They are skilled scientists who perform tests that aid in the diagnosis and treatment of disease - for instance, the tests may confirm a case of diabetes or a potentially dangerous drug level, identify the bacteria in a blood or wound infection, or detect early cases of leukemia or cancerous tumors with new molecular biology procedures. Medical technologists make a valuable contribution to patient care by performing clinical laboratory procedures. The technologists analyze samples of blood, tissue, and body fluids using the latest technology and a variety of analytical techniques. They have various levels of responsibility - as staff technologists, research technologists, supervisors, managers, or educators.
Medical technologists work in many areas of the profession, with a variety of responsibilities.
They find employment in hospitals, clinics, doctors' offices, research facilities, industry, public health institutions, forensic or pharmaceutical laboratories, and animal clinics. Medical technologists find challenging employment in a variety of laboratory settings. As vital members of the health care team, they enjoy assisting physicians during the care, diagnosis and treatment of patients. They have opportunities for advancement, with supervisory skills and with technical expertise in such areas as advanced immunology, cell marker technology, transplantation, toxicology, cancer research, and cytogenetics. There is a continuing need for qualified medical laboratory professionals to meet the demands of new technology in clinical laboratory science, biotechnology, and research.