Introduction: Are medical technologists in demand? When people think of medical technologists, they often picture someone in a lab running blood tests or testing other bodily fluids.
However, medical technicians are much more than that. Medical technicians ensure drugs are secure for their patients, test water quality near hospitals, and even assist doctors in diagnosing diseases.
They also specialize in things like laboratory administration and clinical research. A medical technologist may be right for you if you are looking for an exciting profession in high demand. Medical technologists perform laboratory tests, analyze specimens, and help diagnose and treat illnesses.
These individuals are vital to the medical team, working closely with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to supply accurate and timely laboratory results. As such, they play an essential role in the healthcare industry, and their skills are in high demand.
What is a Medical Technologist?
Medical technicians work in hospitals to help doctors diagnose diseases and ensure that medicines are safe for patients. Some of their roles include:
- Laboratory management
- Lab technicians
- Clinical Research Specialists
- Medical technicians perform and analyze the results of scientific tests on blood and body fluids. They are highly trained to perform these analyses and use state-of-the-art procedures and equipment.
Are medical technologists in demand?
The demand for medical technologists has been rising for several years, and there is no indication that this trend will change soon.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the career of medical laboratory technologists and technicians will grow by 7% between 2019 and 2029, faster than the average for all professions.
One of the major causes of this growth is the aging population. As people age, they are additionally likely to require medical services, including laboratory testing.
According to the Population Reference Bureau, the digit of Americans aged sixty-five and older is expected to reach 98 million by 2060, more than double the number in 2014. This demographic shift is expected to drive demand for medical technologists in the coming years.
Another factor contributing to the demand for medical technologists is technological advancements. As new tests and techniques are developed, medical technologists must perform these tests and interpret the results.
For example, advancements in genetic testing have led to an increased need for medical technologists specializing in this area. Similarly, as healthcare facilities continue to adopt electronic medical records (EMRs), medical technologists must be proficient in using these systems to document and analyze test results.
Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the crucial role of medical technologists in diagnosing and monitoring infectious diseases. The pandemic has increased the demand for medical technologists who specialize in virology and immunology and those who can perform diagnostic tests for COVID-19.
There is also a need for more qualified medical technologists in many areas of the country. According to a 2018 American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) report, a “serious workforce shortage” in medical laboratory science is expected to worsen in the coming years.
This shortage is partly due to the retirement of experienced medical technologists and a need for qualified candidates to enter the field.
Medical technologists are highly valued and in demand in the healthcare industry. The aging population, technological advancements, and the COVID-19 pandemic all contribute to the need for skilled medical technologists who can perform various laboratory tests and help diagnose and treat illnesses.
As such, individuals interested in pursuing a career in this field can expect to find many job opportunities and a stable and fulfilling career path.
Why would you choose medical technologist as a career?
Medical laboratory technicians are an important part of the healthcare team, as they play an important role in diagnosing and treating diseases. Some uses of this career include:
1. Job stability: The demand for medical laboratory technologists is expected to increase in the coming years, providing job security for those in this field.
2. Variety of opportunities: Medical laboratory technicians can work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, research laboratories, and public health facilities.
3. Career Advancement: Medical laboratory technologists can advance by obtaining additional certifications or degrees and taking on more responsibilities.
4. Making a difference: Medical laboratory technicians play an important role in diagnosing and treating diseases and can significantly impact patients’ lives.
5. Competitive Salary: Medical laboratory technologists typically earn competitive salaries, with potential for growth and advancement.
Benefits of Being a Medical Technologist
- They are the highest-paid professionals in the medical field.
- They have more opportunities to work with doctors than other professions, which means you’ll also learn from them.
- They design new ways to test blood or urine samples and advance the medical career.
- They assist in diagnosing diseases like cancer and monitor for potential problems during surgery.
- They can detect any abnormality during a blood test, ultrasound, etc., from which they can get high-level knowledge about various medical fields.
Five Reasons for the Medical Technologist Shortage
- The US Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics projects growth of 11 percent from 2018 to 2028, much quicker than the average for all professions.
- US programs training tomorrow’s laboratory workforce cover only half of the needed.
- Fewer than 5,000 people graduate from accredited training programs each year.
- Fewer than 5,000 people graduate from accredited training programs each year.
- According to the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), the digit of accredited clinical laboratory technology programs has declined. About forty percent of the laboratory workforce is within 10 years of retirement.
Final words
The medical technologist field is a broad and diverse field that contains clinical, technical, and administrative roles. Because there are so many types of medicine, you can choose a specialty that appeals to you or doesn’t require much-advanced education.
Some famous careers in the medical field include registered nurse, physical therapist, pharmacist, pediatrician, surgeon, and health administrator. Every medical job has different requirements.
Some medical jobs do not require an extensive college education, while others require doctoral or professional degrees and additional licenses and certifications. Medical career colleges can offer more information about the educational requirements for medical jobs requiring degrees.
Also read: Medical Technology Vs Biotechnology; What Is MDR In Medical Technology; Is Medical Technology A Good Career?