Medical lab technicians and medical technologists, both work in laboratories to analyze patient specimens and provide physicians with crucial diagnostic information. Lab professionals run tests on a variety of materials to identify information from blood type to genetic abnormalities.
Also known as medical laboratory scientists or clinical laboratory scientists. There is a crossover between the job responsibilities and how both professions are different from each other. Let’s have a look at the difference between a medical lab technician and a medical technologist.
Lab technicians play a crucial role in the overall functionality of hospitals and clinics. They are part of a virtual team required for proper patient care. Medical lab technicians work with lab managers, physicians, and technologists to perform a variety of tests. They play an active role in the diagnosis process behind the scenes and do not typically contact patients.
Medical technologists prepare samples for analysis using specialized equipment and perform a careful analysis of blood, bodily fluids, and tissues to reveal the chemical composition and cell count.
They run complex tests and interpret results to aid diagnosis and to provide high-level patient care. Technologists frequently come across infectious samples and pay attention to infection control by properly executing sterilization procedures. Medical technologists may have to work long hours and irregular shifts and act quickly during emergencies.
Although related to occupations, both lab technologists and lab technicians perform different duties and have different education requirements. To become a medical technologist, you need to have a bachelor’s degree and a more extensive knowledge base than a technician.
Also, medical technologists usually pursue a specialization. Some of the specialties include:
Both professionals can opt for specialties in a specific area once they have gained significant experience.
In addition to clinical laboratories and hospitals, medical lab techs and technologists are needed in:
In these settings, lab professionals work under the supervision of a manager, supervisor, or administrator.
To become an entry-level medical technologist, a four-year bachelor’s degree is a must. One can study in medical technology and or life sciences. Medical technology education covers the field in-depth and is thus preferred. The degree program covers math, biology, chemistry, statistics, and clinical conduct.
Medical lab technicians typically obtain an associate’s degree or a diploma. The main requirements to obtain a medical lab technician diploma are at least high school level education in math, chemistry, and biology.
Healthcare is a regulated profession in Canada, and aspiring professionals need to get certified in the chosen field.
To practice as a Medical Laboratory Technologist, one has to clear the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) certification.
Medical Laboratory Professionals’ Association of Ontario MLPAO exam is the certifying body for Medical Lab Technicians/ Assistants.
Lab professionals have different job prospects depending on where they work in Canada.
The job outlook for medical lab technicians over the next 3 years is expected to remain relatively stable, and more positions will become available due to retirements. The average salary for laboratory technicians after passing the MLPAO exam and pathologists’ assistants in Ontario is $45.35 an hour.
Medical Technologists can expect job stability and job prospects are good in Canada. 75% of medical laboratory technologists work all year, while 25% work only part of the year. The average salary for a medical technologist in Canada is $32.25/hr and $39/hr in the Toronto region.
Choosing between a career as a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) and a Medical Technologist (MT) involves considering various factors, including education, responsibilities, career advancement, and personal preferences. Here are some key points to help you make an informed decision:
MLT: Typically requires an associate degree or a certificate program.
MT: Requires a bachelor’s degree in medical technology or a related field.
MLT: Performs routine laboratory tests and procedures, handles basic equipment, and may conduct limited complex analyses.
MT: Performs more complex laboratory analyses, interprets results, troubleshoots issues, and may supervise MLTs.
MLT: Limited upward mobility; opportunities may be available to specialize or take on supervisory roles.
MT: Greater potential for advancement, including managerial roles, research positions, or specialized areas.
MLT: May work in specific areas like microbiology, hematology, or clinical chemistry.
MT: Can specialize in various fields, including microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, or blood banking.
MLT: Often works under the supervision of an MT or laboratory manager.
MT: May work independently, supervising MLTs and managing laboratory operations.
MLT: Generally earns a lower salary compared to MTs.
MT: Tends to have a higher earning potential.
MLT: There is a demand for MLTs, but job opportunities may be more abundant for MTs.
MT: Generally has a favorable job outlook due to the increasing demand for skilled laboratory professionals.
Consider your preferences, such as the level of responsibility you’re comfortable with, your interest in more in-depth analysis, and your long-term career goals.
Explore both professions through internships, informational interviews, or job shadowing to get a feel for the daily responsibilities and work environment.
Both MLTs and MTs often need to be certified, and requirements may vary by state or country.
Ultimately, the choice between a Medical Laboratory Technician and a Medical Technologist depends on your educational preferences, career goals, and personal interests. If you are unsure, it might be beneficial to talk to professionals in both fields, gain hands-on experience, and consider your long-term career aspirations before making a decision.
BizTech College offers a 31-week fast-track medical lab technician diploma program, including clinical placements and MLPAO exam preparation. Apart from the clinical laboratory science emphasis, students gain in-depth knowledge of hematology, microbiology, anatomical pathology and cytology, and ECG circulatory and respiratory systems.
Partnerships with local clinics allow students to work alongside highly qualified professionals in a fast-paced, urban setting during guaranteed clinical placements.
Want to know if the Medical Laboratory Technician career is for you? Talk to our career planning experts, contact us.
Is medical lab technology a good career?
Medical lab technology is a rewarding career that involves performing crucial diagnostic tests and analyses, contributing to patient care and healthcare outcomes.
What is the difference between a medical lab technologist and a medical lab technician?
A medical lab technologist performs complex tests and analyses, while a medical lab technician handles routine lab procedures and equipment maintenance.
Is a medical technologist the same as a medical laboratory scientist?
Yes, in Canada, the terms medical technologist and medical laboratory scientist are often used interchangeably.
Are medical laboratory technologists in demand in Canada?
Yes, medical laboratory technologists are in high demand in Canada due to workforce shortages and increasing healthcare needs.
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