There are different job titles in a lab setting. The main role of lab professionals is to analyze patient specimens and provide the doctors with diagnostic information.
A Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) and a Medical Technologist (MT) are such professionals. Some people think these careers are similar with the same job description.
However, while employees in these positions can have similar roles and responsibilities, the education requirements and management responsibilities are different.
Here are some differences between the two roles.
A medical technologist (MT) is a laboratory professional who performs high complexity procedures in a laboratory setting. They are trained to handle laboratory tasks as well as leadership roles.
Certification is one of the requirements to practice as an MT. Aspiring MTs can choose either a Medical Technologist Generalist Certification or obtain a Medical Technologist Individual Discipline Certification if they wish to be specialists in a particular discipline.
Unlike a medical technologist, a medical laboratory technician (MLT) performs less complex and routine procedures. They assist MTs and physicians in diagnosing, monitoring, and treating ailments in patients.
They require a two-year associate degree and a Medical Laboratory Technician (Generalist) certification to practice.
To qualify for an MLT role, you must be a high school graduate and meet one of these MLT qualifications;
MT job qualifications include;
MLT programs are typically two years under an associate degree or a diploma. To obtain an MLT diploma, one needs at least a high school education in chemistry, biology, and math.
To become an MT, on the other hand, you must have a four-year bachelor’s degree. The course covers medical technology in-depth and is thus much preferred.
However, some programs accept students who have completed their two years of MLT training and are interested in completing the four-year degree to become MTs.
MLT students take courses in hematology, microbiology, chemistry, diagnostic testing, and clinical chemistry.
The MT degree program covers all the areas as the associate degree but may have additional courses in anatomy, immunology, and biochemistry. Students get in-person laboratory experience as part of the program in their senior year.
Experience is also required when applying for most entry-level MT jobs. Students complete this experience in a lab setting under the supervision of a medical lab scientist (MLS).
Aspiring MLTs and MTs must complete their education and meet other requirements to obtain certification from bodies such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), American Medical Technologists, and the AAB Board of Registry (ABOR).
Individuals are certified as general MLTs or in an area of specialty after passing MLT exams in these disciplines;
The exam also includes patient confidentiality, general operations, information security, regulatory compliance, and administration in a “Basic Knowledge” component.
In addition to the disciplines in MLT certification above, MT has three more. That is andrology, embryology, and molecular diagnostics.
MT certifications are of different types depending on the disciplines.
Like MLTs, aspiring MTs must also pass the “Basic Knowledge” component to qualify for certification.
The main difference between MLT and MLT careers and certifications is the supervisory capabilities and responsibility in the lab. MLTs perform simple and moderately complex laboratory procedures.
MLTs’ responsibilities include;
On the other hand, MTs have more responsibilities. They perform tests, including complex procedures, and sometimes supervise MLTs.
MTs may perform tasks such as;
Although their roles might seem similar and overlapping, they are two different posts. MTs have more training and responsibilities than MLTs. They can also train and supervise MLTs. On the other hand, MLTs can perform less complex laboratory tasks. You need both.
Looking to fill an MT or MLT position? MLee Healthcare can help with your recruiting needs. Our state-of-the-art recruiting and staffing techniques, combined with decades of experience, enable us to provide a wealth of knowledge regarding healthcare professionals.
Contact us for your medical staffing solutions.
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