What is a Medical Technician? How Do You Become One?

What Is a Medical Technician?

A medical technician assists lab professionals and technologists with specimen analysis. They often work in a clinical setting or a hospital laboratory. Medical technicians may also help with the collection of samples from patients, but only under the supervision of a medical technologist. Specimens need to be collected without contamination, transported to the lab, and analyzed for results. The results help doctors determine a diagnosis and treatment plan for their patients.

How to Become a Medical Technician

To become a medical technician, earn an associate's degree in medical lab technology or a related field. Some states require medical technicians to obtain a license, so check the qualifications in the state where you work. Certification from organizations such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology is not required, but becoming a certified medical technician may make you a more valuable candidate in the job market.

Medical Technician Job Description Sample

With this Medical Technician job description sample, you can get a good idea of what employers are looking for when hiring for this position. Remember, every employer is different and each will have unique qualifications when they hire for a Medical Technician role.

Job Summary

We are looking for an organized, experienced, and dexterous medical technician to join our growing medical team. In our facility, you will collect and prepare specimens for analysis and work with other medical providers to ensure determined results are accurate. You may also be asked to test and analyze samples using various procedures, including dye tests and other diagnostic machinery.

Duties and Responsibilities

•Collect specimens from lab or directly from patient

•Prepare and test specimens, including blood, urine, tissue, and/or other bodily fluids

•Perform hands-on tasks in drawing blood, including preparing and sterilizing the area, applying pressure, and dressing when complete

•Monitor vital signs when working directly with patients

•Analyze and report specimen test results

•Process, record, and analyze tested data as necessary

•Enter information into medical databases

•Work under the supervision of and report to the medical technologist

•Look for and identify any cell abnormalities using cell dying processes

•Work with a pathologist to determine correct diagnosis if If cell abnormalities are found

•Prepare tissue samples for examination by cutting, mounting, staining, etc.

•Ensure accuracy of tested data results by using appropriate methods of analysis.

•Wear and ensure proper fit of wearable safety gear (eye protection, clothing, gloves, mask etc.)

•Maintain a clean work space and sterilize equipment as necessary

•Adhere to medical safety protocol, including keeping a sterile environment and executing proper hazardous waste disposal

•Use diagnostic machinery and complex lab equipment as needed

Requirements and Qualifications

•Associate's degree in clinical laboratory science required

•Current licensure and certification to work as a medical technician

•A strong science background in biology and chemistry, preferred

•Experience working in a laboratory or hospital setting

•Knowledge of and confidence working with relevant medical equipment and tools

•Physical stamina, able to work long hours on one's feet

•Excellent manual dexterity and a high attention to detail

•Good bedside manner and attentive patient care

‍