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Job outlook for medical technologists in the United States
Medical Technologist job and salary trends over time
Medical Technologist jobs over time
Medical Technologist job growth rate over time
| Year | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 60,857 | 0.02% |
| 2020 | 62,277 | 0.02% |
| 2019 | 62,239 | 0.02% |
| 2018 | 61,323 | 0.02% |
| 2017 | 61,544 | 0.02% |
Average medical technologist salary over time
Medical Technologist salary by year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $53,249 | $25.60 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $51,802 | $24.90 | --0.7% |
| 2023 | $52,175 | $25.08 | +2.5% |
| 2022 | $50,880 | $24.46 | +2.0% |
| 2021 | $49,899 | $23.99 | +0.9% |
Medical Technologist jobs by state
Most common states for medical technologists
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 288 | 42% |
| 2 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,778 | 32% |
| 3 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 406 | 30% |
| 4 | Delaware | 961,939 | 292 | 30% |
| 5 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,979 | 29% |
| 6 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 504 | 29% |
| 7 | Vermont | 623,657 | 181 | 29% |
| 8 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 856 | 28% |
| 9 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 362 | 27% |
| 10 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 2,733 | 26% |
| 11 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 480 | 26% |
| 12 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 230 | 26% |
| 13 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 3,222 | 25% |
| 14 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 1,528 | 25% |
| 15 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 521 | 25% |
| 16 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 188 | 25% |
| 17 | Kentucky | 4,454,189 | 1,084 | 24% |
| 18 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 745 | 24% |
| 19 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 246 | 23% |
| 20 | Alaska | 739,795 | 169 | 23% |
Most common cities for medical technologists
| Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saginaw | 16 | 33% | $53,690 |
| 2 | Hagerstown | 11 | 27% | $54,221 |
| 3 | Roseville | 12 | 25% | $53,668 |
| 4 | Muskegon | 9 | 23% | $52,811 |
| 5 | Pensacola | 9 | 17% | $51,661 |
| 6 | Lansing | 12 | 10% | $53,118 |
| 7 | Miami | 35 | 8% | $55,256 |
| 8 | Gainesville | 10 | 8% | $52,193 |
| 9 | Fort Lauderdale | 10 | 6% | $55,105 |
| 10 | Baltimore | 25 | 4% | $54,735 |
| 11 | Atlanta | 19 | 4% | $47,459 |
| 12 | Saint Louis | 11 | 4% | $47,014 |
| 13 | Detroit | 19 | 3% | $53,529 |
| 14 | Tampa | 12 | 3% | $53,776 |
| 15 | Denver | 14 | 2% | $54,390 |
| 16 | Boston | 13 | 2% | $64,929 |
| 17 | Indianapolis | 13 | 2% | $50,716 |
| 18 | New Orleans | 9 | 2% | $47,186 |
| 19 | Houston | 17 | 1% | $49,379 |
| 20 | Phoenix | 9 | 1% | $56,919 |
Medical Technologist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of medical technologist experts
Northern Michigan University
University of South Florida
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
Weber State University
Michigan Technological University
University of Alabama in Huntsville
Georgetown University Medical Center
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Medical University of South Carolina
Weber State University
Saint Cloud State University
Saint Cloud State University
Wenatchee Valley College
Agnes Scott College
What general advice would you give to a Medical Technologist?
Katherine Nelson MBA, MLS (ASCP): Skills that I foresee as becoming important in the 3-5 years include the ability to work with a variety of technology, strong communication skills between other laboratory and healthcare professionals and the ability adapt to change quickly.
What Medical Technologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Katherine Nelson MBA, MLS (ASCP): The best way to maximize your salary potential within the MLS field is to gain experience. Take every opportunity to learn something and grow your skills within the field. Development of leadership and management skills will also be helpful to move up in the laboratory.
What will help Medical Technologists increase their earning potential?
Katherine Nelson MBA, MLS (ASCP): My advice to a graduate beginning their career in the Medical Laboratory Science field, would be to take every opportunity to learn something new. Say yes to as much as possible and use every opportunity to amass a variety of different laboratory skills and experiences.
Martin Renaldi MT (ASCP), MPA
Assistant Professor / MLS Program DirectorNorthern Michigan University
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, And Treatment Professions
What general advice would you give to a Medical Technologist?
Martin Renaldi MT (ASCP), MPA: Experience. I have found through my time in the realm that an experienced lab tech is going to be highly sought after and henceforth will have optimal pay opportunities. As the word implies, experience can only be achieved through 'time in the lab' which means you have to put in your time to gather that resume boosting element, experience. Once that happens, then even more doors open up in the profession.
What Medical Technologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Martin Renaldi MT (ASCP), MPA: The skills that will be required in the lab tech milieu over the next 3-5 years are the same ones that are necessary now, which is what makes the lab tech profession so lucrative. Foundational laboratory skills are a must now and will be must in the future. Once the aspiring lab tech learns and masters the foundational work, such as lab math, pipetting, dilution schemes, titrating, proper glassware use and application, basic spectrophotometry, transformational weights and measures, microscopy, etc. then they'll be readily adaptable for employment in any laboratory setting.
What will help Medical Technologists increase their earning potential?
Martin Renaldi MT (ASCP), MPA: I would highly recommend that the newly graduated lab tech does not limit themself to a specific location or a specific vocation. The places to work and the types of jobs available are nearly limitless. If one thinks outside of the box, outside of the mainstream lab tech opportunities, they'll find a whole host of other intriguing possibilities. So, do not limit yourself, the world is your oyster, .......so to speak.
What general advice would you give to a Medical Technologist?
Dr. Kendall Morris Ph.D.: If you succeed, it is more wonderful than you could imagine. You get to find out things that no one else knows! You get to work with the best, smartest and usually nicest people in the world from all over the world. It’s likely that you will be required to travel, expenses paid, to amazing places with even more amazing people, some of whom will become not only colleagues but life-long friends or more like family. The pay becomes much better, though never what would be likely in other businesses. However, the pressure to acquire funding is ever-present.
What Medical Technologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Kendall Morris Ph.D.: It is a great profession to enter now see 4 below, but ONLY if you think that doing anything else would be a waste of your life. The education is too long, the work is too hard and time consuming for too little pay for much too long. As many have found, if you are a resident of one of the many less affluent countries, wish to come to the U.S., AND have the drive and a love for research, you are likely to be welcomed here. For the time being, anyway. Few young people in the U.S. are willing to go into research. When I entered grad school 1988, all of the professors in my department were U.S. born. Today, about two thirds are immigrants.
What will help Medical Technologists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Kendall Morris Ph.D.: Same as above, but under mentor supervision.
What general advice would you give to a Medical Technologist?
Huy Le M.P.H CLS,MLS(ASCP): In Northern California, new graduates can expect to earn at least $125,000 right out of school, plus shift differentials and overtime pay. To maximize your salary potential, negotiate with the lab administration and highlight your strong points. Clinical labs often prefer hiring students with strong blood banking experience and skills, which can increase your earning potential. Additionally, having expertise in core lab disciplines (chemistry and hematology) or microbiology and molecular biology can make you a valuable asset and contribute to job security and higher earning potential in these in-demand areas.
What Medical Technologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Huy Le M.P.H CLS,MLS(ASCP): Focus on obtaining the necessary certification or board exam, such as the Medical Laboratory Science ASCP examination, as it is a prerequisite for working in a clinical lab. Start networking early by applying and getting to know the lab management at the hospital you want to work for, as competition can be high for new graduates. As a CLS graduate, it is imperative that you possess a strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as these are essential for accurately analyzing laboratory results and troubleshooting issues. In addition, brush up on your interview skills, including both soft skills and technical knowledge, to be fully prepared for job interviews.
What will help Medical Technologists increase their earning potential?
Huy Le M.P.H CLS,MLS(ASCP): Clinical laboratory science is expecting a significant decline in the workforce due to retiring baby boomers and the labor shortage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. To address this shortage, there will be an increased demand for skilled medical laboratory professionals, particularly in areas such as molecular biology, microbiology, and core laboratory disciplines like chemistry and hematology. In addition, you will need to be competent at laboratory automation and emerging technologies, data analysis and interpretation skills to effectively manage the increasing volume of complex laboratory data generated by advanced testing methods.
What general advice would you give to a Medical Technologist?
Eve Leija AAS, NCMA: To maximize salary for a medical assistant obtaining certification from one of the credentialing organizations such as American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) can make a new hire more competitive. Continuing educations along with developing any specialized skills such as phlebotomy. Demonstrating professionalism initiative and reliability, along with gaining a strong reference from previous employers.
Ethan Kentzel MS, MLS ASCPcm
Program Director, Medical Laboratory Science and Phlebotomy ProgramsBloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
Biology
What general advice would you give to a Medical Technologist?
Ethan Kentzel MS, MLS ASCPcm: You completed an MLS program and you have learned a ton of information in a short span of time. However, there is still so much to learn for Medical Laboratory Science! We recommend that you do your best to grow into the role, practice with a questioning attitude, participate and advocate for the field, consider joining our advocacy group - the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS). If you have not taken your ASCP MLS BOC exam, we highly recommend that you do as a way to validate your learning experiences and to optimize your long term career growth.
What Medical Technologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Ethan Kentzel MS, MLS ASCPcm: Obtaining your ASCP MLS certification is one way that you can increase your earning potential, as some hospitals pay more to people that have the certificate or license. Working in urban areas tend to pay more money, but may have higher costs of living. Some states require MLS to be licensed, and licensure states tend to pay more than certificate level states in the US. Students that work second or third shifts tend to have an increased likelihood of sign-on bonuses and shift differentials. If you communicate well, set clear expectations, and work well with your lab management team, you can always ask for additional tasks and responsibilities that would help you grow in your career. These extra responsibilities may help set you apart from your peers/colleagues when it comes time for promotions and raises.
What will help Medical Technologists increase their earning potential?
Ethan Kentzel MS, MLS ASCPcm: Depending on the department that you work in, hands-on skills and dexterity with using pipettes will always be required. However, over the next 10-15 years, we anticipate molecular assays and artificial intelligence to help enhance our role in healthcare. Good MLS characteristics include being detail-oriented, communicative, organized, methodical, good lab/aseptic technique, etc., but in the future, we anticipate a greater need for computer software and instrumentation troubleshooting skills as technology advances!
Dr. Janice Thomas
Professor and Program DirectorWeber State University
Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences
What general advice would you give to a Medical Technologist?
Dr. Janice Thomas: Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLTs) are an integral part of the healthcare team as seventy percent (70%) of diagnoses come from laboratory results. On a day-to-day basis, the duties of an MLT can include collecting and analyzing samples, maintaining laboratory equipment, and accurately recording results for medical providers to review and consider when diagnosing patients.
What Medical Technologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Janice Thomas: Entering the field of Medical Laboratory Sciences is a wise choice, particularly now, due to the growing demand for healthcare services and the increasing technology in medical diagnostics. With an aging population and the continuous development of innovative medical tests and procedures, the need for skilled MLTs is more pronounced than ever. This profession not only offers job stability and opportunities for advancement but also the satisfaction of contributing to patient care and the well-being of the community.
What will help Medical Technologists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Janice Thomas: Many MLTs appreciate the variety and dynamic nature of the work. They welcome the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge technology, and the sense of fulfillment that comes from playing an important role in patient care. The profession also offers a good balance of teamwork and individual responsibilities, along with diverse disciplines and career paths. But, like any profession, there are challenges. Some may find the work mentally demanding and stressful, particularly when dealing with urgent cases or critical results. Others may prefer more patient contact than the role typically provides. It's also important to note that the profession requires meticulous attention to detail and adherence to strict protocols, which can be taxing for some individuals.
What general advice would you give to a Medical Technologist?
Dr. Tiana Curry-McCoy Ph.D., MPH, MPA: When starting a career in CLS maximize your salary through increasing your education, experience, and value. This can be done by staying up to date with the latest technology, testing procedures, and being a reliable colleague.
What Medical Technologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Tiana Curry-McCoy Ph.D., MPH, MPA: Clinical Laboratory Science is a diverse field with many opportunities and a large amount of healthcare responsibilities. Much of what we do is unseen to patients, but the value is priceless. CLS graduates are involved in many areas including private and public labs, forensics, research and development, sales, teaching and instruction, administration, and beyond. A CLS professional is an integral part of the healthcare umbrella so they must be hardworking, diligent, proficient, and honest. In the lab always remember that a sample represents somebody's loved one, therefore we must treat all samples with the respect, care, and urgency we would want applied to our own patient care.
What will help Medical Technologists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Tiana Curry-McCoy Ph.D., MPH, MPA: The use of AI is on the rise in many fields including CLS. With this in mind it is important that the CLS professional understands the programing and how to use the tool to assist but not completely rely on in the laboratory setting. CLS professionals will also have to understand the mechanics of the equipment they work with to help with quick fixes to save money and time in their unit. With these thoughts in mind, it is important that CLS professionals are both knowledgeable of biological processes, testing, and application as well as being tech savvy.
Shelby McCarty MSNPA
Public Relations CoordinatorWhat general advice would you give to a Medical Technologist?
Shelby McCarty MSNPA: Maximizing salary potential as a medical laboratory scientist requires a combination of skill development, pursual of advanced education, and proactive career management. As a graduate prepares to enter the job market, it is important to research salary trends in various locations and understand that salary can vary depending on geographic location. Multiple factors play a role in influencing salary: experience, education level, cost-of-living, shift work, among others. MLS graduates should use that first job to gain experience, building a strong foundation of practical skills. They may search for positions in high-demand areas, such as molecular diagnostics, where they can acquire specialized skills. On the other hand, gaining experience in all departments of the laboratory, can make a MLS more well-rounded, which is desirable for many MLS positions. The experience gained in a variety of departments provides a MLS the opportunity to take on a travel position, which has a higher earning potential. A MLS may consider pursuing an advanced degree or certification relevant to medical laboratory science, such as a graduate degree or specialty certifications like molecular biology, hematology, or blood banking. It is also important to look for opportunities to advance your career with the profession, such as management positions, supervisor roles, or opportunities in Laboratory Informatics. Advancing to higher-level positions often comes with increased salary potential. Lastly, build professional relationships with others in the medical laboratory profession by joining professional organizations or attending industry events. This allows you to stay connected with potential job opportunities and gain insights regarding career advancement.
What Medical Technologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Shelby McCarty MSNPA: Medical Laboratory Science is a rewarding career that is both exciting, yet challenging. As a graduate begins their career in the medical laboratory profession, we should be prepared to collaborate with colleagues in the laboratory and with other healthcare providers. Effective communication skills are crucial. We should be respectful of others' expertise and conversely share our own knowledge to foster a positive working environment. As a Medical Laboratory Scientist, we develop an acute eye for detail because precision and accuracy are vital in laboratory work. We must ensure that we are providing physicians reliable results. Furthermore, we should always adhere to the highest ethical standards, respecting patients' confidentiality and following established protocols and regulations. MLS graduates need to have excellent time management skills, as the laboratory profession often involves handling multiple tasks simultaneously. Lastly, graduates should continue to seek opportunities for professional growth and strive for excellence. Many hospital laboratories provide professional development or allow their employees to attend professional meetings.
What will help Medical Technologists increase their earning potential?
Shelby McCarty MSNPA: The medical laboratory science profession will remain a prevalent part of patient care. The advancement of interprofessional collaboration in universities helps emphasize multidisciplinary teamwork to provide comprehensive patient care. We are in a field that continues to evolve with new technologies and methodologies frequently emerging. It is important to remain proficient in the variety of high-complexity skills necessary for a medical laboratory scientist. Given the rapid pace of technological advancement and scientific discovery, lifelong learning and adaptability is essential.
Claire Danielson ms, MLS(ASCP)CM
MLS Program Director | Assistant Teaching ProfessorMichigan Technological University
Biology
What general advice would you give to a Medical Technologist?
Claire Danielson ms, MLS(ASCP)CM: This is a difficult one as most hospitals have standard pay ranges and a new MLS will start on the bottom of the pay scale. Sign on bonuses are always negotiable though. Also check the commitment length for the sign on bonus.
What Medical Technologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Claire Danielson ms, MLS(ASCP)CM: Computer skills (everything is automated now, LIS, middleware, software, etc), the ability to work independently and troubleshoot instruments and problems on your own. As we automate more and more, techs will be working alone more often. Organizational and multitasking skills have always been important and will remain important.
What will help Medical Technologists increase their earning potential?
Claire Danielson ms, MLS(ASCP)CM: Be open to anything, you may not start in the exact shift or department you want to end up in but try to be flexible. You never know where your career may take you. Also, look at the culture of the lab before signing on to work there. Ask to shadow in the lab prior to working there. Talking to the staff before you commit can also help with your decision.
Angela Robinson MS MLS ASCP
Retired Assoc Admin of Pathology & Laboratory MedicineWhat general advice would you give to a Medical Technologist?
Angela Robinson MS MLS ASCP: Over the years with automation and autoverification - tools to assist the Medical Laboratory Professionals - the skills have altered from psychomotor behavorial to independent thinking and critical cognitive expertise. Soft skills are and will become even more prevalent - including Problem Solving/ Time Management/ Adaptability/ Communication/ Interpersonal/ Teamwork.
Medical Laboratory Professionals will continue to multitask at the workbench -
Medical Laboratory Scientists and Technicians must always seek accurate and precise quality standards with the most stategic highly regulated compliance of analytical laboratory testing.
But now must also come from behind the walls of the laboratory to collaborate and coordinate with other medical laboratory professionals as well as non-lab professionals to work as a team for patient care. Most errors are PREanalytical variables - (before laboratory analysis) with how specimens are incorrectly drawn - wrong tube type - incorrect order of draw - mislabeled - unlabeled - clotted - hemolyzed - QNS.
Furthermore - Laboratory professionals skilled at management must take a seat and have a voice at the c-suite. Supportive leadership for resourceful environments. Also medical laboratory professionals continue to become more acutely involved in POCT - Quality assurance - Safety - Infection Control - Risk - Education and even Public Relations. DCLS (the doctorate of Clinical Laboratory Science) is also becoming highly sought out for Data Mgt Teams to markedly improve patient care.
What Medical Technologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Angela Robinson MS MLS ASCP: Healthcare is very challenging now with shortages and burnout and stress and baby boomers resignations - but not without opportunities and options. New graduates - become professionally nationally recognized board certified - and apply all your knowledge and skills to the real world life experience for patient care. Remember - every specimen is a patient. Patient care needs accuracy and precision of quality standards of laboratory testing - by YOU - the Medical Laboratory Professional!
AND - Do not let anyone or anything discourage you. Find the place that will support and value you in becoming the best you can be for patient care. Pursue life, including this profession to its utmost with purpose, pride and passion!
Finally - become part of the national movement of Laboratory Advocacy - become involved in making a positive difference and impact on Laboratory Medicine ie join a medical laboratory professional society and/or become vocal in acquiring media attention and public awareness and industry respect and legislative support.
While complaining and venting releases anxiety - only constructive criticism and action will resolve.
Better to try than succeed at doing nothing. Become part of the solution - not part of the precipitate.
What will help Medical Technologists increase their earning potential?
Angela Robinson MS MLS ASCP: Today - Medical Laboratory Science - a degree with a career in Healthcare and Public Health as well as a solid strong foundation to many other careerS beyond Laboratory Medicine - is in high demand and very competitive.
Always negotiate for compensation commensurate with education and experience - especially where qualified board certified and also where Right to Practice Professional licensure mandates high quality personnel standards for quality standards of laboratory testing for patient care.
Use documentation nationally from professional societies and organizations - as well as locally with supply and demand among competing facilities due to severe shortages in Healthcare. Quality standards of laboratory testing relies on qualified board-certified Medical Laboratory Professionals. Patient care deserves no less.
Dr. Luis Rogelio Cruz-Vera
Associate ProfessorUniversity of Alabama in Huntsville
Department of Biological Sciences
What soft skills should all Medical Technologists possess?
Dr. Luis Rogelio Cruz-Vera: Planification.
Ivica Labuda
Professor and DirectorGeorgetown University Medical Center
Department of Biochemistry Molecular and Cell Biology
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Medical Technologist job market given the pandemic?
Ivica Labuda: The biggest trends are undoubtedly public health, medicine, virology, and biotechnology. Recent graduates of our Georgetown Biotechnology program all landed a job, with some of them working closely on Covid-19 vaccine or test developments.
What general advice would you give to a Medical Technologist?
Ivica Labuda: You can find what is "you" in any profession. Love what you do and always learn new skills. Look for an opportunity where your personality and talents intersect.
What Medical Technologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Ivica Labuda: A gap year is an excellent opportunity to try out a job you dream about. It is good to test the unknown territories which look fascinating and can either confirm or challenge your ideas about that field. It is always good to talk to as many people as possible about new opportunities available to you.
Lindsey Clark
Assistant ProfessorUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Department of Laboratory Sciences
What skills stand out on Medical Technologist resumes?
Lindsey Clark: Employers are looking for laboratory professionals who are knowledgeable, dependable, and motivated. Laboratory professionals should consider listing instruments or analyzers they have worked with or any special skills they have acquired, such as performing molecular diagnostic or special immunology testing. Employers may also be looking for a certain set of skills, so it is important to include one's primary role in the lab and any other departments in which they have experience, such as hematology, microbiology, blood bank, etc.
What soft skills should all Medical Technologists possess?
Lindsey Clark: Laboratory scientists are like medical detectives-looking for clues that lead to diagnoses, which requires attention to detail, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. These are some of the most important soft skills for laboratory scientists, time management, adaptability, and communication skills.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Medical Technologists?
Lindsey Clark: Nearly all clinical laboratory scientists will need to know how to use a microscope properly, operate various lab instruments or analyzers, and perform complex laboratory testing according to standard operating procedures. They may also be required to collect, process, or analyze specimens, maintain quality control records, prepare chemical reagents, investigate atypical or discrepant test results, determine causation, or communicate with other healthcare professionals.
What skills will help Medical Technologists earn the most?
Lindsey Clark: Specializing in one or two lab areas can help professionals move into roles such as a lead scientist or department supervisor. However, obtaining a bachelor's degree and honing lab skills will open up the most opportunities for advancement in the clinical laboratory. Those with a bachelor's degree can serve as general supervisors, technical supervisors, technical consultants, or even laboratory directors in some labs.
Helen Martin
Associate Professor, Division DirectorMedical University of South Carolina
Division of Physician Assistant Studies
What skills stand out on Medical Technologist resumes?
Helen Martin: The degree must be from an accredited university.
What soft skills should all Medical Technologists possess?
Helen Martin: Computer skills within a hospital system.
What skills will help Medical Technologists earn the most?
Helen Martin: 4-year degree in laboratory science.
Dr. Janice Thomas
Professor and Program DirectorWeber State University
Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences
What skills stand out on Medical Technologist resumes?
Dr. Janice Thomas: National ASCP Certification, adaptability, ability to work independently.
What soft skills should all Medical Technologists possess?
Dr. Janice Thomas: Problem-solving, critical thinking, work ethic, communication (verbal, telephone), teamwork, time management, organizational skills. Ability to perform in stressful situations.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Medical Technologists?
Dr. Janice Thomas: Microscopy skills, ability to troubleshoot analyzers, general lab experience, and discipline-specific lab experience. Ability to perform high complexity testing in Microbiology and Blood banking.
What skills will help Medical Technologists earn the most?
Dr. Janice Thomas: Ability to work independently, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. Students that are detail-oriented and consistently create solutions to problems will likely be promoted to team leaders, technical supervisors, and laboratory managers and earn higher wages.
Patricia Ellinger
Medical Laboratory Science FacultySaint Cloud State University
Medical Laboratory Science
What skills stand out on Medical Technologist resumes?
Patricia Ellinger: Note, we offer a four-year degree, so these individuals are Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS). The Technician is the 2-year level.
-Oral and written communication with others in the lab, lab profession (doctors)
-Ability to work alone or in a group (teamwork)
-Ability to follow directions
-Problem solving
-Careful work: Precision, accuracy, reproducibility
-Ask questions when need help: Know when to ask for help, the data matters, ask to confirm a test result if in question, before sending out
-Ethical
-Time management
-Self-awareness of strengths and weaknesses
-Confidence without arrogance
-Leadership
What soft skills should all Medical Technologists possess?
Patricia Ellinger: Understanding that a patient's sample is from a loved one. Results matter. They need to be perfect
What hard/technical skills are most important for Medical Technologists?
Patricia Ellinger: -Careful work: Precision, accuracy, reproducibility
-Knowledge of quality control, ability to recognize when a test result looks wrong and what to do about it
What skills will help Medical Technologists earn the most?
Patricia Ellinger: -Problem solving gives you the ability to see opportunities, to take on additional tasks or projects
-Careful work: Precision, accuracy, reproducibility
-Ability to work with others
-Work experience with the above and also furthering your education
-Work experience which enhance base knowledge and technical skills
-Educational
-MBA for some positions (depends on the size of the hospital), management
-MS/Ph.D. for some positions
-Depends on the size of the hospital
-Also, needed for an academic position, MS for some, others require PhD
Louise Millis
Medical Laboratory Science and Histotechnician Program Director, Associate Professor of BiologySaint Cloud State University
Medical Laboratory Science
What skills stand out on Medical Technologist resumes?
Louise Millis: Note, we offer a four-year degree, so these individuals are Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS). The Technician is the two-year level.
-Oral and written communication with others in the lab, lab profession (doctors)
-Ability to work alone or in a group (teamwork)
-Ability to follow directions
-Problem solving
-Careful work: Precision, accuracy, reproducibility
-Ask questions when need help: Know when to ask for help, the data matters, ask to confirm a test result if in question, before sending out
-Ethical
-Time management
-Self-awareness of strengths and weaknesses
-Confidence without arrogance
-Leadership
What soft skills should all Medical Technologists possess?
Louise Millis: Understanding that a patient's sample is from a loved one. Results matter. They need to be perfect
What hard/technical skills are most important for Medical Technologists?
Louise Millis: -Careful work: Precision, accuracy, reproducibility
-Knowledge of quality control, ability to recognize when a test result looks wrong and what to do about it
What skills will help Medical Technologists earn the most?
Louise Millis: -Problem solving gives you the ability to see opportunities, to take on additional tasks or projects
-Careful work: Precision, accuracy, reproducibility
-Ability to work with others
-Work experience with the above and also furthering your education
-Work experience which enhance base knowledge and technical skills
-Educational
-MBA for some positions (depends on the size of the hospital), management
-MS/Ph.D. for some positions
-Depends on the size of the hospital
-Also, needed for an academic position, MS for some, others require PhD
What skills stand out on Medical Technologist resumes?
Patrick Tracy: -Good critical-thinking skills
-Good problem-solving skills
-Able to prioritize tasks
-Pay attention to detail
-Take a process from beginning to end
-Maintain focus for periods
What soft skills should all Medical Technologists possess?
Patrick Tracy: -Work well with a team
-Work well alone
-Communicate calmly and clearly
What hard/technical skills are most important for Medical Technologists?
Patrick Tracy: -Ability to work with and repair instruments and machinery
What skills will help Medical Technologists earn the most?
Patrick Tracy: -I tend to think technical jobs like this to be fairly pegged to a salary scale rather than negotiable.
-Experience in most, if not all, clinical lab areas, but especially in blood bank and microbiology
Jennifer Larimore Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorAgnes Scott College
Biology and Neuroscience Department
What skills stand out on Medical Technologist resumes?
Jennifer Larimore Ph.D.: Animal handling or work with animal model systems, science presentations at the symposium, internships or independent research projects, inquiry-given lab experiences
What soft skills should all Medical Technologists possess?
Jennifer Larimore Ph.D.: Teamwork, leadership, working with a diverse team.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Medical Technologists?
Jennifer Larimore Ph.D.: Ability to run PCRs, ability to run gel electrophoresis, statistical analysis
What skills will help Medical Technologists earn the most?
Jennifer Larimore Ph.D.: A combination of the skills listed in 1-3.