Are you looking for a new career that offers stability and a good salary? If so, consider becoming a clinical lab technician. With hospitals and other healthcare providers in desperate need of skilled workers, jobs as clinical lab technicians are in high demand across the state of Vermont. In this blog post, we’ll look at the qualifications, benefits, and opportunities available to those who pursue this career path.
What Is A Clinical Lab Technician?
A clinical laboratory technician or technologist is responsible for performing laboratory tests on blood and other bodily fluids to help diagnose and treat diseases. They use sophisticated equipment to test for the presence of infection-causing bacteria, viruses, or parasites in body samples. Additionally, they may also be required to process tissue specimens taken during surgery or biopsies.
In order to become a clinical lab technician in Vermont, you must have an associate’s degree in medical laboratory technology (MLT) from an accredited college or university. After completing this degree program, you will be eligible to take the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certification exam. Passing this exam is necessary before you can begin working as a lab technician. It is important to note that certification requirements vary by state so it’s important that you check with your local health department regarding what is required in your specific location.
What Are The Benefits Of Being A Clinical Lab Technician?
The benefits of being a clinical lab technician are numerous. For starters, the job pays well; according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for medical and clinical laboratory technologists was $51,770 as of May 2019. Furthermore, there is job security; with hospitals and other healthcare facilities always needing skilled workers to fill their labs with qualified technicians, job prospects remain strong throughout Vermont and beyond. Finally there is room for growth; with additional education and experience comes more responsibility which can lead to higher salaries and more meaningful work opportunities over time.
Medical Laboratory Scientists are critical members of the health care team. They use their biomedical expertise and technical skills to provide essential information about the health and disease status of patients. For example, laboratory professionals identify pathogenic microbes, detect cancer cells, screen for diabetes, determine blood types and perform genetic testing.
Students in this major work closely with faculty members and engage in hands-on learning in the classroom, laboratory and clinical environment to develop critical thinking and technical skills. Students select a concentration in clinical laboratory science or public health laboratory science. All students complete a practicum at our premier regional clinical affiliates. Students also have the opportunity to apply to our accelerated master’s degree program in their third year.
Upon completion of the bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science, all MLS graduates will demonstrate:
- Competency to perform a full range of testing in a contemporary clinical or public health laboratory encompassing pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical components of laboratory services;
- Proficiency to interpret results, use critical thinking skills to problem solve, and apply statistical approaches when evaluating data;
- Ability to identify and trouble-shoot technical problems in laboratory procedures and instrumentation;
- Professional conduct as a member of the healthcare team and effective communication skills;
- An understanding of basic concepts related to quality assurance, quality improvement, laboratory education, administrative operation, information technology, and clinical decision making.
Conclusion
Being a clinical lab technician in Vermont can be both rewarding and challenging—but it’s definitely worth considering if you’re looking for stability and good pay in your next career move. With hospitals across Vermont needing skilled workers like never before, now is an excellent time to begin exploring your options as a certified medical laboratory technologist or technician today. So don’t wait—start researching what it takes to become a certified professional today.
