How to Be Certified Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jun 22, 2022 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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When a person becomes a Certified Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT), they receive the education and training to perform a variety of laboratory tests. This helps doctors to diagnose and treat diseases. As a result, MLTs play an important role in the medical field, as their work allows for diagnoses to be made more quickly and accurately.

MLTs must adhere to strict safety protocols and quality assurance measures in order to ensure that the results of their tests are reliable and accurate. This can involve following specific protocols for specimen handling, record keeping, and laboratory operations. the work of an MLT is essential in providing important healthcare services to patients.

Steps How to Become

Earn a High School Diploma. To become an MLT, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Take Science Courses. Taking science courses in high school such as biology, chemistry, and mathematics is recommended.
Earn an Associate Degree in Medical Laboratory Technology. Most employers require a minimum of an Associate Degree in Medical Laboratory Technology. Programs are typically two years in length and include classroom instruction as well as hands-on experience.
Obtain Certification. After completing the Associate Degree program, you must obtain certification from a recognized MLT certification body such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
Get Licensed. Depending on the state, some MLTs may need to get licensed. This often requires passing a state-administered exam.
Maintain Certification. Most certifications need to be renewed every three years. This can be done by taking continuing education courses or by retaking the certification exam.

The role of a Certified Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) is an essential part of healthcare. They are responsible for performing accurate and precise laboratory tests, as well as evaluating, analyzing and interpreting the results. To be reliable and capable in this position, it is necessary to have an understanding of the fundamentals of laboratory medicine, including hematology, chemistry, urinalysis and microbiology.

MLTs must also possess strong communication skills and be detail-oriented in order to accurately interpret and report results. they must stay current on the latest advances in laboratory science and remain familiar with safety protocols and quality assurance procedures. By having these essential qualities, MLTs can ensure accurate and timely results, leading to better patient care and improved healthcare outcomes.

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Job Description

Perform a variety of clinical laboratory tests and procedures to obtain data for use in diagnosis and treatment of disease.
Collect and prepare specimens for laboratory analysis.
Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting on laboratory equipment.
Interpret test results and provide accurate, timely reports to physicians and other medical personnel.
Maintain records of laboratory activities and results.
Monitor inventory and order new supplies as needed.
Follow standard safety protocols while performing laboratory procedures.
Assist in training new staff members and students.
Participate in quality assurance programs and ensure compliance with laboratory protocols and regulations.
Stay abreast of current industry trends and technology.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to perform laboratory procedures accurately and efficiently
Knowledge of quality control and safety protocols used in the medical laboratory
Knowledge of laboratory theory, principles, clinical correlations and techniques
Ability to interpret and report test results
Ability to maintain accurate records and reports
Knowledge of current laws and regulations governing the practice of medical laboratory technology
Ability to interact effectively with other health care professionals
Ability to maintain laboratory equipment and supplies
Ability to troubleshoot problems that may arise in the laboratory
Ability to recognize the need for additional testing and/or referral to a physician when necessary

Being a Certified Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) requires a wide range of skills and knowledge in order to provide accurate and reliable results. One of the most important skills that an MLT must possess is the ability to accurately collect, analyze, and interpret laboratory data. This includes not only understanding the scientific principles of laboratory testing but also how to use the various laboratory instruments and systems.

In addition, strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills are essential for working effectively in a clinical laboratory setting. Having a thorough understanding of safety protocols and procedures is also necessary to ensure the safety of both the patient and the laboratory personnel. Finally, a good understanding of the medical terminology and the ability to use computers to analyze data are also important for an MLT to have.

These skills are necessary for a successful MLT in order to effectively perform their job duties and provide accurate and reliable results.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working as an MLT?
How do you stay up to date on the latest developments in the field of medical laboratory technology?
What challenges have you faced while working as an MLT and how did you overcome them?
How do you manage multiple tasks while maintaining accuracy and quality?
What safety protocols do you follow when handling laboratory samples?
Describe a difficult situation and how you handled it in a laboratory setting.
What techniques do you use to ensure accurate laboratory results?
How do you work with physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals to ensure accurate and timely results?
Describe a successful project or initiative that you have completed as an MLT.
How do you maintain professionalism when communicating with patients, colleagues and other healthcare professionals?

Common Tools in Industry

Microscope. Used to view and analyze samples at a microscopic level (eg: looking at bacterial cell structure).
Analytical Balances. Used to accurately measure samples (eg: weighing out test reagents).
Automated Cell Counter. Used to quickly and accurately count cells in a sample (eg: determining the concentration of white blood cells).
Incubator. Used to maintain a constant temperature for experiments (eg: culturing bacteria).
Centrifuge. Used to separate components of a sample by spinning them at high speeds (eg: separating red and white blood cells).
Pipettes. Used to accurately measure and transfer small amounts of liquid (eg: transferring reagents for a test).
Spectrophotometer. Used to measure the intensity of light at different wavelengths (eg: measuring enzyme activity).
Flow cytometer. Used to measure characteristics of cells (eg: identifying different types of white blood cells).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS)
American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP)
National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA)
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
Clinical Laboratory Management Association (CLMA)
Association of Clinical Scientists (ACS)
American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB)
American Association of Medical Technologists (AAMT)

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Common Important Terms

Hematology. The branch of medicine that deals with the study of the blood and its disorders.
Clinical Chemistry. The branch of laboratory medicine that deals with the analysis of bodily fluids for diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
Immunology. The branch of medicine focused on the study of the immune system and its response to foreign substances.
Microbiology. The branch of medicine focused on the study of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoans.
Phlebotomy. The practice of drawing blood from a patient for laboratory tests or other medical procedures.
Cytology. The branch of science focused on the study of the structure, function, and pathology of cells.
Pathology. The study of the causes and effects of diseases and their diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Histology. The microscopic examination of tissue for the purpose of medical diagnosis.
Molecular Diagnostics. The use of molecular techniques to diagnose and monitor diseases.
Quality Assurance. The process used to ensure that laboratory processes and results meet established standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Certified Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)? A1: A Certified Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) is a healthcare professional who performs clinical laboratory tests to diagnose and treat diseases. They use sophisticated medical equipment and instruments to analyze blood, tissue, and other body fluids. Q2: What qualifications are necessary to become a Certified Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)? A2: To become a Certified Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT), you must have an associate's degree in medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution and complete a certification exam through a recognized certifying body such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). Q3: How long does it take to become a Certified Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)? A3: The total time to become a Certified Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) can vary depending on the individual's educational background and experience. Generally, it takes two to four years to complete the required coursework and obtain certification. Q4: What are the duties of a Certified Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)? A4: The primary duty of a Certified Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) is to perform tests on specimens collected from patients in order to diagnose and treat diseases. This includes collecting, processing, and analyzing samples, as well as interpreting test results and reporting them to physicians. MLTs may also be responsible for operating and maintaining laboratory equipment. Q5: What is the average salary for a Certified Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)? A5: The average salary for a Certified Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) is $50,360 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.