Online Medical Technologist Training Certification and Training Info

Medical technologists are vital in the medical field as they prepare and perform a wide variety of laboratory tests ranging from pregnancy tests to disease diagnosis. They also read and verify lab results to help physicians make an accurate diagnosis. Medical technicians work in laboratories in hospitals, doctor's offices, and other health care settings.

Certification Information for Medical Technologists

Many employers prefer to hire medical technologists who have received professional certification that demonstrates their knowledge in the field and their ability to perform diagnostic laboratory testing. There are a number of professional organizations that offer certification for technologists, including the American Medical Technologists and the American Society for Clinical Pathology.
Most states require medical technologists to be licensed and in some states professional certification fulfills some of the licensing requirements. Associations offer certification examinations in general medical technology and in specializations, such as chemistry, blood banks and hematology. Examinations typically are proctored and must be taken in person, but some associations offer study aids and practice exams online.
Certification requirements may vary between associations, but most require on-the-job experience and graduation from an accredited medical laboratory technology program, which are available on-campus, online and in hybrid format. Usually, professional certification must be renewed after a specified amount of time and continuing education credits are often required to maintain certification status.

Online Training Options for Medical Technologists

Associate of Applied Science in Medical Laboratory Technology

While most states, employers and certification organizations require medical technologists to hold a bachelor's degree, some technologists begin their careers as technicians, which only requires an associate's degree. Online programs are often offered in hybrid format, which allows students to take classwork online and perform laboratory work on-campus. Often these programs require students to participate in clinical internships to earn critical hands-on experience.

Sample Coursework

Online coursework typically concentrates on math and the sciences. Access to the courses requires an Internet connection, computer, updated browser and office software, such as a word processor. Student will focus their studies in areas such as:

• Biology
• Microbiology
• Chemistry
• Research
• Medical Reports

Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science

Some online bachelor's degree programs are designed for students who already hold an associate's degree in clinical laboratory technology or medical laboratory technology from an accredited program. These programs are tailored to build upon the skills that students have already gained through education and work experience. Online programs give students the freedom to fit their classes into their busy work schedules.
Online classes are accessed through the school's distance learning website and require a PC and a high-speed Internet connection. Through the website, students can log into their class to receive assignments, access study materials and interact with instructors and classmates.

Sample Coursework

Coursework can be completed online through interactive training classes and students can complete program internship requirements in their local communities. Students study a variety of medical topics that can include:

• Body Chemistry and Fluids
• Parasitology
• Toxicology
• Genetics
• Hematology
• Microbiology
• Medical Humanities