AHEC Connecticut
LABORATORY SCIENCE - Medical Technologist
To be a successful Counselor you should...
- be self-sufficient, precise, and thorough
- be a trouble-shooter who not only reports accurate results, but also knows when results are incorrect and need to be rechecked
- like challenge and responsibility
- be reliable, work well under pressure, and able to finish a task
- communicate well, both orally and in writing
What will my job be like?
The medical technologist performs a full range of laboratory tests – from simple pre-marital blood tests to more complex tests to uncover diseases such as AIDS, diabetes, and cancer.
Medical technologists work quickly and carefully. The test results they give to doctors influence the medical treatment a patient receives.
Medical Technologists may specialize in any of the following:
- Blood Banking
- Chemistry
- Hematology
- Immunology
- Microbiology
Where could I work?
Medical technologists are employed in hospitals, independent laboratories, clinics, and public health departments.
Other workplace settings:
- Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Industry
- Medical Supply and Equipment Sales
- Physician Offices
- Research Laboratories
- State and Federal Facility/Public Health Laboratory
- Walk-In Clinics
What is the average annual salary?
$59,000
What is the future of this career?
There will continue to be a great demand for qualified MTs in the near future in Connecticut and elsewhere in the country. This demand will most likely result in improved salaries and benefits, as well as attractive hiring bonuses.
What type of education and/or training do I need?
Medical technologists need a combination of formal education (bachelor’s degree) plus clinical education in a medical technology program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).
Where can I get the education and/or training?
- Central Connecticut State University, New Britain
- Quinnipiac University, Hamden
- University of Connecticut, Storrs
- University of Hartford, West Hartford
- Western Connecticut State University, Danbury
Do I need a license or certification for this career?
Licensure is not required in the state of Connecticut.
Where can I get more information?
American Association of Clinical Pathologists
2100 West Harrison Street
Chicago IL 60612
(312) 738-1336
www.ascp.org
American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science
6701 Democracy Boulevard, Suite 300
Bethesda, MD 20814
(301) 657-2768
www.ascls.org
American Medical Technologists
710 Higgins Road
Park Ridge, IL 60068
(847) 823-5169
www.amt1.com