Last updated on September 26, 2019
Want to be a part of the growing medical field but don’t picture yourself as a nurse? Did you know that not all health care careers involve direct contact with patients? It’s true! There are multiple in demand health care careers that take place behind the scenes at hospitals. Have you considered becoming a Medical Laboratory Technician? If so, you don’t have to search high and low to enroll in this program. Dallas Community Colleges has you covered. In fact, the Medical Laboratory Technology program is exclusively offered at El Centro College. Haven’t heard about it? Allow us to fill you in!
What is the Role of a Medical Lab Technician?
Medical laboratory technicians perform complex analytical tests on samples from the patient. This provides valuable information to doctors so they can make appropriate diagnoses. Medical lab techs play a critical role in a patient’s diagnosis, helping doctors detect diseases and determining treatment options. They usually work under the supervision of physicians, lab managers or lab technologists.
What Does a Medical Lab Technician Do?
Typically, a medical lab tech will take samples of bodily fluids such as blood or urine and run a chemical analysis on the specimen using a microscope or other advanced equipment. These machines and tools help record, report and detect diseases. A medical lab technician may also be required to do the following tasks:
- Setting up, maintaining, cleaning and testing the sterility of lab equipment.
- Collecting blood, tissue and other samples from patients.
- Preparing solutions to be combined with samples.
- Matching blood compatibility.
- May search for parasites, bacteria and microorganisms in samples.
How Do I Become a Medical Lab Technician?
Most medical lab technicians have an associate degree in clinical laboratory science. El Centro colleges offers:
- Medical Laboratory Technology Associate of Applied Science degree, which can be completed in six semesters if you’re a full-time student.
Before you apply to the MLT program, you must first complete the Medical Laboratory Core Curriculum. The curriculum includes general education and related health classes that can be completed in two semesters. Additionally, you should know that MLT courses begin during the middle of May each academic year and include lecture, lab and clinical coursework over a 16-month time frame.
How Do I Become Certified as a Medical Laboratory Technician?
After graduation, students will be able to take the Board of Certification exam to become certified as a medical laboratory technician through American Society of Clinical Pathology.
How Much Does a Medical Laboratory Technician Make?
Medical Laboratory Technician make a median annual wage of $51,770, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Why Medical Laboratory Technician?
The demand for health care workers is rapidly growing in the medical field. Medical Laboratory Technicians need to have good analytical judgement, as well as the ability to work under pressure and pay close attention to details. If this sounds like you, becoming a medical laboratory tech may be for you. You can get started today at El Centro!
Still Not Sure If This Career Is For You?
We get it, not everyone wants to work in the medical field. Check out some other options that Dallas Community Colleges offers:
- Dallas Community Colleges offer more than a dozen options for degree plans and certificates in nursing and health care.
- Find out more about DCCCD’s other certificate and degree programs on our website.