Career Guide for Medical Lab Technology Studies

The flabbergasting medical advances have spiraled up because scientists have been willing to work long hours in labs, learning, puzzling, and experimenting. Medical technology has played a large role in these advances. Medical technicians and technologists run tests that detect disease. The results they find help in its diagnosis. Their findings also lead doctors to decide the course of treatment for their patients. Almost everyone has had at least one medical test, usually a blood test or a drug test. Medical technicians perform these routine lab tests under the supervision of medical personnel. In this field, there is a clear distinction between a technologist and a technician. Medical technologists, with their more extensive training, have more authority to make decisions. Medical technicians are encouraged to follow instructions to the letter and leave decision making to others. They usually work under the supervision of technologists, but sometimes they work for medical doctors. Owing to rising health complications, professionals are always on demand in this field.

Courses & Eligibility:

The basic eligibility criterion for Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Technology (BMLT) is 10+2 or equivalent in the science stream with biology as one of the core subjects. BMLT is a 3 year programme. Candidates can also pursue Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology (DMLT) after completing class X. Duration of DMLT is 2 years. There are also other certificate courses available for students who have completed their 10+2 examination.

Career Prospects:

A certified medical laboratory technician may find a challenging career in public and private hospitals, clinics, blood banks, commercial labs, and research facilities etc. With adequate knowledge and experience, medical laboratory technologists can advance to supervisory or management positions in laboratories and hospitals. They can also run private pathology laboratories. for medical lab technicians is expected to grow at an average rate over the next ten years. Because of changes in the medical fields, labs are consolidating and restructuring. Small hospitals often send their specimens to commercial labs, rather than doing lab work in-house. The emergence of more powerful diagnostic tests requires technicians to continue their training while they work.

Remuneration:

The average starting salary of a lab technician ranges between Rs.6000 – 10000 per month in hospitals and in clinics. Those working in private hospitals and clinics earn even more. Those involved in private practice can earn handsomely with respect to their professional reputation.