From Online Technology to a Medical Technology Degree

Carol Combs knew she wanted to work in medicine, but eight years or more in medical school didn't sound tempting. So she went on to a career as a medical technologist. The opportunity to apply her scientific expertise without the personal demands of patient care has made it all worthwhile. "It has been a perfect fit," she said.

The Skills of a Medical Technologist: Learn Them Online

Combs tests blood samples in the Special Coagulation Department, examining clotting behavior. The data she provides helps surgeons, neurologists, and oncologists diagnose abnormal clotting in patients and prevent strokes and other fatal conditions.

Medical technologists may also test body tissues, blood, and fluids for the presence of disease-causing bacteria or abnormal cells, analyze the chemical content or drug levels in the blood, or prepare specimens for examination.

Getting There With an Online Degree

Medical technologists enjoy the intellectual challenge and comfortable living of a medical career without the daunting education requirements. A two-year associate degree is all it takes to get started as a medical technician. Medical technologists must put in two more years for a bachelor degree. Those with a bachelor degree in a related field such as chemistry need only add an extra year of intense clinical training.

The good news for working adults: all three qualifications--the associate, the bachelor degree, and even the clinical practicum--can be completed online. For the applied clinical training, the online degree program requires employment at an approved clinical facility in your community. This laboratory apprenticeship will give you the opportunity to apply your education in phlebotomy, microbiology, hematology, and immunoserology through manual and automated examinations.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects job opportunities for medical technologists to be "excellent" through 2014, as the volume of laboratory tests increases. To make the most of this demand, earn your bachelor degree or clinical certificate online.

Sources

Bureau of Labor Statistics