How To Become A Successful Medical Technologist in India?

 

Also known as a Medical Laboratory Scientist or MLS, a Medical Technologist plays a crucial role in any testing facility that analyzes and studies a variety of biological specimens. They are responsible for performing a spectrum of complex scientific tests on patient samples using sophisticated equipment and technology and reporting diagnostics and results to physicians. Their findings play an important role in detecting medical conditions and decision-making and treatment.

Medical technologists work closely with medical practitioners and medical lab technicians to identify and observe disease patterns and monitor how effective the treatment has been. To become a medical technologist, you need to have versatile skills and a bachelor’s degree. However, a post-graduate degree is essential for the necessary growth in the field.

Essential Skills for a Medical Technologist

The job profile of a medical technologist, whether in a private lab or hospital scenario, is time-consuming and can be stressful. In addition to having a background in the sciences and opting for medical technology courses, candidates aspiring to become successful medical technologists need to have some skillsets and values that help maintain professionalism, efficiency, and competency.

Time Management and Organization

A professional technologist conducts many tests for several patients a day that may take more than a day to complete. Technologists need to manage their time effectively and work in a highly organized manner to avoid errors, complete each test on time, and record and report their findings.

Communication

Medical technologists must have the ability to communicate any instructions, directions or procedures while working with a variety of medical practitioners and other professionals. In addition, written communication skills are also important while recording findings and creating medical reports.

Dependability and Promptness

Most laboratories function 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, with many professionals having to work odd hours or “on-call” for urgent diagnostics. Medical technologists must be reliable and prompt, especially with cases that need their immediate attention.

Attention to Detail

This is probably one of the most important qualities of a medical technician. You are responsible for handling several samples and specimens, labelling and handling them carefully and performing accurate tests. In addition, a good technologist will notice when something is off or inaccurate in a test result and will either run it again or alert the concerned physician.

Troubleshooting and Customer Service

As a medical technologist, you need to be equipped for various situations and issues that require troubleshooting, whether it is within the testing process or the result/diagnosis. You should be able to identify test results that are inconsistent or inaccurate and make a decision as to whether it warrants further investigation on your part.

In addition, a technologist must provide great customer service to all the professionals they deal with, whether it is a physician, nurse or the patient itself. They must use tact and patience in their correspondence and are required to solve their problems efficiently.

Educational Requirements for a Medical Technologist

Medical technology is a flourishing choice of career that is in pretty high demand, especially with the rise of COVID19. An executive post-graduate degree in medical technology ensures comprehensive training, better promotion opportunities and higher-paying jobs.

Skill-Lync has teamed up with Kalam Institute of Health Technology (KIHT) under Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone (AMTZ) to present an exhaustive online Post-graduate Program to equip candidates with the practical knowledge as well as the essential skills one would need to be a competent, successful technologist and thrive in the industry. 

This program is one of the best Post-graduate Degrees in Medical Technology, offering advantageous options such as:

• Experiential learning sessions for hands-on experience on the AMTZ campus with a state-of-the-art facility and monthly sessions with scientists and industry experts for an advanced learning experience. 
• Certified internship and on-the-job training on a 270-acre campus. While most certificates would require completion before you can look for an internship, this program offers an exclusive 6-month training opportunity that equips you for real situations and prepares you to clear an Indian Biomedical Skill Consortium (IBSC) examination.
• Students have access to technical assistance and career counselling to seek guidance and help direct them towards an optimal elective.

This extensive medical technologist certification takes you through 9 fundamental courses on medical devices. It offers a spectrum of interesting electives such as Radiology, Hospital Furniture Design, Assistive Technologies and Medical Image Processing to complete your specialization.

Conclusion

To sum up the information above, with the right skill set, education and training, the path to becoming a thriving medical technologist or medical laboratory scientist can be quite rewarding. For career advancement, having a background in science, great organization, and management skills are not adequate.

A candidate must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and preferably a post-graduate program in medical technology. Internships and hands-on learning at labs play an invaluable role in getting the necessary experience before exploring opportunities for entry-level jobs.