What Is a Medical Technologist (and How Do I Become One)?

Key takeaways

Medical technologists are highly trained, highly skilled scientists who perform tests to help physicians diagnose and treat diseases. 

• The median annual salary for a medical technologist is $61,890 [1].

• Medical technologists test and analyze bodily fluids and tissue samples in various health care settings, including physicians’ offices, hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, and outpatient care centers.

• You can prepare for a career as a medical technologist by earning a bachelor’s degree in a scientific field. 

Learn more about what medical technologists do, their educational requirements, and the skills they need to help you decide if this is a field you’d like to pursue. If you’re ready to prepare for a health care career, consider enrolling in Rice University’s Medical Terminology Specialization. You’ll have the chance to broaden your knowledge of medical terminology in as little as four weeks. Upon completion, you’ll have developed in-depth knowledge that can help you in your career.

What is a medical technologist?

At a lab or doctor’s office, medical technologists work behind the scenes, testing and analyzing body fluids (such as blood and urine) and tissue samples. These laboratory test results aid in the diagnosis and treatment of patients. 

Medical technologists, also called medical laboratory scientists, clinical laboratory technologists, or technicians, often work in hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, physicians’ offices, outpatient care centers, or school campuses. If you work in a small laboratory or clinic, you might perform a variety of tests. In a larger setting, it’s more common to specialize. Some specialization options include:

• Blood bank or immunohematology technologists collect, classify, and prepare blood for transfusions.

• Immunology technologists analyze samples involving the human immune system and its responses to foreign bodies.

• Chemistry technologists prepare specimens and analyze the chemical and hormonal contents of body fluids.

• Cytotechnologists examine body cells under a microscope for abnormalities (such as cancer).

• Microbiology technologists examine and identify bacteria and other microorganisms.

Medical technologist salary

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for clinical laboratory technologists in the US in 2024 was $61,890 [1]. This may vary based on the type of facility you work in, where you’re located, and how much experience you have. The BLS predicts that jobs will grow by 2 percent between 2024 and 2034[1]. 

How to become a medical technologist

Several paths can lead you to a career as a medical technologist. If you’re interested in a career in this field, there are some steps you can take to get started.

1. Earn your degree.

Medical technologists typically hold a bachelor’s degree in medical technology, a related life science field, or another scientific field. Some schools offer science degrees with an option to specialize in medical technology. Typical courses you can expect to take include general chemistry, organic chemistry, hematology and immunology, biology, and statistics.

2. Complete a medical technologist program.

You may need to complete a medical technology program that's accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS). These programs are designed to augment the knowledge you already have with job-specific knowledge and skills, including diagnostic testing, molecular diagnostics, clinical chemistry, and immunohematology.

How long does it take to become a technologist?

Since becoming a medical technologist often requires a bachelor's degree, it generally takes four to five years to become one. If your degree is not in an accredited NAACLS program, it may take an additional year to earn the proper skills to become a licensed and certified med tech. 

3. Research licensing requirements for medical technologist jobs.

Multiple states require medical technologists to get a license before they can work in a laboratory setting. The requirements vary from state to state but typically include paying an annual or bi-annual fee, completing professional competency requirements, and engaging in continuing education. Check with your state’s department of health to determine if you need to apply for a license.

4. Get med tech certification.

Getting certified is a requirement for licensure in some states. It may also give you a competitive edge while searching for a job because it provides concrete evidence of your professional capabilities. You can seek certification through the American Society for Clinical Pathology for a variety of specializations. Alternatively, you could become a certified medical technologist through American Medical Technologists.

Read more: Health Care Resume Skills (What to Include + Examples)

Find resources to prepare for a role in health care

Stay up-to-date with health care trends and gain career tips by subscribing to Career Chat, our weekly LinkedIn newsletter. Then, check out these free resources for more guidance:

• Stay informed: AI in Health Care: Uses, Benefits, and Concerns

• Take a quiz: Career Test: What Career Is Right for Me? Quiz 

• Get career ready: How to Motivate Yourself: 5 Simple Tips That Actually Work

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