2 answers
Sophie
Student
Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
1
Question
Asked
204 views
Can any professional MedTechs answer the following questions for my curiosity?
How much do people in this field usually make?
Do people in this field start working right after college?
Where do Medtechs work?
Schedules of MedTechs
What education is required to become a Medtech?
Login to comment
2 answers
Kathleen Rezek
Laboratory and compliance
127
Answers
Stanwood, Michigan
Updated
Kathleen’s Answer
Hi, Sophie!
I am currently retired but worked for over 40 years as a MedTech...now called Clinical Laboratory Scientist. It's a great and rewarding career.
The salary varies according to education, type of work facility, and years of experience. The better opportunities and salaries will require a Bachelor of Science degree at a minimum. This can be specifically in Laboratory science, or any biological or chemical science followed by a Clinical internship. There are many specialties within the field which can provide more opportunities as well as higher salaries. Typically there is a good work- life balance, not as much patient interaction, and more regulatory requirements that are critical. Most all diagnosis and treatment decisions are based on Laboratory results, so it's very important to ensure accuracy in your work. There's currently a shortage of qualified lab techs, so the opportunities for employment right after school are good. Many hospitals with internship programs will hire their students who complete the program successfully.
I loved my career and if you enjoy technical work, solving puzzles, biology, chemistry and attention to detail, I suspect you would love the Laboratory would!
Best to you,
Kathie
I am currently retired but worked for over 40 years as a MedTech...now called Clinical Laboratory Scientist. It's a great and rewarding career.
The salary varies according to education, type of work facility, and years of experience. The better opportunities and salaries will require a Bachelor of Science degree at a minimum. This can be specifically in Laboratory science, or any biological or chemical science followed by a Clinical internship. There are many specialties within the field which can provide more opportunities as well as higher salaries. Typically there is a good work- life balance, not as much patient interaction, and more regulatory requirements that are critical. Most all diagnosis and treatment decisions are based on Laboratory results, so it's very important to ensure accuracy in your work. There's currently a shortage of qualified lab techs, so the opportunities for employment right after school are good. Many hospitals with internship programs will hire their students who complete the program successfully.
I loved my career and if you enjoy technical work, solving puzzles, biology, chemistry and attention to detail, I suspect you would love the Laboratory would!
Best to you,
Kathie
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1420
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Sophie,
If by "MedTech" you mean a medical laboratory technologist or medical laboratory scientist, it's a career worth looking into if you enjoy biology, chemistry, laboratory work, and healthcare but don't necessarily want to become a doctor.
In the U.S., medical laboratory technologists typically work in hospitals, medical laboratories, doctors' offices, and other healthcare settings. Their job is mainly behind the scenes. They test samples such as blood and tissue and provide results that help doctors diagnose and treat patients.
You can usually start working after completing the required education and any certification or licensing required in your state. A bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science, medical technology, biology, chemistry, or a related field is a common route. Some positions for laboratory technicians can be entered with an associate degree.
Pay depends on your location, education, experience, and employer. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 2024 median salary of about $61,890 for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians. Hospital-based positions had a higher median of about $66,650.
Schedules can vary. Many people work full time, but hospital laboratories may operate around the clock, so some jobs include evenings, nights, weekends, or holidays.
One thing I would suggest is talking to a real medical laboratory scientist before choosing the field. Ask them what a normal workday looks like, what they enjoy, what they find difficult, and what they wish they had known before entering the profession.
If you enjoy science and want a healthcare career where your work directly supports patient care without being the person treating the patient, medical laboratory science could be a good option to explore.
Best wishes!
If by "MedTech" you mean a medical laboratory technologist or medical laboratory scientist, it's a career worth looking into if you enjoy biology, chemistry, laboratory work, and healthcare but don't necessarily want to become a doctor.
In the U.S., medical laboratory technologists typically work in hospitals, medical laboratories, doctors' offices, and other healthcare settings. Their job is mainly behind the scenes. They test samples such as blood and tissue and provide results that help doctors diagnose and treat patients.
You can usually start working after completing the required education and any certification or licensing required in your state. A bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science, medical technology, biology, chemistry, or a related field is a common route. Some positions for laboratory technicians can be entered with an associate degree.
Pay depends on your location, education, experience, and employer. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 2024 median salary of about $61,890 for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians. Hospital-based positions had a higher median of about $66,650.
Schedules can vary. Many people work full time, but hospital laboratories may operate around the clock, so some jobs include evenings, nights, weekends, or holidays.
One thing I would suggest is talking to a real medical laboratory scientist before choosing the field. Ask them what a normal workday looks like, what they enjoy, what they find difficult, and what they wish they had known before entering the profession.
If you enjoy science and want a healthcare career where your work directly supports patient care without being the person treating the patient, medical laboratory science could be a good option to explore.
Best wishes!