Medical technologists conduct chemical and biological tests on specimens for medical diagnosis and examination purposes. They form an essential part of the laboratory workforce and often collaborate with other healthcare professionals, including doctors, lab technicians, and administrators.
This article covers the job description of a medical technologist, including their roles and responsibilities, as well as job-related qualifications such as education, skills, knowledge, and experience. We have included two resume examples to help you develop the best resume for your job application. Don’t also forget to check the FAQs section to answer some of your queries. Join us as we find out more about this role.
Medical Technologist Job Description
A medical technologist’s primary role is to conduct lab tests and professional lab work in adherence to clinical procedures and health guidelines. They regularly analyze body fluids such as urine, blood, and spinal fluid to check the components and make the correct conclusions and inferences. As a result, they work with different healthcare professionals and specialists, such as lab technicians, nurses, and physicians, among many others.
To succeed, one should have extensive experience working in the medical laboratory environment and sound knowledge of laboratory procedures and tests. They should also strive to stay updated on technological advances in medical laboratory sciences.
Medical Technologist Roles and Responsibilities
- Preparing different biological samples such as blood, spinal fluid, tissue, urine, and gastric juices for testing
- Conducting different blood-related tests, including blood type, blood group, complete blood count, and compatibility tests
- Performing a thorough analysis of biochemical composition in fluids to determine the presence or absence of drug chemicals
- Conducting laboratory stock and supplies inventory management
- Ensuring compliance with industrial and medical lab sciences best practices
- Keeping up with advancements in the field of laboratory sciences
- Testing blood and tissue samples to determine whether they fall within normal ranges and to identify any abnormalities
- Scheduling equipment maintenance to prevent downtime associated with equipment failure
- Calibrating different lab equipment such as flame photometers, analyzers, spectrophotometers, and calorimeters
- Summarizing test results and reporting findings to other professionals, including medical specialists and physicians
- Collaborating with medical professionals and healthcare providers on patient care
- Ensuring that test results are easily retrievable through appropriate labeling and organization
- Determining the validity of specimens as fast as possible
- Discussing recollection protocols with healthcare clients if need be
- Verifying test results to ensure that they match with the provided specimen
Medical Technologist Required Knowledge and Skills
- Extensive knowledge of medical laboratory techniques, equipment, procedures, and tests
- Advanced expertise in biological samples preparation and analysis
- In-depth knowledge of industrial and lab sciences best practices and advancements
- Working knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite program
- Strong mathematical skills
- Electronic Health Record Management Systems proficiency (Good examples include eClinicalWorks and AdvancedMD)
- Ability to operate and maintain different laboratory equipment
- Outstanding supply inventory management skills
- Ability to work well under pressure
- Strong attention to details
- Ability to read and follow instructions
- Excellent multi-tasking ability
- Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to abide by biohazard rules and guidelines
- Excellent research and analysis skills
- Ability to think critically and offer solutions
- Excellent problem-solving skills
- Ability to stand for long durations
- Exceptional problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently and in team settings
- Excellent collaboration skills
- Excellent reporting skills
Medical Technologist Education and Experience
- A High School Diploma
- A Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology or a Bachelor of Science Degree focused on Clinical Laboratory Science or its equivalent
- Proven working experience as a medical technologist, intern, or in a relevant position
- Experience working with other healthcare professionals and specialists
- Experience in their areas of specialization such as Serology, Chemistry, Histology, Bacteriology, Hematology, Blood-bank, Immunohematology, etc.
- Industry-specific certifications such as the Professional American Medical Technologist (AMT) certification. (The more, the better)
Medical Technologist Salary
As one of the most revered job review platforms, Glassdoor estimates that medical technologists in the US receive a yearly base pay of roughly $68,000 and additional payments amounting to $62,000, bringing their total average income to $129,000 or thereabout. It also reports that senior medical technologists make $135,000+ a year, which is lucrative. Also, note that salaries depend on employing institutions, with facilities such as MD Anderson Cancer Center paying as high as $172,000.
Medical Technologist CV Example 1
Bruce Oswald
Physical address: 4568 Cheltenham CT Concord, California C(A), 95687
Email address: oswaldbruce75@gmail.com
Phone number: (985) 890- 5679
Personal Profile
Senior medical technologist with 10+ years of experience working in both public and private laboratories. Dedicated team worker with extensive knowledge of medical laboratory techniques, equipment, procedures, and tests ready to positively influence workplace operations. Managed healthcare professional with advanced expertise in biological sample preparation and analysis.
Work Experience
05/2019- 08/2022, Senior Medical Technologist, Getwellsoon Group of Clinics, Los Angeles, CA
- Performed complex and basic testing of samples in 5 significant areas, i.e., hematology, blood bank, chemistry, urinalysis, and microbiology
- Successfully spearheaded and managed a mentorship program for 20+ new employees and students yearly
- Supervised a team of 5 junior medical technologists and lab assistants, ensuring that they followed all the required procedures and policies during testing of samples and in general applications
- Successfully ran five departments simultaneously, ensuring that all their procedures were well written, revised, and validated
- Trained at least 20 medical technologists and other lab professionals yearly, positively contributing to the medical field
- Assessed competency for independent work within the 5-member team and ensured that everyone met the required standards
- Developed and maintained different training materials on operation, calibration, and troubleshooting of 15+ equipment within the facility, reducing reported malfunctions and errors by 75%
- Offered leadership and support to 5 departmental managers
- Attended at least five workshops and seminars yearly for professional development purposes, later sharing the lessons learned with the team
- Participated in getting the facility ready for inspections pending assessments from 5 different state and federal agencies
- Accurately transmitted results, acquired script, and managed official communication using the centralized Laboratory Information System
03/2016- 06/2019, Lead Technologist, Pureview Hospitals, San Diego, CA
- Coordinated the orientation of 35 new employees within the phlebotomy and microbiology department
- Offered assistance in inventory and supply management within the relevant departments, ensuring 0 inconveniences as a result of low supplies
- Trained new hires on the functioning and troubleshooting of 10+ technical lab equipment
- Took up the responsibility of workflow coordination within the laboratory, ensuring that 98% of test results were reported before the deadline
- Worked closely with the lab and two departmental managers to document and schedule competency training for 20+ staff members
- Relayed problems and concerns to the relevant managers as soon as possible, helping in the timely resolution of 99% of them
- Recommended changes in staffing and procedures within the laboratory services department, acting as a spokesperson for 20+ employees
- Regularly communicated and clarified procedural and policy changes to 20+ staff members, ensuring that everyone was at par with occurrences
- Awarded the best lead technologists of the year twice in a row (2017 and 2018) for outstanding coordination and performance
09/2012- 01/2016, Medical Technologist, Raven Laboratories, San Bruno, CA
- Used established laboratory protocols to conduct 500+ tests weekly successfully
- Significantly saved the lab services department’s time by correctly determining the validity of specimen within the first ten minutes
- Regularly identified, diagnosed and troubleshot issues arising with 20+ lab equipment
- Took at least 5 minutes after every test to verify test results and ensure 100% match with the specimen
- Mentored six junior medical technologists, improving their quarterly performance by an average of 35%
- Left zero chance for errors by correctly labeling and organizing tests to make them easily retrievable.
Education
- 04/2008- 05/2012, Bachelor of Science in Biomedical and Clinical Technology, The University of California, Riverside
- 03/2005- 11/2007, Riverside Senior High School, Riverside, California
Skills
- Languages
- English
- Turkish
- French
Technical Skills
- Research
- Analysis
- Phlebotomy
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Specimen collection
- Supply inventory management
- Hematology
- Diagnostic testing
- Documentation
- Troubleshooting
- Operations monitoring
Soft Skills
- Verbal and written communication
- Ability to thrive under pressure
- Multi-tasking
- Creativity
- Flexibility
- Decision making
- Negotiation
- Active listening
- Problem-solving
- Conflict management
- Persuasion
- Resourcefulness
Certifications
- 06/19, Managed Healthcare Professional (MHP) Certification
- 07/2013, Medical Technologist (MT(AAB) ) Certification, American Association of Bioanalysis
Medical Technologist CV Example 2
Sarah Hassan
Physical address: 4356 Fairlands Dr #1 Pleasanton, California (CA), 98765
Email address: hassansarah768@gmail.com
Phone number: (365) 789- 9867
Personal Profile
Certified medical technologist with 9+ years of experience in professional laboratory work. Managed Healthcare Professional with advanced knowledge in biological samples preparation and analysis, ready to collaborate with other lab professionals for laboratory advancement. Self-motivated team worker with an in-depth understanding of industrial and laboratory sciences best practices, willing to go the extra mile for general patient wellness.
Work Experience
06/2019- 08/2022, Chief Medical Technologist, Pennsylvania Hospitals, Greenville, Pennsylvania
- Assisted in inventory management to ensure appropriate stock levels at all times, thus increasing operational efficiency by 35%
- Regularly performed advanced troubleshooting and maintenance of 10+ technical equipment within the facility
- Regularly supervised the 10- member technologists’ team to ensure the successful preparation and presentation of lab activities and projects for staff meeting purposes
- Obtained a managed healthcare professional certification to solidify management and coordination skills required for the effective running of the facility
- Helped the leaders of 4 different departments to successfully maintain operations by offering oversight and advisory support
- Offered relevant data for the development of annual and special budgets, ensuring that four critical departments within the organization received enough financial support
- Participated in the successful hiring and orientation of 10+ junior medical technologists and lab assistants
- Participated in 25+ joint interdepartmental projects as the senior-most technologist
04/2016- 05/2019, Medical Technologist, Pennsylvania Hospitals, Greenville, Pennsylvania
- Prepared five different biological samples for testing daily, i.e., gastric juices, tissue, blood, urine, and spinal fluid
- Successfully performed five examinations on samples daily such as hematological, microbiological, serological, biochemical, and bacteriological
- Regularly kept up with industry-related advancements, staying at par with different procedures, practices, and best practices
- Calibrated and maintained four diverse equipment with high levels of precision for increased effectiveness, i.e., flame photometers, analyzers, colorimeters, and spectrophotometers
- Participated in the hiring and training of 20+ junior medical technologists and lab assistants
02/2013- 03/2016, Junior Medical Technologist, Hope Hospital, Microbiology Department, Austin, TX
- Used CAP format to update microbiology procedures to meet new testing protocols requirements
- Promoted to lead and supervise the junior laboratory staff after 12 months for excellent performance
- Used different tests, i.e., disc, e-test, and dilution, to conduct confirmatory testing
- Participated in the successful orientation of 12 new hires
- Awarded the best junior lab employee in 2014, followed by a promotion
Education
- 03/2008- 06/2012, Bachelor of Arts in Medical Technology, Thiel College, Greenville, Pennsylvania
- 02/2005- 10/2007, Greenville Senior High School, Pennsylvania
Skills
- Languages
- English
- Swahili
- Arabic
Technical Skills
- Lab equipment maintenance
- Troubleshooting
- Equipment monitoring
- Documentation
- Supply inventory management
- Hematology
- Diagnostic testing
- Analysis
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Specimen collection
- Research
Soft Skills
- Ability to work well under pressure
- Verbal and written communication
- Emotional intelligence
- Time management
- Problem-solving
- Decision making
- Adaptability
- Active listening
- Empathy
- Leadership
- Persuasion
- Mentoring
- Flexibility
Certifications
- 04/2014, Certified Phlebotomy Technician Certification, National Healthcareer Organization
- 08/2013, Medical Technologist, AAB- Board of Registry
Medical Technologist Resume Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which Certifications Should I Obtain for a Better Medical Technologist Resume?
It’s advisable to get as many certifications as possible if you intend to advance in your career, regardless of the industry. Since our primary attention is on medical technologists, here are some of the relevant certifications you can obtain for a more appealing resume:
- Medical Technologist (MT(AAB)) – This certification is offered by the American Association of Bioanalysts for junior and senior medical technologists. It does not require any renewal, which makes it quite popular. However, you must have at least two years of work experience.
- Medical Technologist (MT) certification- Unlike the first medical technologist certification we covered, this particular one requires renewal. It is offered by the AAB- Board of Registry, a renowned certifying board for lab professionals, including scientists
- Certified Phlebotomy Technician Certification- You can also consider getting the CPT certification offered by the National Healthcareer Organization. It validates your ability and skills to safely and effectively draw blood from different patients and donors in blood banks and hospitals. It has to be renewed every two years.
- Managed Healthcare Professional (MHP)- The Managed Healthcare Professional (MHP) certification shows that you have the knowledge and skills needed for a management role in the medical insurance industry. It covers managed healthcare structures, management roles, and organizational operation and administration.
Take some time and find the best certifications for your career goals and aspirations. Fortunately, you have several options to choose from.
2. Which Technical Skills Should I Include in My Resume?
You need more than the right academic qualifications for a thriving career as a medical technologist. You should focus on acquiring the right technical skills, which also come in handy in obtaining certifications. Some of the role-specific skills and competencies worth acquiring in this position include excellent research and analysis skills, ability to perform diagnostic tests, hematology, phlebotomy skills, ability to collect specimens, first aid skills, excellent reporting skills, outstanding numerical/ Mathematical skills, working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite Program, extensive supply inventory management skills, ability to maintain lab equipment and knowledge of basic chemistry techniques.
Other Skills worth having include excellent analytical skills, proper documentation skills, operation monitoring skills, quality control analysis skills, operations management skills, and troubleshooting skills.
3. Which Keywords Should I Include in My Resume?
We urge you to review the job posting once more to find out precisely what the interviewer needs before you begin writing your resume. The skills, certifications, and abilities required should form part of the resume keywords, allowing you to get past the applicant tracking software and get an audience with the hiring manager or the hiring team.
Some of the common keywords for medical technologist resume as obtained from different application portals include blood bank, medical technology, hematology, laboratory medicine, coagulation, healthcare, immunology, medicine, phlebotomy, medical research, clinical chemistry, hospitals, specimen collection, medical laboratory, ASCP, microbiology, quality control, clinic, customer service, reagent, laboratory tests, troubleshooting, lab equipment, serology, and patient care.
Ensure that these keywords are not stuffed by spreading them evenly in your resume’s work experience and skill sections.
4. What is the Importance of Using the Right Keywords in My Medical Technologist Resume?
The main reason why we use keywords is for tracking purposes. Employers have increasingly turned to Applicant Tracking Systems to track resumes and screen candidates. You stand no chance if the words used in your resume do not match a particular job description. On the brighter side, you will attract the hiring manager’s attention if the terminologies and phrases used in your resume match the job description.
Using the right keywords will also make your resume outstanding, giving you a competitive advantage over other applicants. Therefore, find out what the hiring manager needs and include it in your resume.
5. Which Soft Skills Should I Include in My Resume?
Soft Skills are general skills needed for successful interaction and collaboration among employees, making them just as important as technical skills. To thrive in this field, you will need excellent verbal and written communication skills, the ability to work well under pressure, the ability to thrive in team settings, interpersonal communication skills, excellent organizational skills, high levels of confidentiality, time management skills, conflict management skills, time management skills and excellent stress management skills among many others.