How to Become a Medical Technologist

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: April 23, 2022 References Approved

Have you ever wondered how all that high-tech, fancy medical equipment is used and maintained? Well, it’s all thanks to a trained specialist known as a medical technologist, also known as a medical laboratory scientist. They’re the people who do things like make sure medical equipment is properly configured and functional. They can also perform lab tests and analyze blood, body fluids, and tissue samples. It’s a great job and it isn’t as difficult to become one as you may think. To help explain the process of what it takes to become a medical technologist, we’ve answered some of the most common questions that people have.

Question 1 of 8:

What degree do I need to be a medical technologist?

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You need a bachelor’s degree in medical technology. After you graduate high school or earn your GED, you can apply to universities that offer bachelor’s degrees in medical technology. You’ll take a variety of courses such as biology, chemistry, genetics, phlebotomy, immunology, and biostatistics. You’ll also learn professional training such as healthcare ethics and experience working in a lab to get hands-on training. Once you graduate with your degree, you’ll be a trained medical technologist!^{[1]
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- Some colleges offer online programs in medical technology so you can learn at home and on your own time!
- You can also pursue an associate’s degree in medical technology, but keep in mind that many states require a bachelor’s degree in order to be a certified medical technologist.^{[2]
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Some military programs also offer medical technologist training. If you join the medical field in a branch of the military such as the Army or Navy, you can receive classroom and hands-on training as a medical technologist. While the training may not certify you as a licensed medical technologist, it can count as your work experience and you can pursue a degree online while you’re serving so when you leave the military, you can easily get certified and apply for jobs.^{[3]
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- If you’re interested in joining the military to pursue training as a medical technologist, talk to a recruiter about what you need to do to make it happen.
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Earn a master’s degree to advance your career in management. A master’s degree in medical laboratory science will give you education and training beyond a bachelor’s degree, including coursework that will position you as a future leader in the field. If you plan to move into upper management positions in the industry and earn more money, you may want to pursue a master’s degree.
- The field of medical laboratory science is dynamic and constantly evolving. A master’s degree can help make sure you’re set up to succeed.

Question 2 of 8:

What are the desirable qualities of a medical technologist?

You want to have traits such as accuracy, honesty, and perseverance. Because of the attention to detail and work required to perform work as a medical technologist, the ability to follow instruction manuals and persevere to get the job done is critical. You also need to be able to learn to adapt to changes in laboratory practices and technologies throughout your career because new technologies are always being invented.^{[4]
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- It’s also helpful to have a flexible way of thinking that allows you to try new approaches and do away with traditional practices as things change. For instance, you may spend years using a certain machine to analyze blood, but if a new machine does it better, you need to be able to adapt to the new technology.

Question 3 of 8:

How do I become a certified medical technologist?

Check with your state’s licensure requirements to find out what they are. In the US, some states don’t require a special certification or license in order to practice as a medical technologist. You just need to have a degree and then land a job at clinic. However, if your state does require it, the requirements can include a bachelor’s degree, an exam, 12-24 hours of experience, and a $25-$100 USD fee.^{[5]
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- If your state doesn’t require a license, but you plan to move and work in a state that does, you’ll need to get certified in that state.
- With a bachelor’s degree in medical technology, you’ll likely satisfy the 12-24 hours of experience some states require.
- Once you find out the requirements, you can pay the required fees and take any necessary exams.

Question 4 of 8:

What are the general duties of a medical technologist?

Performing professional lab work is the main duty of a medical technologist. There are thousands of different jobs available to a medical technologist. But nearly all of them involve analyzing specimens or calibrating medical devices that help lead to a medical diagnosis.^{[6]
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- So whether you’re working in a clinical lab analyzing blood samples or you’re running an MRI machine, you’re still working to help find a medical diagnosis by performing the necessary laboratory work.

Question 5 of 8:

How do you find a job as a medical technologist?

Apply at hospitals, doctor’s offices, and medical labs. The majority of medical technologists work at hospitals, which will often have better pay and benefits. However, many work at smaller medical practices and medical and diagnostic labs. Some even work in schools to train other medical technologists or in ambulance services to help with emergencies.^{[7]
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- One of the best things about pursuing a career as a medical technologist is the fact that they can be employed by almost any medical institution.
- There are many different jobs you can land as a medical technologist such as a phlebotomist, surgical technician, MRI technologist, clinical lab scientists, and even dental lab technicians.^{[8]
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Question 6 of 8:

How long does it take to become a medical technologist?

An associate’s degree takes 2 years and a bachelor’s takes 4. If the state where you want to work as a medical technologist doesn’t require a bachelor’s degree, you can start working as soon as you finish your associates. However, if your state does require it, you’ll need to finish a 4-year degree program in medical technology.^{[9]
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- A bachelor’s degree can also lead to more career opportunities. Your coursework will also cover other topics such as management, leadership, and other complex issues in medical technology.

Question 7 of 8:

Do medical technologists make good money?

Yes, most medical technologists make about $54,000 USD a year. Considering the amount of available jobs and the fact that you only need a bachelor’s degree to land a job, a career as a medical technologist can be really rewarding. Plus, because you’re never on call and generally work normal hours, you can also have plenty of time for family time and a social life.^{[10]
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Question 8 of 8:

Are medical technologists in demand?

Yes, the field is actually expected to continue to increase! According the the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the medical technologist field is expected to increase by a whopping 11% from 2018-2028. That means there are plenty of jobs available and there isn’t any sign of the field slowing down, so the risk of downsizing or potentially being laid off is pretty low.^{[11]
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