The Profession Medical Technology involves definitive analyses on blood, spinal, and other body fluids to provide data essential to diagnosis and treatment. The medical technologist, a health professional in laboratory medicine, is a vital link between the physician and patient. Some specific responsibilities are to identify pathogenic bacteria and to determine their drug sensitivities, to recognize bleeding disorders, to identify normal and abnormal blood cells, to prepare blood for transfusion, and to analyze serum for the presence of chemical elements and other components.
Career opportunities are excellent, particularly in hospital laboratories and in diagnostic clinics.
Other settings which provide career opportunities include research facilities, industry, government agencies, public health offices, crime laboratories, food and cosmetic quality assurance programs, and insurance offices. Technologists may advance through laboratory service, education, research, or sales to the ranks of administration. After graduation medical technologists may specialize in any major section of the laboratory or in laboratory management. Those who have specialist certifications or advanced degrees find opportunities in supervision, education, and administration in a number of different settings including health care institutions, universities, public service agencies, and private industry. Medical technology education provides excellent preparation for those who wish to become physicians and a sound background for those interested in medical sales work.