Medical Laboratory Technician

Medical lab technicians (MLTs) collect, type, group bloods and perform routine tests on the body's blood, tissues, and fluids. They stain slides, keep records and clean and sterilize equipment. They use microscopes, computers, and other laboratory equipment to gather data and to help in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.  Usually under the supervision of pathologists (physicians specializing in the origins and nature of diseases), as they gain experience, MLTs are given more responsibility and complete more complex tests.  Medical laboratory technicians (MLTs) perform tests on tissue, blood and body fluids to help the physician diagnose and treat disease. They often work under the supervision of a medical technologist to use microscopes, computers and other laboratory equipment. Their duties include collecting blood specimens, carrying out testing procedures using a variety of instruments, monitoring the quality of tests and procedures, and reporting results. The medical laboratory technician performs general tests in all laboratory areas—Blood banking, Chemistry, Hematology, Immunology and Microbiology. Working with the supervision of a medical technologist, a medical laboratory technician hunts for clues to the absence, presence, extent, and causes of diseases. Medical laboratory technicians must be accurate, dedicated and skilled. They must also be self-motivated, and take the initiative to do what must be done everyday—to pitch in to help the healthcare team.

High School/General Preparation
High School diploma required

Special Education/Training
Associate Degree in Medical Technology

Schools
Portland Community College
www.pcc.edu/pcc/pro/cat/mlt.htm
www.pcc.edu

Licensure, Certification, and Registration
Board of Registry of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists
www.ascp.org/bor

Professional Organizations
American Society of Clinical Pathologists
www.ascp.org