Medical Technologist Degrees & Certification | All Allied Health Schools (2024)

Blood samples, microscopic cells, and spinal fluid: That’s just a regular day at the lab for a medical technologist or technician.

Sound interesting? To work in this fast-paced and evolving field, you’ll need a passion for science and strong analytical skills. If this describes you, consider taking the next step and enrolling in one of the many medical technologist programs across the country.

Medical lab techs, surgical techs, and other types of med techs, are required to hold an associate’s degree (or more) related to the field. Shorter certificate programs are offered by community colleges and vocational schools, but these usually require past healthcare training or experience. However, some may only require a high school diploma to enroll.

Medical Technologist Programs

A medical technology degree is a requirement if you want to work in the field. You have two options to choose from: An associate or bachelor’s degree in medical technology.

Each medical technology degree has its benefits. Compare the differences to decide which one fits your goals.

Certificates and Diplomas

Certificate and diploma programs can last from a few weeks to a year. Courses are crafted in a way that students focus only on the medical technician career and building their skill set in a particular area.

Example of Phlebotomy Certificate Courses

Certificate and diploma programs cover a lot of territory in a short amount of time. As an example of course work for a phlebotomy program, Bunker Hill Community College offers the following classes:

  • Phlebotomy Theory/Lab
  • Communication Skills for Healthcare
  • Medical Terminology
  • Practicum seminar

In addition to these main courses, you’ll participate in a practicum and take basic computer or office administration courses.

Associate Degrees

An associate degree program, which takes about two years, will cover not only the medical technician specialization, but also provide a liberal arts education. So why choose a longer program over the certificate option?

If you think you may return to school at a later date to earn a bachelor’s degree to become a medical laboratory technologist, having the liberal arts background will save you time and money when you enroll in the undergraduate program.

The first year of study includes math, English, and introductory science courses (anatomy and chemistry). You’ll also delve into blood sample collection and body fluid analysis.

Here’s a look at other courses included in a medical technology program:

Medical Tech Courses for an Associate

  • Hematology
  • Microbiology
  • Medical terminology
  • Phlebotomy
  • Medical lab procedures
  • Clinical chemistry
  • AIDS education
  • Immunology

Once you complete your associate degree requirements, you’ll be prepared to take aprofessional certification exam.

Bachelor’s Degrees

A bachelor’s degree in medical technology takes four years to complete, but may present more paths to advancement. With the additional time in school, you’ll be immersed in more hands-on experience. Your coursework will also cover higher level topics such as management, leadership, and complex issues in medical technology.

Your course list will look similar to that of an associate degree program, but you’ll also learn about:

Medical Tech Courses for a Bachelor’s

  • Genetics
  • Healthcare ethics
  • Mycology (the study of fungi)
  • Biostatistics
  • Molecular biology
  • Biotechnology

If you’re interested in specializing in a certain area, some schools offer tracks such as public health.

Upon completing your degree, you’ll be qualified to work as a medical technologist.

What Accreditation is There for My Program?

Accreditation is the best way to know if a program meets nationally recognized standards for medical tech education. Independent accrediting organizations register schools once they’ve undergone a rigorous application process.

Aspiring medical techs should also take care to attend an accredited school for a few other reasons:

  • To become certified, you need to complete an accredited med tech program
  • You may have access to federal financial aid programs
  • Class credits should transfer if you decide to switch schools

These accreditation organizations give their stamp of approval:

Programs which are accredited by one of the six regional accreditation bodies or organizations accredited for continuing education or career schools are also valid.

What’s the Difference Between a Medical Technician and Technologist?

Medical technologists and technicians have related job duties, such as performing tests for health care professionals, but the level of complexity differs between the jobs. Both medical technologists and technicians are responsible for analyzing body fluids to check for abnormalities. Technicians are often responsible for the data entry of the findings. Technicians interact with patients by collecting blood samples.

A technologist may also do the same, but their job goes a step further. They’re tasked with analyzing the samples, determining the blood group and type and weighing in on whether blood is compatible for transfusions. Medical technicians set up, maintain and clean equipment. This isn’t a main responsibility for a technologist. Another difference? Medical technologists perform manual tests while a technician will conduct tests using an automated process.

As you think about your career path, consider the type of workplaces you’d be interested in.

An Average Day

When they’re not interacting with patients, medical technologists and technicians are handling the flood of orders coming into the lab. The main goal is to get accurate results as soon as possible, but it doesn’t stop there. Medical technologists need to review the results and make a judgment call on when to alert doctors and medical staff. For example, they might input non-serious test results into the computer system for doctors to review later. On the other hand, a medical technologist or technician will contact medical staff directly if the results require immediate action.

Medical technologists and technicians often say strong organizational skills are the key to success. Some lab work can be done quickly, while other samples need to time to culture. It’s no small feat to keep track of the many samples that need to be tested and reviewed.

Patient Care

There’s never a dull moment for medical technologists and technicians. One minute, you could be drawing blood from an elderly patient and the next, you’re heading to the pediatric unit of the hospital to take a sample from a sick child. In other words, you need to adapt quickly and use different techniques to make patients feel comfortable.

Workplaces of Medical Technologists & Technicians

Hospitals

47%

Diagnostic Laboratories

20%

Doctor’s Offices

9%

Outpatient Care Centers

4%

Note:Working in a hospital may require you to work nights, weekends or holidays, whereas a doctor’s office usually has regular hours.

Medical Tech Salaries

With an undergraduate education, medical technologists may earn the following median annual salary. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2020 Occupational Occupational Outlook Handbook, medical technologists earn a median annual salary of $57,800.

Various factors—geographic location, education, and experience level, to name a few—contribute to salaries you can earn as a medical technologist. As an example of this, the lowest 10% of medical technologists earned less than $30,280 and the top 10% earned more than $79,340, says the BLS.

Medical Technology Professional Certification

Professional certification is an important piece of any medical technologist’s career. A medical technology certification program evaluates your skill level and abilities as a medical technologist. Many employers require or prefer that medical technologists and technicians have certification.

TheAmerican Medical Technologists (AMT)is the certification agency that administers the exam to test your knowledge and skills. There are three different routes to become certified as medical technologist.

Routes to Certified Med Tech Roles

  1. Earn your medical technology degree > Complete your clinical lab experience > Take the AMT exam
  2. Earn a bachelor’s degree > Complete 35 semester hours of clinical lab science > Complete a med tech training program or one year of clinical lab experience
  3. Pass a medical tech exam from another approved organization or state board > Work in the field for the last three of five years > No exam required

The process is similar for medical technicians, but check with AMT for exact eligibility criteria.

Twelve states require medical lab techs be licensed, according to the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science. These states are California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Montana, Nevada, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Tennessee and West Virginia.

Medical Technologist Programs Online

Medical technology relies heavily on in-person lab work, but if you’re looking for a medical technology program online, there are some options.

Medical technology online programs are designed for students who have an existing background in the field. Some schools only accept students into their distance learning medical technology program if they are currently employed in a hospital or lab. Other online bachelor’s programs are crafted for students who already have an associate’s degree in medical technology and looking to advance in their career.

How Medical Technology Online Programs Work

If you enroll in a program that requires that you already work in a lab or hospital, your hands-on work will be conducted there. Your didactic courses will be available online in the form of lecture notes, videos and other methods.

Bachelor’s degree programs follow a similar format—lectures are done online while hands-on experience is conducted in a lab or clinic. The school will work with you to find an appropriate location to conduct your clinical experiences, usually in your city or town.

The courses you’ll take in a distance learning program won’t differ from an on-campus curriculum, but here are a few examples of the classes you’ll actually take online:

  • Immunology
  • Statistics
  • Chemistry
  • Hematology

You’re choosing a great time to consider a medical technology degree. More patients have access to health care and an increased number of conditions are being evaluated in a lab. Your work may be primarily behind the scenes, but you’ll be an important asset in the medical field.

Medical Technologist Degrees & Certification | All Allied Health Schools (2024)

FAQs

Which is the best field in allied health sciences? ›

Top Ten Growing Allied Health Careers
  • Physician Assistant.
  • Ultrasound Technician.
  • Medical Assistant.
  • Public Health.
  • Laboratory Technologist.
  • Health Information Technician.
  • Respiratory Therapist.
  • Occupational Therapist.

What countries have high demand on allied health professionals? ›

Which Countries Have the Highest Demand for Public Health Professionals?
  • India. According to the World Health Organization, India requires more than 10,000 professionals a year in the public health field in order for the Indian government health system to function. ...
  • Vietnam. ...
  • Democratic Republic of Congo.

Which person would be considered an allied health professional? ›

There are many types of allied health professionals, including dietitians, physiotherapists, podiatrists, speech pathologists and psychologists. Doctors, nurses and dentists (and other oral health professionals) are not allied health professionals.

Why are allied health professionals important in the success of healthcare? ›

Health professionals play a central and critical role in improving access and quality health care for the population. They provide essential services that promote health, prevent diseases and deliver health care services to individuals, families and communities based on the primary health care approach.

What is the highest paying allied health job? ›

Top 10 Highest Paying Allied Health Specialties
  • Cardiac Cath Lab Technologist. ...
  • Occupational Therapist. ...
  • Speech Language Pathologist. ...
  • Clinical Lab Scientist. ...
  • Physical Therapist. ...
  • Echo Tech. ...
  • Interventional Radiology Technologist. ...
  • CVOR Technologist.
23 Aug 2021

What is Allied Health Sciences salary? ›

Average annual salary in Allied Health Sciences is INR 3.9 lakhs.

Which country has a shortage of nurses? ›

Global shortage and international recruitment
CountryNumber of nursesDensity per 1,000 population
Nigeria210,3060.28
Philippines127,5951.69
United Kingdom704,33212.12
United States of America2,669,6039.37
6 more rows

Which countries have a shortage of doctors? ›

Reports as recent as January 2019 show that high-growth areas like Phoenix, Arizona, are experiencing shortages. Shortages exist and are growing in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Germany.

Which country is easy to get nursing job? ›

New Zealand, 1st Easiest Country to Work as a Nurse

The public system makes up about 83% of all of the healthcare provision in the country, the rest is provided by private GPs and Hospitals.

What does allied health cover? ›

Allied Health is a term used to describe the broad range of health professionals who are not doctors or nurses. Allied health professionals aim to prevent, diagnose and treat a range of conditions and illnesses and often work within a multidisciplinary health team to provide the best patient outcomes.

Who are the 5 health professionals? ›

A minimal list would include physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician's assistants, pharmacists, social workers, dietitians, physical and occupational therapists, and medical technologists.

How many allied health professions are there? ›

The 14 allied health professions.

What is the difference between allied health and nursing? ›

While RN jobs are available in many facilities, most nurses work in clinics or hospitals. Allied health extends further to include not only these settings, but also schools, corporate offices, nursing homes, community centers and more. Many BSN graduates take on the general role of registered nurse.

What is the most critical role of an allied health professional? ›

Their main responsibility is to support the client's healthy lifestyle and independence, whether physical, psychological, cognitive, or social. Allied health professionals work across the spectrum, from primary to acute care. They have a significant role in taking care of people with disabilities.

Are social workers allied health professionals? ›

Social workers are allied health professionals who help people who are in crisis and need support. They provide counselling, information and referrals to other services. Social workers help people to face life's challenges, improve their wellbeing, and do their best to ensure they are treated fairly.

Which field in medical is best? ›

Best Medical Courses in India:
  • Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS): ...
  • Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT): ...
  • Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Medical Laboratory Technology: ...
  • Diploma in Nursing: ...
  • Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS): ...
  • Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS):

Why is the allied healthcare field a good career choice? ›

High Job Satisfaction: Many allied health jobs involve working with people and helping to ensure the good health of patients. This can be a very satisfying way to earn a living for the right person. It is an opportunity to have a direct and significant impact on someone else's life. Few jobs are comparably fulfilling.

How can you become a medical assistant? ›

Steps to Become a Medical Assistant
  1. Earn your high school diploma or GED. ...
  2. Enroll in and complete a medical assisting program. ...
  3. Complete an externship or internship. ...
  4. Select and earn a medical assisting certification. ...
  5. Apply and interview for positions. ...
  6. Keep your certification(s) current with continuing education.

What is the fastest growing career in the medical field? ›

Nurse practitioners, occupational therapy assistants and physical therapy assistants top the list for the fastest growing health-care jobs of the next decade, with home health and personal care aides following close behind.

What is the scope for allied science? ›

The allied health science students can find ample job opportunities soon after the completion of the course. They are hired in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and research institutes etc... The average salary of allied health science degree students will range from 4 lakhs to 10 lakhs per annum.

What is the best state to live in as a nurse? ›

Best Places for Nurses to Live

Based on the annual mean wage of RNs and the cost of living per state, the top two states for nurses to work in are Nevada and Texas. Nevada has a 101.6 rating on the cost of living index, coupled with an annual mean wage for RNs of $83,790 per year.

Where nurses are needed most? ›

California is expected to be short the most registered nurses (45,500), while Alaska is projected to have the most job vacancies (22.7%). Texas, New Jersey, South Carolina, Georgia and South Dakota are expected to experience shortages as well.

Which country is best for nursing job? ›

Top Paying Countries for Nurses In the World
  • Luxembourg - $91,000 (USD)
  • Denmark - $87,436 (USD)
  • Canada - $75,660 per year, $48.50 per hour (USD)
  • Virgin Islands - $72,000 (USD)
  • Australia - $69,699 (USD)
  • Switzerland - $64,793 (USD)
  • Norway - $46,050 (USD)
  • Ireland - $39,768 (USD)
2 Nov 2021

What nationality has the most doctors? ›

Countries With The Most Doctors Per Capita
RankCountryDoctors Per 10,000 People
1Qatar77.4
2Monaco71.7
3Cuba67.2
4Greece54
16 more rows
11 Jun 2018

Which country has the best hospital? ›

According to this index, the ten countries with the best health care are:
  • Denmark.
  • Austria.
  • Japan.
  • Australia.
  • France.
  • Spain.
  • Belgium.
  • United Kingdom.

Which country is better for doctors? ›

1: Luxembourg. A surprise winner – Luxembourg tops the list! A small nation with just above six-hundred-thousand, Luxembourg offers a cultural mix between its neighbours Germany and France. This is reflected in the three official languages; German, French and the national language of Luxembourgish.

Which country has the highest shortage of nurses? ›

The largest needs-based shortages of nurses and midwives are in South East Asia and Africa.

How much is the salary of a nurse in USA? ›

Nursing Career2019 Mean Salary
Nursing Assistant (CNA)$30,720
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN)$48,500
Registered Nurse (RN)$77,460
Nurse Practitioners (NP)$111,840
3 more rows

What skills should an allied health professional have? ›

Qualities that will Help You Succeed as an Allied Health...
  • Have a Great Bedside Manner. ...
  • Ability to Be a Team Player. ...
  • Have Great Communication Skills. ...
  • Be Curious and Interested in Learning. ...
  • Thrive on Varied Job Duties. ...
  • Medical Assisting Program. ...
  • Dental Assisting Program. ...
  • Medical Office Administration Program.
24 Oct 2018

What are examples of health careers? ›

This chapter will look at professionals in health care that focus on the body—physicians, registered nurses, physical therapists, emergency medical technicians—as well as the mind—art therapists and psychologists, and even alternative practices, such as acupuncture.

Does Medicare cover allied health? ›

Allied health practitioners can claim Medicare benefits for some services. To claim Medicare benefits for these services: an eligible allied health practitioner must deliver the service. the allied health practitioner must bill the services using the correct MBS item number.

What are the 3 types of health? ›

The three sides that make up the health triangle and contribute to your overall health are: Physical Health. Mental Health. Social Health.

What is the salary of medical professionals? ›

Healthcare Professional salary in India ranges between ₹ 2.8 Lakhs to ₹ 25.0 Lakhs with an average annual salary of ₹ 8.2 Lakhs.

What are the 3 different types of health care providers? ›

This article describes health care providers involved in primary care, nursing care, and specialty care.

What is the difference between a healthcare worker and an allied health care worker? ›

Allied health professionals are employees that work in the healthcare field but aren't physicians, nurses or dentists. They make up the rest of healthcare staffs that perform important duties like health administration, technical support, diagnostics and rehabilitation.

Are allied health professionals doctors? ›

Allied Health Professionals are people who provide healthcare treatments, but are not medical doctors, dentists, nurses, dentists or pharmacologists. Allied Health Professionals include: Arts therapists. Chiropodists / podiatrists.

Is a therapist an allied health professional? ›

Physical therapists (PTs) and occupational therapists (OTs) and their assistants, physical therapist assistants (PTAs) and certified occupational therapist assistants (COTAs), are the allied health professionals who specialize in providing physical rehabilitation.

What is not considered an allied health profession? ›

Roles that do not fall under the allied health umbrella include doctors, nurses, and pharmacists. Education, certifications, and general job requirements are clearly outlined for each of these groups within their specialties.

What countries have high demand on allied health professionals? ›

Which Countries Have the Highest Demand for Public Health Professionals?
  • India. According to the World Health Organization, India requires more than 10,000 professionals a year in the public health field in order for the Indian government health system to function. ...
  • Vietnam. ...
  • Democratic Republic of Congo.

Why medicines are not allied health? ›

Allied Health is distinct from traditional medicine. Often times, allied health professionals work in tandem with doctors to diagnose and treat illnesses or injuries. However, you can also find a job that works independently from a doctor's office.

What is an example of an allied health professionals? ›

Allied health professionals, to name a few, include dental hygienists, diagnostic medical sonographers, dietitians, medical technologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, radiographers, respiratory therapists, and speech language pathologists.

How do you become an allied health professional? ›

The main route to becoming an AHP is a degree or postgraduate course approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) or the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) for osteopaths. Some professional bodies also have their own accreditation system for membership.

Are biomedical scientists allied health professionals? ›

The range of allied health professions are listed in table 1. Within these, biomedical scientists and clinical scientists are the professions that analyse specimens from patient to provide information to clinicians for diagnosing and treating disease.

What qualifications do you need to be social worker? ›

take a postgraduate qualification (Diploma or Masters) in social work. Courses take two years full time or up to six years part time.
...
Or you could have alternative qualifications, including:
  • BTEC, HND or HNC.
  • relevant NVQ.
  • health- or social care-based access course.
  • equivalent Scottish or Irish qualifications.

Can you study social work part time? ›

A social worker's main role is to help vulnerable people overcome their problems. If you don't have the time to commit as a full-time student and want to study Social Work, here are the universities that offer part-time social work courses.

What is the difference between a social worker and a psychologist? ›

Social workers contribute to the human services field by providing holistic solutions to the social, behavioral, economic or health problems faced by their clients. Whereas, psychologists focus their efforts specifically on helping their patients address potentially damaging mental health issues.

What is scope of allied health sciences? ›

Allied health sciences is a large group of qualified professionals who use scientific principles that are evidence-based for diagnosing, evaluating, and treating chronic and acute diseases of patients. They work to promote the prevention of diseases and improvement of health and wellness of their affected patients.

What is the highest paid job in the NHS? ›

Here are some of the highest paying medical roles:
  1. Medical director. National average salary: £103,637 per year. ...
  2. Neurosurgeon. National average salary: £94,434 per year. ...
  3. Anaesthetist. National average salary: £93,923 per year. ...
  4. Plastic surgeon. ...
  5. Psychiatrist. ...
  6. Cardiologist. ...
  7. Director of nursing. ...
  8. Clinical director.

What is the scope for allied science? ›

The allied health science students can find ample job opportunities soon after the completion of the course. They are hired in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and research institutes etc... The average salary of allied health science degree students will range from 4 lakhs to 10 lakhs per annum.

How many allied health professions are there? ›

The 14 allied health professions.

What is BSc allied health sciences? ›

The three-year graduate degree in Allied Health Sciences is called BSc Allied Health Sciences. Allied Health Research is a newly developed trend in human services that establishes the inclusion of medical services to a separate stream of wellness experts.

What is BSc Health Science? ›

A Bachelor of Science in Health Science (BHS) typically combines the study of biological, physical, and social sciences, health care-related subjects, and hands-on training, all of which introduce students more fully to the principles—and practice—of health care.

Is MBBS under Allied Health sciences? ›

While an MBBS course can cost you upwards of 40 lakhs. These courses are clubbed under the head -- Allied Health Sciences.

What healthcare job is in high demand? ›

Nurse Practitioners, also referred to as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), hold the most in-demand healthcare career you can pursue today.

Who gets paid the most in a hospital? ›

1. Physicians and surgeons. What you'd do: Physicians and surgeons are the highest-earning professionals in the health care world. Physicians diagnose and treat patients as well as take medical histories and prescribe medication.

How much does NHS pay per hour? ›

The National Health Service (NHS) pays its employees an average of ₤10.38 an hour. Hourly pay at The National Health Service (NHS) ranges from an average of ₤8.00 to ₤18.84 an hour.

Who are the 5 health professionals? ›

A minimal list would include physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician's assistants, pharmacists, social workers, dietitians, physical and occupational therapists, and medical technologists.

What is the difference between a healthcare worker and an allied health care worker? ›

Allied health professionals are employees that work in the healthcare field but aren't physicians, nurses or dentists. They make up the rest of healthcare staffs that perform important duties like health administration, technical support, diagnostics and rehabilitation.

Why is the allied healthcare field a good career choice? ›

High Job Satisfaction: Many allied health jobs involve working with people and helping to ensure the good health of patients. This can be a very satisfying way to earn a living for the right person. It is an opportunity to have a direct and significant impact on someone else's life. Few jobs are comparably fulfilling.

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