Medical Technologist Work

Medical technologist work is essential for appropriate operation of the medical industry. Many a times, only the doctors, physicians or nurses are focused upon the medical sector. However, the medical technologists provide great support and play a major role in this field. It is observed that maximum number of medical technologists are employed in hospital laboratories where they examine the data and perform various medical tests. Some of these professionals also work for chemistry laboratories, medical offices, and blood banks.

Medical technologists have their part in assisting the physicians to treat the diseases through proper diagnosis and detection. For this purpose, the medical technologists are required to study the body cells and fluids, count the number of cells, and analyze the type of blood with the help of advanced machinery. They frequently work with body fluids such as urine and blood since they are broadly used in the diagnosis of patients.

In small scale medical offices, medical technologists are needed to carry out different tasks which includes executing various procedures and tests. While in other medical facilities, they are expected to concentrate only on one or two sections. In general, the medical technologists are provided professional training for running medical examinations namely, microscopic and cultural tests and are required to give their assumptions and observations for assisting the physicians in their diagnosis.

Requirements of Medical Technologist Work

The basic requirements of medical technologist work are as follows:

• Degree in Bachelor of Science (BS) in Clinical Laboratory Science or Bachelor of Science (BS) in Medical Technology accredited by CAAHEP or NAACLS. Candidates may also specialize in urinalysis, hematology, virology, immunology, parasitology, and toxicology
• Medical technologist state license as per the specific requirements of the Board of Occupational Licensing
• Proficiency in analytical judgment, computer skills, and problem solving abilities
• Excellent manual dexterity, detail oriented skills, and capability to perform efficiently under stressful conditions
• Knowledge about human tissues and body fluids

Job Profiles of Medical Technologist Work

There are different job profiles that can be listed under medical technologist work. They are given below:

• Microbiology Medical Technologist: Microbiology medical technologists are responsible for the identification of different viruses and diseases by executing various laboratory examinations. They generally work in laboratories and are involved in investigating, studying, and detecting important treatments for diseases affecting the living organisms

• Nuclear Medical Technologist: Nuclear medical technologists are usually involved in the production and functioning of radiation detecting instruments for the creation of images of body organs. They discover the abnormalities by observing the metabolic transformations and analyzing the track of radioactive drugs in the body

• Zoological Medical Technologist: Zoological medical technologists are mainly involved in executing biological examinations on specimens of tissue, animal blood, and urine stools for detection of abnormal conditions related to bacteria and parasites or other diseases. They can also work in animal sanctuaries, animal clinics or veterinary hospitals

• Radiologic Technologist: Radiologic technologists typically make use of position emission scanners, ultrasound machines, X-ray machines, and magnetic resonance scanners in their work. They may even prepare the patients for radiological treatments and examinations as and when requested by the physicians

• MRI Medical Technologist: MRI medical technologists are responsible for positioning the patients appropriately and manages the scanning apparatus for ensuring proper execution of scanning procedures. They refer the X-ray films, prior reports, and other records during their work for comparison needs.

Work Conditions of Medical Technologist Work

Medical technologists strictly observe the infection control and sterilization processes since they deal with infectious clinical samples each day of their work. They may be needed to work on weekends, late nights, and early mornings as they work for twenty hours a day.

It is mandatory for the medical technologists to wear protective gloves, goggles, and masks when at work. Their working hours differ every week as they are usually scheduled on routine basis.

Job opportunities in medical technologist work are predicted to grow by 12% in the coming years as calculated by Bureau of Labor Statistics. Therefore, applicants can look forward for an outstanding career in this field.