Career in Medical Lab Technology

Being a doctor is not the only option to make a career in medicine, as popularly believed. There are various other options and career opportunities provided by this sector. One such path is in the area of Medical Laboratory Technology.

To help diagonose an illness, doctors need investigations through tests. Basis the results of these tests, they treat and give suggestions for prevention. This is where Medical Laboratory Technology or Clinical laboratory science comes in.

Working in a medical laboratory demands high level of responsibility, skill and given the rate at which diseases are increasing, a lot of hard work. Therefore, it is a very challenging and dynamic career field where you can make a difference in people's lives.

There are two profiles you could look at:

• Technicians
• Technologists

 

Medical technologists work in areas of the laboratory like Clinical Chemistry (chemical analysis of body fluids), Blood banking, Immunology (study of immune system), Hematology (blood related), and Microbiology (study of bacteria and other disease organisms). Other areas include cytotechnology (study of human tissue), phlebotomy, urinalysis, coagulation, parasitology and serology. Phlebotomists draw and test blood where as Blood bank technologists determine correct blood types for transfusions. Histology technicians cut and stain tissue samples.

On the other hand, medical lab technicians work under technologists or supervisors and do routine laboratory testing manually. Technicians prepare specimens and operate machines that automatically analyze samples. They also prepare standard solutions which involve measuring and mixing the correct amount of various chemicals for use in the lab.

Skill Required:

This profile does not deal with the patients directly in most cases. Qualities required for this profile are ability to conduct research, finish tasks with speed as well as with accuracy, to work under pressure, make analytical judgment, interpreting technical/scientific data, knowledge of laboratory instrumentation, mechanical ability and the ability to use computers. Technologists and technicians should have an eye for detail, be self-sufficient, accurate and self-motivated.

Courses and eligibility:

Some of the most sought after courses in the field include:

• B.Sc. Clinical Laboratory Technology 
• B.Sc. Medical Laboratory Technology 
• Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology (DMLT) 
• Diploma in Clinical Laboratory Technician 
• Diploma in EEG. Laboratory Technician
• M.Sc. Medical Laboratory Technology
• Post Graduate Diploma in Biomedical Laboratory Technology (PGDBLT)
• Post Graduate Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology

 

The eligibility criteria for 3 year Bachelor's programme in Medical Laboratory Technology (BMLT) is 12th or equivalent with Science subjects Or Pre- University Vocational course from a recognised Board with laboratory Technology as Vocational subject.

For a 2 year Diploma programmes (DMLT) you need to have cleared 10+2 or equivalent examination from a recognised University or Board.

Career prospects:

Career as a Medical laboratory technician/technologist offer you the opportunity to have a significant impact on patient care, without actually interacting with patients.

With required skill you can find yourself employed in a hospital, minor emergency centers, private laboratory, blood donor centers, doctor's office or clinics. You can aim to become a technologist in due time and work experience.

Medical lab technicians can also find jobs in research facilities, crime laboratories, universities, pharmaceutical companies and military.

With their specialised skills, lab technologists are always in demand in hospitals, specialty hospitals, laboratories etc. You could grow to become:

• Laboratory manager/Consultant/supervisor
• Health care Administrator
• Hospital Outreach coordination
• Laboratory information system Analyst/Consultant
• Educational consultant / coordinator/ director
• Health and safety officer etc.

 

Medical technologists are also needed in industry like pharmaceutical for positions in product development, marketing, sales, quality assurance, environmental health and insurance, among others.

Remunerations:

Medical Lab technology is a lucrative and challenging field. The starting salary package of a medical lab technology/ technician ranges from Rs 6, 500 - Rs 10,000 per month in hospitals and in clinics. The pay packages increases with years of experience.

Institutes offering Medical lab technology courses:

Some of the prominent institutes offering courses in the field are:

• Padmashree Institute of Medical Lab Technology
• Sree Surya and Devi Colleges of Medical Lab Technology - Andhra Pradesh
• City College of Medical Laboratory Technology - Karnataka

 

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