6 answers
Sophie
Student
Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
1
Question
Asked
658 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?
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6 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
L D
Manager
44
Answers
Killona, LA
Updated
L’s Answer
I'm not a MedTech, but I know a few people who are. I asked them for their opinion, and hopes this answers your question.
As a MedTech, you can expect to earn between $60,000 and $80,000, depending on your lab and specialty. Areas like biotech, microbiology, and research labs often pay more than working at local clinics or small blood labs. Working at hospitals is also another lucrative option with great benefits. It's a stable career with good growth opportunities once you gain some experience.
Many start working right after college. Once you finish your degree, complete your clinical internship, and pass your certification exam, you're ready to work in a lab. There's a high demand for MedTechs, so new graduates often find jobs quickly, especially in hospitals.
Most work in hospital labs, diagnostic labs, and research labs. Schedules can vary depending on the lab. Hospitals operate around the clock, so you might work days, evenings, nights, weekends, or holidays. Outpatient labs and clinics usually have more predictable weekday hours.
To become a MedTech, you generally need a bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Medical Technology, or a related field. After that, you complete your clinical training and get certified, with ASCP being the most common certification. Some states also require licensure.
Best of luck!
As a MedTech, you can expect to earn between $60,000 and $80,000, depending on your lab and specialty. Areas like biotech, microbiology, and research labs often pay more than working at local clinics or small blood labs. Working at hospitals is also another lucrative option with great benefits. It's a stable career with good growth opportunities once you gain some experience.
Many start working right after college. Once you finish your degree, complete your clinical internship, and pass your certification exam, you're ready to work in a lab. There's a high demand for MedTechs, so new graduates often find jobs quickly, especially in hospitals.
Most work in hospital labs, diagnostic labs, and research labs. Schedules can vary depending on the lab. Hospitals operate around the clock, so you might work days, evenings, nights, weekends, or holidays. Outpatient labs and clinics usually have more predictable weekday hours.
To become a MedTech, you generally need a bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Medical Technology, or a related field. After that, you complete your clinical training and get certified, with ASCP being the most common certification. Some states also require licensure.
Best of luck!
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1442
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!
Gina Cabrera,
I am an executive concierge at PwC. I am also a mother of two boys.
20
Answers
Hernando, Florida
Updated
Gina’s Answer
Assuming you mean a medical technologist/medical laboratory scientist (MedTech) in the U.S.:
How much do MedTechs make?
Pay varies by location and experience, but medical laboratory technologists/scientists commonly earn around $60,000–$80,000+ per year. Specialized, experienced, supervisory, or high-cost-area positions can pay more.
Can you start working right after college?
Yes. Many graduates begin working after completing their bachelor’s degree and required clinical training. Some employers also require or strongly prefer professional certification, such as ASCP certification.
Where do MedTechs work?
Most work in places such as:
Hospitals
Medical and diagnostic laboratories
Clinics
Blood banks
Public health laboratories
Research facilities
Universities
Pharmaceutical/biotechnology companies
What are their schedules like?
It depends on the workplace. Hospital laboratories operate 24/7, so MedTechs may work days, evenings, nights, weekends, or holidays. Outpatient and private laboratories are more likely to have regular daytime schedules.
What education is required?
Medical technologists/medical laboratory scientists typically need a bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science, medical technology, or a related science field, along with clinical laboratory training. Certification and licensing requirements depend on the employer and state.
How much do MedTechs make?
Pay varies by location and experience, but medical laboratory technologists/scientists commonly earn around $60,000–$80,000+ per year. Specialized, experienced, supervisory, or high-cost-area positions can pay more.
Can you start working right after college?
Yes. Many graduates begin working after completing their bachelor’s degree and required clinical training. Some employers also require or strongly prefer professional certification, such as ASCP certification.
Where do MedTechs work?
Most work in places such as:
Hospitals
Medical and diagnostic laboratories
Clinics
Blood banks
Public health laboratories
Research facilities
Universities
Pharmaceutical/biotechnology companies
What are their schedules like?
It depends on the workplace. Hospital laboratories operate 24/7, so MedTechs may work days, evenings, nights, weekends, or holidays. Outpatient and private laboratories are more likely to have regular daytime schedules.
What education is required?
Medical technologists/medical laboratory scientists typically need a bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science, medical technology, or a related science field, along with clinical laboratory training. Certification and licensing requirements depend on the employer and state.
John Dumpit
Tax Accounting Strategy
4
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
John’s Answer
Hi Sophie, medical technologists can work in labs, clinics, or pharmaceutical companies. This career offers a strong foundation if you want to explore other fields or even pursue medical school. In the Philippines, you must earn a bachelor's degree in medical technology and pass the Medical Technologist Licensure Exam to become a Registered Medical Technologist (RMT). Starting salaries typically range from 20,000 to 30,000 PHP per month, depending on your field. Good luck!
Franny Buzimkich
Executive Concierge
43
Answers
Wolcott, Connecticut
Updated
Franny’s Answer
Hi Sophie,
If by MedTech you mean a Medical Technologist / Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS), here are answers to your questions:
💰 How much do people in this field usually make?
Salaries vary by location, certification, experience, and employer.
The median salary for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians is about $61,890 per year in the U.S. according to data cited from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Top earners can make close to $98,000+ annually.
Certified Medical Technologists (ASCP) are often reported at around $85,000 annually, though actual pay varies considerably by region and experience.
🎓 Do people in this field start working right after college?
Yes, many do.
After completing the required education, clinical training, and any needed certification, many graduates move directly into hospital or laboratory positions. Medical technologists are in demand, and employers often recruit new graduates from accredited programs.
🏥 Where do MedTechs work?
Medical technologists work in a variety of settings, including:
Hospitals
Medical laboratories
Diagnostic testing centers
Physician offices
Public health laboratories
Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies
Blood banks and transfusion centers
Most of their work is behind the scenes, helping doctors diagnose and monitor diseases by analyzing blood, tissue, urine, and other samples.
⏰ What are the schedules like?
Schedules depend on where they work.
Hospital laboratories often operate 24 hours a day, so MedTechs may work:
Day shifts
Evening shifts
Overnight shifts
Weekends and holidays
Some outpatient clinics or physician offices may offer more traditional weekday business hours. The sources I found discuss the workplace settings and duties but do not provide specific nationwide scheduling statistics.
📚 What education is required?
There are two common paths:
Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)
Usually requires a 2-year associate degree.
Medical Technologist / Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)
Typically requires a 4-year bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science or a related field, along with clinical training and often professional certification.
Many employers prefer or require certification through organizations such as ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology).
⭐ Is it a good career?
For students who enjoy:
Biology
Chemistry
Technology
Solving problems
Healthcare without spending all day with patients
Medical technology can be a rewarding career with stable employment and opportunities to specialize in areas like microbiology, hematology, blood banking, genetics, or molecular diagnostics.
Since you've also asked about being a pediatrician and medicine-related careers, MedTech is quite different from becoming a doctor. A pediatrician spends years in medical school and residency treating patients directly, whereas a MedTech usually enters the workforce much sooner and works primarily in the laboratory.
If by MedTech you mean a Medical Technologist / Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS), here are answers to your questions:
💰 How much do people in this field usually make?
Salaries vary by location, certification, experience, and employer.
The median salary for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians is about $61,890 per year in the U.S. according to data cited from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Top earners can make close to $98,000+ annually.
Certified Medical Technologists (ASCP) are often reported at around $85,000 annually, though actual pay varies considerably by region and experience.
🎓 Do people in this field start working right after college?
Yes, many do.
After completing the required education, clinical training, and any needed certification, many graduates move directly into hospital or laboratory positions. Medical technologists are in demand, and employers often recruit new graduates from accredited programs.
🏥 Where do MedTechs work?
Medical technologists work in a variety of settings, including:
Hospitals
Medical laboratories
Diagnostic testing centers
Physician offices
Public health laboratories
Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies
Blood banks and transfusion centers
Most of their work is behind the scenes, helping doctors diagnose and monitor diseases by analyzing blood, tissue, urine, and other samples.
⏰ What are the schedules like?
Schedules depend on where they work.
Hospital laboratories often operate 24 hours a day, so MedTechs may work:
Day shifts
Evening shifts
Overnight shifts
Weekends and holidays
Some outpatient clinics or physician offices may offer more traditional weekday business hours. The sources I found discuss the workplace settings and duties but do not provide specific nationwide scheduling statistics.
📚 What education is required?
There are two common paths:
Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)
Usually requires a 2-year associate degree.
Medical Technologist / Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)
Typically requires a 4-year bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science or a related field, along with clinical training and often professional certification.
Many employers prefer or require certification through organizations such as ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology).
⭐ Is it a good career?
For students who enjoy:
Biology
Chemistry
Technology
Solving problems
Healthcare without spending all day with patients
Medical technology can be a rewarding career with stable employment and opportunities to specialize in areas like microbiology, hematology, blood banking, genetics, or molecular diagnostics.
Since you've also asked about being a pediatrician and medicine-related careers, MedTech is quite different from becoming a doctor. A pediatrician spends years in medical school and residency treating patients directly, whereas a MedTech usually enters the workforce much sooner and works primarily in the laboratory.