The Role of the Medical Technologist/Technician

Medical Technologists perform tests on various body fluids and tissues to assist physicians in the proper diagnosis and treatment of patients. Medical technologists, also called Clinical Laboratory Scientists, can work in hospitals or clinics, and test samples such as blood, urine, stool, joint fluids, along with many other sample types. In some facilities, these individuals perform blood collection as well. Quality testing of instruments and reagents is also an important part of the responsibilities of the MT - this type of testing ensures the accuracy of patient results. Laboratories have to perform under strict regulatory requirements and MTs need to ensure that they are following these requirements.

Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLT) also perform laboratory testing, however, the educational requirements are fewer than those of an MT. MLTs typically have Associate Degrees while MTs have Bachelor's Degrees. Depending on facility requirements, MLTs can perform all or some of the same testing conducted by MTs. In many situations, MTs can perform more complex testing than MLTs, due to the extra educational experience.