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Medical Technologist Job Description: Top Duties and Requirements

A Medical Technologist, or a Medical Laboratory Technician, performs laboratory tests and records the results so that Doctors can diagnose patients and choose the best treatments. Their duties include preparing blood and tissue samples for examination by Doctors, using laboratory equipment, and looking for signs of infection or disease in lab samples.

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Medical Technologist duties and responsibilities

Some Medical Technologists perform a wide range of tests, while others specialize in a few complex procedures. Medical Technologists can work for Doctors, hospitals, companies that offer lab tests, or universities conducting clinical trials. Duties and responsibilities in a Medical Technologist job description may include:

  • Using test tubes, microscopes, centrifuges, autoclaves, and other common types of medical lab equipment
  • Transitioning paper records to a digital format by performing data entry
  • Troubleshooting any problems with laboratory equipment and requesting repairs if needed
  • Making and answering phone calls
  • Conducting tests correctly and on schedule
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Medical Technologist Job Description Examples:

What does a Medical Technologist do?

Medical Technologists verify test results and make sure that they match with the specimen collected. They identify the types of bacteria, viruses, or antibodies present in a sample. Medical Technologists also analyze tissue from biopsies to diagnose cancer. Additionally, they keep the laboratory clean, sterilize equipment, and let supervisors know when they need more slides, stains, protective gloves, masks, reagents, or other supplies. Medical Technologists may also update medical records, make the calculations necessary to determine test results, and let both physicians and clients know if results were inconclusive and another sample is needed.

Medical Technologist skills and qualifications

Successful Medical Technologists usually have a combination of social and technical skills. They can adapt quickly to changing conditions and technologies, be professional, meet the needs of a busy lab, and stay organized. Other top skills and qualifications for Medical Technologists include:

  • Understanding of cell biology, human anatomy, virology, the symptoms of many diseases, and how to interpret data from tests and images from slides
  • Inventory management
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Outstanding computer and data entry skills
  • Good planning and organizational skills
  • Ability to operate many types of laboratory equipment

Medical Technologist experience requirements

Most Medical Technologist jobs don’t require experience, as on-the-job training is usually provided. However, candidates who have worked in a similar position or a related field are the best choices. For more senior positions, two or more years of experience is preferable for candidates.

Medical Technologist education and training requirements

Medical Technologist candidates need to have a two- or three-year degree in medical laboratory technology and a certificate from the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science. In many provinces, registration with a regulatory authority and on-the-job training or internship experience is also required. More senior Medical Technologist candidates often have four-year university degrees in biology, chemistry, virology, microbiology, or a related discipline.

Medical Technologist salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, average pay for a Medical Technologist in Canada is $34.08 per hour. Rates for individuals depend on locations, experience and education levels, and employers.

Job description samples for similar positions

If a Medical Technologist isn’t exactly what your company is looking for, some other job description samples include:

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Medical Technologist job description FAQs

What is a typical day like for a Medical Technologist?

The clinical duties of Medical Technologists vary according to provincial law and employers. They often spend their time performing laboratory testing. Medical Technologists also dispose of biohazardous waste and sterilize medical instruments they regularly use. They can work part-time or full-time as permanent or temporary hires at any time of day. Depending on the organization, they may wear scrubs or business wear with a lab coat. Medical Technologists use protective equipment such as gloves and goggles when working in the lab.

Who does a Medical Technologist report to?

An appealing Medical Technologist job description should include an overview of your company and its culture, history, and values. Describe the location, the types of tests that new Medical Technologists will conduct most, and the hours that they will work. Mentioning the chemicals to be used and the procedures that will be followed could give them a general idea as to what to expect. Also, mention any benefits that come with the position and the skills, education, and experience required. Talk about what a typical day will be like and the most common duties involved.

Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

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