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What's a Medical technologist job description? Is there a course in the medical field I can pursue if I finish a Medical technology course?
I was accepted at Seattle University under the pre-science department since I am undecided what major to take. I'm planning to take Medical Technology but I want to work in a hospital. Can somebody give me advise as to what course is best for me? #doctor #nursing #scientist #technologist -laboratory #hospital-and-health-care #medicine #career #career-counseling
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James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Greetings Emmeline Jane, it's James reaching out from Down Under!
Medical technologists, or clinical laboratory scientists as they're often known, hold a pivotal role within the healthcare sector. They carry out critical laboratory tests and scrutinize patient samples, aiding in the detection, treatment, and prevention of diseases. Their duties encompass executing intricate tests, deciphering results, upkeeping laboratory apparatus, and safeguarding precision and quality in all laboratory processes.
A medical technologist's key responsibilities involve gathering and scrutinizing various biological specimens like blood, urine, tissue samples, and body fluids. They employ state-of-the-art laboratory tools and methods to conduct tests that facilitate the detection and identification of diseases or abnormalities. These tests can range from blood chemistry analysis and microbiological cultures to genetic testing, immunology assays, and hematology studies.
They also have the crucial task of confirming the accuracy of test results by adhering to stringent quality control protocols. It's essential that all instruments are correctly calibrated and maintained to ensure dependable and precise results. They may also tackle technical issues with laboratory equipment and implement corrective measures.
Interpreting test results is another vital aspect of a medical technologist's role. They analyze data derived from various tests, compare it with established reference ranges, and provide precise reports to healthcare professionals. This information enables doctors to make well-informed decisions about patient diagnosis, treatment plans, and progress monitoring.
Moreover, medical technologists are tasked with keeping comprehensive records of all laboratory procedures performed. They must comply with rigorous documentation standards to ensure traceability and accountability. Alongside their technical abilities, they need to have exceptional organizational skills to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
In terms of educational and training prerequisites, a bachelor's degree in medical technology or a similar field is typically required to become a medical technologist. The curriculum covers subjects such as biology, chemistry, microbiology, immunology, hematology, and clinical laboratory techniques. Students also acquire practical experience through internships or clinical rotations in accredited laboratories.
Upon completion of a medical technology course or program, individuals can explore various career paths in the medical field. While working in a hospital laboratory is a popular choice, there are other alternatives available. Some medical technologists choose to specialize in areas like microbiology, immunology, hematology, or molecular diagnostics. Others may prefer research positions in academic institutions or pharmaceutical companies.
If you're interested in working directly with patients in a hospital setting, a career as a nurse or a physician might be more suitable. Nurses provide direct patient care, administer medications, and assist doctors in diagnosing and treating illnesses. Physicians diagnose and treat diseases, prescribe medications, and perform medical procedures.
Ultimately, the best course of action depends on your personal interests and career aspirations. It's recommended to consult with academic advisors or career counselors at Seattle University to explore different options within the medical field and determine which path aligns best with your aspirations.
Here are the top 3 authoritative reference publications/domain names:
1. American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) - www.ascls.org
2. American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC) - www.aacc.org
3. National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) - www.naacls.org
May God's blessings be upon your ventures.
Medical technologists, or clinical laboratory scientists as they're often known, hold a pivotal role within the healthcare sector. They carry out critical laboratory tests and scrutinize patient samples, aiding in the detection, treatment, and prevention of diseases. Their duties encompass executing intricate tests, deciphering results, upkeeping laboratory apparatus, and safeguarding precision and quality in all laboratory processes.
A medical technologist's key responsibilities involve gathering and scrutinizing various biological specimens like blood, urine, tissue samples, and body fluids. They employ state-of-the-art laboratory tools and methods to conduct tests that facilitate the detection and identification of diseases or abnormalities. These tests can range from blood chemistry analysis and microbiological cultures to genetic testing, immunology assays, and hematology studies.
They also have the crucial task of confirming the accuracy of test results by adhering to stringent quality control protocols. It's essential that all instruments are correctly calibrated and maintained to ensure dependable and precise results. They may also tackle technical issues with laboratory equipment and implement corrective measures.
Interpreting test results is another vital aspect of a medical technologist's role. They analyze data derived from various tests, compare it with established reference ranges, and provide precise reports to healthcare professionals. This information enables doctors to make well-informed decisions about patient diagnosis, treatment plans, and progress monitoring.
Moreover, medical technologists are tasked with keeping comprehensive records of all laboratory procedures performed. They must comply with rigorous documentation standards to ensure traceability and accountability. Alongside their technical abilities, they need to have exceptional organizational skills to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
In terms of educational and training prerequisites, a bachelor's degree in medical technology or a similar field is typically required to become a medical technologist. The curriculum covers subjects such as biology, chemistry, microbiology, immunology, hematology, and clinical laboratory techniques. Students also acquire practical experience through internships or clinical rotations in accredited laboratories.
Upon completion of a medical technology course or program, individuals can explore various career paths in the medical field. While working in a hospital laboratory is a popular choice, there are other alternatives available. Some medical technologists choose to specialize in areas like microbiology, immunology, hematology, or molecular diagnostics. Others may prefer research positions in academic institutions or pharmaceutical companies.
If you're interested in working directly with patients in a hospital setting, a career as a nurse or a physician might be more suitable. Nurses provide direct patient care, administer medications, and assist doctors in diagnosing and treating illnesses. Physicians diagnose and treat diseases, prescribe medications, and perform medical procedures.
Ultimately, the best course of action depends on your personal interests and career aspirations. It's recommended to consult with academic advisors or career counselors at Seattle University to explore different options within the medical field and determine which path aligns best with your aspirations.
Here are the top 3 authoritative reference publications/domain names:
1. American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) - www.ascls.org
2. American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC) - www.aacc.org
3. National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) - www.naacls.org
May God's blessings be upon your ventures.
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Patricia’s Answer
A Medical Technologist or Clinical Laboratory Scientist is the Bachelor level designation of a hospital lab Tech. It is a very difficult course of study, similar to a pre-med degree, with a long, unpaid internship also. Mine was a year! There is strong job growth for this career, as many Techs are baby boomers who will soon be retiring. You must be very dedicated to pursue this job, as there is little or no recognition or upward mobility. The pay is also low compared to the other allied heath fields. I would recommend becoming a nurse. Less school, better pay, and diverse career options are available to R.N.'s.
Elle Colombel, CSM
Healthcare Industry Strategist/Healthcare SMEs/Analytics & Research
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Elle’s Answer
Hi, Emmeline! Here's some information re. the Medical Technologist position.
Below is a list of sample courses included in a medical technologist degree:
Physiology I and II
Anatomy I and II
Microbiology (standard and clinical)
Chemistry
Organic chemistry
Physics
Statistics
Pre-calculus
Below is a list of sample courses included in a medical technologist degree:
Physiology I and II
Anatomy I and II
Microbiology (standard and clinical)
Chemistry
Organic chemistry
Physics
Statistics
Pre-calculus