Certified Medical Technician: Job Description and Info for Students Considering a Career As a Certified Medical Tech
Certified medical technicians typically earn either a diploma or an associate's degree before attaining their professional certification. These individuals provide crucial diagnostic support to physicians and pathologists.
Certified Medical Technician Job Description
Certified medical technicians, also referred to as medical laboratory technicians, perform basic laboratory procedures, such as testing specimens and recording results. These individuals may specialize in a field, such as molecular biology. Medical technicians work with diagnostic and analytical equipment, including analyzers and microscopes. Besides laboratory work, they may collect samples directly from patients.
Medical technicians typically work under medical laboratory technologists and may receive instructions from physicians or pathologists. Like many employees in the medical field, they may work odd hours or be on-call in case of an emergency. Medical technicians need to follow safety protocols, which may include disposing of hazardous waste and wearing protective clothing.
Job Outlook and Salary Information
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for medical and clinical laboratory technicians, the field that encompasses medical technicians, was expected to increase by 16% from 2008-2018 (www.bls.gov). Population growth and the development of new laboratory tests will spur the employment increase. Medical technicians may find work with hospitals, laboratories, physicians offices and universities. In May 2010, the BLS reported that the median annual salary for medical and clinical laboratory technicians was $36,280.
Certified Medical Technician Educational Information
The first step for students considering a career as a certified medical technician is to complete a certificate or associate's degree program with coursework specific to laboratory science. Classes may cover bacteriology, hematology, phlebotomy and immunology. Supporting scientific courses in chemistry, anatomy and physiology may be required. Clinical practice is often incorporated into a program in which students may rotate through different specialties, such as urinalysis and clinical chemistry.
Licensure and Certifications
The BLS indicates that some states have licensing or registration requirements for laboratory personnel. Professional certifications are required by some states and may help with employment. Recognized certifications are offered by several professional organizations, including the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel and the American Medical Technologists. These certifications usually require applicants to meet educational standards and pass a certifying exam.
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24 Popular Schools
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must live within close proximity to school locations
- Must be graduated from high school by 2011
School locations:
- Arizona (1 campus)
- Florida (1 campus)
- Texas (2)
Classroom-Based Programs
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Non-Degree
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- Certificate in Medical Assisting Bilingual Version (English/Spanish) Medical Assistant
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
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- Minnesota (1)
- Texas (1)
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Master
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- MS in Health Services Management
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 21 years of age or older and have completed some college or 24 years of age or older and a high school graduate for a Bachelor's degree
- Masters degree applicants must have a Bachelors degree
- Doctorate degree applicants must have a Masters degree
School locations:
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- Doctorate
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Bachelor
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- BS in Health Studies - General
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
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Online Programs
- Master
- Bachelor
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Associate
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- AAS in Medical Assisting
- AS in Health Science
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate.
School locations:
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Online Programs
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Master
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- Master of Science in Education - Allied Health Teaching and Leadership
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Bachelor
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- BS in Health Science
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Florida (5 campuses)
- Georgia (1 campus)
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- Pennsylvania (1)
- Washington (1)
Classroom-Based Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must have either two or more years of college or active military status if you are under 24 years of age
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
- Arizona (5 campuses)
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- Colorado (2)
- Columbia (D.C.) (1)
- Florida (6)
- Georgia (3)
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- Associate of Arts Foundations in Health Care Administration
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- Non-Degree
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
- Currently not accepting applications from Texas residents
School locations:
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Master
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- MBA Dual Concentration: Healthcare Management and Technology Management
- MBA Dual Concentration: Healthcare Management and Project Management
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- MBA Dual Concentration: Healthcare Management and Public Safety Leadership
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Associate
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- AS in Medical Assisting
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- Non-Degree
