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Medical Technology Program

What does a Medical Technologist do?

The medical technologist performs a full range of laboratory tests, from simple pre-marital blood tests, to more complex tests to uncover diseases such as AIDS, diabetes, and cancer. The medical technologist is also responsible for confirming the accuracy of test results and reporting laboratory findings to the pathologist and other doctors. Medical technologists work in five major areas of the laboratory: Blood banking, Chemistry, Hematology, Immunology and Microbiology.

Medical technologists work quickly and carefully. They hold life and death in their hands, because the information they give to the doctor influences the medical treatment a patient receives.

In their search for data on a patient’s health, medical technologists do much more than examine specimens through a microscope. They operate complex electronic equipment, computers, and precision instruments. Medical technologists are self-sufficient, precise and thorough. They are trouble-shooters who not only report accurate results, but also know when results are incorrect and need to be rechecked.

According to the best-selling 1999 book by Les Krantz, Jobs Rated Almanac: The Best and Worst Jobs, medical technologists are on the top 20 list of best jobs.

What it takes to be a medical technologist

All medical technologists have certain common characteristics. They are problem-solvers. They like challenge and responsibility. They are accurate, reliable, work well under pressure and are able to finish a task once started. They set high standards for themselves and expect quality in the work they do. But, above all, they are deeply committed to their profession, and are truly fascinated by all that science has to offer. For someone who chooses a career in the medical laboratory, the exploration never ends.

The Medical Technology Program at Atlantic Health

Today, rapid technical advances have created a need for medical technologists who combine excellent technical skills with strong interpersonal skills and judgment. The Medical Technology Program at Atlantic Health prepares students to meet the increasing challenges and opportunities of a career in medical technology through a comprehensive curriculum.