Some worked in blood banks, research and testing laboratories, and in the Federal Government-at Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals and U.S. Public Health Service facilities. About 1 laboratory worker in 6 worked part-time. The usual requirement for an entry level position as a medical technologist is a bachelor's degree with a major in medical technology or in one of the life sciences. Universities and hospitals offer medical technology programs. Bachelor's degree programs in medical technology include courses in chemistry, biological sciences, microbiology, and mathematics, and specialized courses devoted to knowledge and skills used in the clinical laboratory.
Many programs also offer or require courses in management, business, and computer applications.
Masters degrees in medical technology and related clinical laboratory sciences provide training for specialized areas of laboratory work or teaching, administration, or research. A grandfather clause will allow experienced workers to continue performing these tests. Medical laboratory technicians generally have an associate's degree from a community or junior college, or a certificate from a hospital, vocational or technical school, or from one of the Armed Forces. A few technicians learn on the job. National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences accredits over 391 programs that provide education for medical technologists, cytotechnologists, histologic technicians, specialists in blood bank technology, and medical laboratory technicians.