To become a medical technologist you need at least a bachelor’s degree, preferably in medical technology.
Students who majored in or obtained a degree in another science—such as biology, microbiology, or biochemistry—and who are interested in being medical technologists can often take hospital-based courses during their senior year of college if offered.
Before working as a medical technologist, a person is required to either complete a medical technologist program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency of Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS) or meet other requirements, including relevant certification and a certain number of years of clinical laboratory experience “in an acceptable laboratory.”6
Medical technologists should get certified once they have finished all of their educational and training requirements.
Certain states require licensing for all medical lab personnel, while others do not. Because the requirements can vary by state, contact your local state board or Department of Health for details.
The American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) offers a national certification exam for medical technologists that should be renewed every three years.
This certifies that a medical technologist is very skilled in their field. It also allows them to list their credentials after their name:
