What is it like to be a clinical laboratory scientist/medical technologist?
Asked by Loves Weezy
I'm currently working on my B.S. in clinical laboratory science. I like to work in a lab and run tests and dislike working with the general public. Should I change my major to something else? How is the pay? the hours?

Best Answer:
It sounds like you're on the right career path for your personality. Most MT's are very intelligent, detailed-oriented people who prefer to not spend most of their time working with the public. That doesn't mean you're antisocial; you just prefer to focus on other things. The pay is decent and has improved a lot over the past few years. It's probably comparable to that of an RN. The good news is that there is quite a shortage of MT's because so many of the programs have shut down. Therefore, most of the bench jobs are being filled by MLT's. That means that many of the more interesting and higher paying jobs are opening up to MT's. With your degree you can do an amazing variety of jobs. After a few years of experience in a hospital setting you could qualify to be a sales or technical representative, a laboratory consultant for a POL, a section supervisor, a department manager, a senior manager in a hospital (CEO, COO), a technical writer, an educator in an MLT or MT program, etc. Your MT educational background would be a very strong one if you wanted to go to medical school later on. You could even qualify for a direct commission in the military as a laboratory officer (I did it). I personally think that laboratory science is one of the most interesting jobs a person can have. It's never boring, especially if you are a person who enjoys reading and researching problems. Every day you will encounter "puzzles" and your job is to solve them! That requires a lot of high level thinking. I have occasionally run into people who have worked in the field and say disparaging things, but I've also noted that these people are usually minimally trained for the work and have no interest in learning more about what they do - they have a "button-pusher" mentality. I've learned that you get out of a job as much as you are willing to invest in it and it's important to become a student of your profession. Remember, it is a professional level job. You're a technologist, not a technician and you would be expected to know the "why" behind what you do, not just the "how". You would be expected to provide technical supervision for the MLT's and phlebotomists. You could end up working all shifts and hours, but as you advance in your career, you'll probably have better work hours. I've been lucky and have always worked day shift. Most of my career has been spent in management, so I worked M-F most of the time.
MT(ASCP)
Answered by majormomma

Sounds like the kind of job for you. I'm a med lab scientist and have worked in Australia and UK. It is a rewarding and interesting job. You'll need to be able to cover all sorts of shifts and on-call. Pay is quite reasonable. Even though you dislike working with the general public you will still need to be able to communicate with a range of medical/nursing staff and occasionally patients. There are lots of opportunities to progress career wise. Best wishes.
Answered by dave n

I left graduate school to pursue medical technology -- that was 10 years ago. I am an MT(ASCP) working primarily in the blood bank at a hospital. I have never regretted my decision to go into this field. No two days are ever the same... I've had days where there was very little bench work to be done and other days where there was no time for a break of any kind. Regardless of the day, I know that I did something to help someone -- maybe even save a life. The pay -- pay is good, and could be excellent (signing bonus) depending on where you live. The hours -- well, hospitals are open 24/7 and so in the lab. Frequently, when starting out you work an off shift -- evenings or nights. And you weekends and holidays too. It is a good field, not right for everyone, but worth investigating....
Answered by KaseyT33

I've been doing this work for about 9 years now and it's great. It depends on what you enjoy. The most intriguing department MAY prove to be Microbiology because Biochemistry and Haemotology are very automated...Micro B's more "lab-like".
Answered by thebigachiever