Hazards include working with diseased tissues, close contact with patients who have infectious diseases, exposure to toxic agents, and unpleasant odors. Risks are minimized by properly handling materials and using approved safety precautions. To become Medical Laboratory Technicians, individuals must have formal clinical training or an associate degree in medical laboratory technology that includes clinical training. To become Medical Technologists, individuals must have a combination of formal clinical training and experience, an associate degree plus experience, a baccalaureate degree plus clinical training, or a baccalaurate degree in medical technology. In addition, individuals seeking to become technicians or technologists must pass a national certification examination given by the Board of Registry of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists, or the National Certification Agency for Medical Laboratory Personnel, or the American Medical Technologists.
Specific requirements regarding levels of formal education vary with each employer.
It is recommended that a counselor be consulted for advice on coordinating certification with career goals.