Mississippi In Demand Career Highlight: Medical Laboratory Technologist

Summary

Jocelyn Sierra Johnson, a medical laboratory technologist, introduces the rewarding career of an MLT, which involves analyzing blood and tissue samples to aid in diagnostic decisions. With a two-year degree and certification exam, MLTs can expect a flexible 40-hour work week, averaging a salary of $45,430 annually. Opportunities for advancement in the field are abundant, including teaching, forensic science, and supervisory roles. Johnson encourages those passionate about science, technology, and healthcare to consider this career path, emphasizing that with hard work and dedication, one can achieve their goals.

Takeaways

• 🧪 Becoming a Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT) is a rewarding career option for those interested in healthcare with minimal direct patient contact.
• 🔬 MLTs contribute significantly to diagnostic decisions by analyzing blood, tissue, and body fluid samples, accounting for up to 70% of the information used by healthcare providers.
• 📚 To start a career as an MLT, one must complete a two-year degree from a medical laboratory technician program at a community college.
• 📝 After degree completion, MLTs are required to pass a board certification exam administered by the American Society of Clinical Pathology.
• 🎓 The speaker obtained both a two-year degree in medical laboratory technology and a bachelor's degree in medical laboratory sciences.
• 🕒 MLTs have a flexible work schedule, with options ranging from a typical 40-hour work week to 12-hour shifts, allowing for extended time off.
• 💰 The average salary for MLTs across the state is $45,430 per year.
• 📈 There is potential for career advancement in the field, such as becoming a medical laboratory scientist through further education.
• 🌐 MLTs can explore various career paths including teaching, forensic science, and leadership roles in hospitals and clinics.
• 🏥 Work opportunities for MLTs are not limited to hospitals; they can also work in vet labs and other settings.
• 💪 The speaker emphasizes the importance of hard work and continuous learning, stating that with dedication, one can achieve their career goals.

Q & A

What is Jocelyn Sierra Johnson's profession?

Jocelyn Sierra Johnson is a medical laboratory technologist.

What percentage of diagnostic information do medical laboratory technologists contribute to?

Medical laboratory technologists contribute up to 70 percent of the information used for diagnostic decisions.

What are some typical duties of a medical laboratory technologist?

Typical duties include analyzing blood, tissue, and body fluid samples, looking at patient samples under a microscope, checking typing screens, and conducting COVID testing.

What educational program is required to begin a career as a medical laboratory technologist?

A two-year degree from a medical laboratory technician program at a local community college is required.

What certification exam is required after completing the educational program for a medical laboratory technologist?

After completing the program, one must pass a board certification exam given by the American Society of Clinical Pathology.

What additional degree did Jocelyn Sierra Johnson obtain after her two-year degree?

Jocelyn obtained a bachelor's degree in medical laboratory sciences.

What is the average salary for a medical laboratory technologist across the state mentioned in the script?

The average salary is $45,430 per year.

What is the typical work schedule for a medical laboratory technologist like the one described by Jocelyn?

The work schedule can include 12-hour shifts and 40-hour work weeks, with the specific example given being an eight-day stretch with six days off, working 10-hour shifts.

What career opportunities are available for advancement in the field of medical laboratory technology?

Opportunities for advancement include becoming a medical laboratory scientist, a teacher, a forensic scientist, or a head supervisor at hospitals, clinics, or vet labs.

What message does Jocelyn convey about the potential for success in the field of medical laboratory technology?

Jocelyn conveys that with hard work and dedication, individuals can achieve success in the field, emphasizing that it's possible to reach high positions regardless of one's current status.

What is the importance of the board certification exam in the career of a medical laboratory technologist?

The board certification exam is crucial as it is a requirement for professional recognition and often for employment in the field of medical laboratory technology.