• State and Federal Facility/Public Health Laboratory
• Walk-In Clinics

What is the average annual salary?

$75,000

What is the future of this career?

Overall employment of medical laboratory technologists and technicians is projected to grow 13 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. An increase in the aging population is expected to lead to a greater need to diagnose medical conditions, such as cancer or type 2 diabetes, through laboratory procedures.

What type of education and/or training do I need?

Medical technologists need a combination of formal education (bachelor’s degree) plus clinical education in a medical technology program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).

Where can I get the education and/or training?

• Quinnipiac University, Hamden

Do I need a license or certification for this career?

Licensure is not required in the state of Connecticut.

Where can I get more information?