Medical lab technicians analyze samples that have been sent to the lab.
Medical laboratory technicians find employment in hospitals and other medical facilities, analyzing and testing patient samples for viruses, bacteria and other pathogens as well as prescription and illegal drugs. Although they must complete a formal training program, not all states require medical lab technicians to be licensed or certified. For the states that do, requirements vary.
High School Diploma or GED Equivalent
Medical lab technicians are required to have a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Secondary school students interested in becoming medical lab technicians should take classes in biology, chemistry, English, computer skills and mathematics. Students should also consider learning a foreign language, as employers increasingly prefer bilingual candidates.
Associate's Degree
Medical lab technicians are required to have a two-year associate's degree from a program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). According to Allied-Health-Schools.com, students are taught laboratory mathematics, chemistry, microbiology, pathology, microscopy and immunology. Students also receive instruction on prepare laboratory specimens including blood, tissue samples and urine, monitor tests and procedures, analyze the chemical content in fluids, match blood types for transfusions and test drug levels in blood. While earning their associate's degree, students have the option of specializing in one of seven areas of medical lab technology: chemistry, hematology, cytotechnology, immunology, virology, microbiology or blood banking. Before conferring a certificate of completion, most medical lab technician programs require students to complete a specified amount of clinical practice under the supervision of a licensed or certified medical technician.
Licensing
Some states require medical lab technicians to be either licensed or registered. State requirements vary; applicants should check with their state's board of health or board of occupational licensing for specific details. Licensing requirements typically include official proof of completion of a state-approved or nationally accredited medical technician training program, as well as passing a state-administered licensing examination.
Certification
Some states and individual employers require medical lab technicians to earn professional certification. Even where that isn't required, many medical lab technicians choose to earn professional certification as proof that they have knowledge and expertise in their field. There are several certifying bodies, including the American Society for Clinical Pathology, the American Medical Technologists, the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel and the American Association of Bioanalysts.
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