Medical laboratory technicians are often doing the work on the front lines of medicine necessary to diagnose disease and serious medical conditions. The investigatory lab work done by medical lab techs has led them to be called by some as the “CSIs” of health care. They are required to perform laboratory tests efficiently and accurately in order to assist physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.
“Clinicians in the medical field depend upon the results of high-quality testing to provide the proper care for patients, said Suzanne Peters, National Dean of Programmatic Education for Fortis. “Our Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) program provides the training students need to become licensed medical lab techs and qualify for entry-level positions in this critical area of health care,” she adds.
The Medical Laboratory Technology program is offered at many Fortis campuses including Fortis Institute in Nashville, TN. The training received at Fortis includes extensive hands-on testing experience in all phases of clinical labs, such as hematology, clinical chemistry, medical microbiology, and numerous other areas of diagnostic testing, in addition to general education courses that help foster critical thinking and communication skills.
In addition to being a rewarding career choice, the field of medical laboratory technology offers strong growth potential. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition, forecasts annual growth of 15 percent for medical lab techs nationally through 2020, while U.S. News & World Report ranks medical laboratory professional among the Top 40 Best Jobs of 2013.
With 20 million additional Americans eligible for expanded health care under the new Affordable Care Act, coupled with an increase in the country’s aging population, demand for diagnosing medical conditions such as cancer and diabetes, among others, is expected to have sustained growth. Medical laboratory technicians will be needed to use and maintain the equipment necessary for diagnosis and treatment of these patients.
If searching for clues to the presence and causes of diseases appeals to you, a career as a medical lab tech may be an excellent path. Visit www.fortis.edu to learn more about the Medical Laboratory Technology program at Fortis Institute in Nashville, or at the Fortis campus near you.
