How to Become a Medical Laboratory Technician (2023)

FAQs

How much are lab technicians paid in Kenya? ›

A levels (or equivalent level 3 qualifications) aren't usually required for this role, as you'd train while you're working. Typically you'd be working towards a relevant healthcare science qualification. You may be able to enter this type of role through a healthcare science assistant apprenticeship.

To become a medical laboratory technician, you'll need either an associate or bachelor's degree in clinical laboratory science. This type of degree includes courses in chemistry, biology, math, and statistics, and will prepare you for an entry-level job.

Minimum entry requirements are an average D+ in KCSE or a division III in KCE. Those with D+ or credits in English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry of Physical Science have an advantage.

Medical Lab technology is a productive and challenging field. The initial salary package for a medical lab technology/ technician ranges from Rs 10,000 - Rs 20,000 per month in hospitals and in clinics.

The average laboratory assistant salary in South Africa is R 792 300 per year or R 406 per hour. Entry-level positions start at R 172 422 per year, while most experienced workers make up to R 3 505 569 per year.

Lab technicians need at minimum a high school diploma or equivalent to work. Most companies prefer at least an Associate's Degree in Laboratory Science or related major. It can be helpful to earn a degree from an institution accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences.

With additional training and experience, a medical lab scientist can become a department lead or lab manager. Others may seek specializations to advance their careers. Typically, a medical lab technician will progress to a medical lab scientist with more training.

What kind of technicians make the most money? ›

From medical technicians to electricians, the earning potential of a technician is largely dependent on the industry in which they work. A career as a nuclear technician is one of the highest paying jobs that fall under the technician umbrella. Nuclear technicians tend to make salaries in the range of $80,000 per year.

Medical lab technicians prepare samples for analysis, use equipment to locate microorganisms, monitor tests and procedures, analyze the chemical content of fluids, match blood for transfusions, and test for drug levels in the blood.

Due to the technical nature of these courses, the skills and topics you'll learn can be challenging at times. After all, the human body is an amazing thing and requires in-depth study.

Medical laboratory scientists must complete a bachelor's degree in health, medical or biomedical science. To further your career as a medical laboratory scientist, consider postgraduate studies to specialise in a particular subject area within the field.

Admission in Medical Lab Technology Course

One can do a certificate program (CMLT) which is of six-month duration. A diploma program (DMLT) which is of one-year duration. An advanced diploma program in medical lab technology (ADMLT) of two years. Bachelors in medical lab technology (BMLT) a 3-year program.

Ans. Medical lab technicians are healthcare professionals who work with physicians, but they are not doctors. A medical technologist can become a doctor by enrolling in medical school and completing their education in their chosen field.

UTME Requirement for Medical Laboratory Science: Five (5) SSC credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

Most work full time, about 40 hours per week. May work nights, weekends, or holidays. Hospitals need tests run at all hours of the day.

What are the disadvantages of being a lab technician? ›

It's a fast-paced job. This job will keep you on your toes as it requires a lot of work around the lab. At times, it can be very busy or hectic, especially with the pandemic.

While both a lab technician and phlebotomist collect blood samples. A phlebotomist works solely with blood samples and does clerical work, and a medical lab technician can deal with all bodily fluids including blood and also runs sample testing.

8 Types of Medical Lab Technician Jobs you can opt for!

Employment of clinical laboratory technologists and technicians is projected to grow 7 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

A master's degree helps medical laboratory scientists become leaders in a field that is highly valued and continues to grow as the instruments and technologies used to detect disease and monitor treatment become more sophisticated.

More than 53% reported high stress, compared with 42.7% who felt no stress at all.

A clinical laboratory technician (CLT) or Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) performs routine tests in all areas of the clinical laboratory. Usually, CLTs/MLTs have an associate degree and have completed an accredited CLT or certificate program.

Most employers provide training for lab assistants with no experience before the official start of your employment. You usually do not need a license to work in a research laboratory, but some states require licenses for medical lab assistants, so make sure to check the criteria where you live.

The difference between a medical technician vs medical technologist is this: medical laboratory technicians are limited to performing only routine testing duties in most situations. Medical technologists, or clinical laboratory scientists, usually oversee the technicians' work in addition to their own duties.

What is difference between MLT and lab technician? ›

DMLT stands for Diploma in Medical Lab Technology. This is a specialised course in the paramedical science field. Once you complete the course from a recognised institute of health sciences, you'll be recognised as a professional in the field as a medical laboratory technician.

Lab technicians need at minimum a high school diploma or equivalent to work. Most companies prefer at least an Associate's Degree in Laboratory Science or related major. It can be helpful to earn a degree from an institution accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences.

The highest-paying job at Lab Tech is a Laboratory Technologist with a salary of ₹2.8 Lakhs per year. The top 10% of employees earn more than ₹3 lakhs per year. The top 1% earn more than a whopping ₹4.89 lakhs per year.

So, if you're aspiring to be a part of the healthcare industry but aren't keen on working frontline, a career in Medical Lab Technology could be ideal for you. To pursue a professional career, you must complete a BSc MLT course from a reputed college or institute.

This is a two year course.

A nationwide survey of more than 4,600 laboratory professionals revealed that most remain satisfied with their jobs despite high levels of stress and burnout.

Both technicians and technologists perform tests and procedures that physicians and surgeons or other healthcare personnel order. However, technologists perform more complex tests and laboratory procedures than technicians do.

What can I be to work at a lab? ›

While mathematics is not a large portion of a laboratory technician degree program, laboratory technicians are expected to know a certain amount of mathematics. Most programs require students to take a mathematics placement exam to test their level of math knowledge.

Some medical laboratory technicians advance to technologist positions after gaining experience and additional education. Some colleges have bachelors degree programs for medical laboratory technicians to become technologists (often referred to as MLT to MLS programs).