What Is a Medical Technologist (and How Do I Become One)?

Medical technologists are similar to behind-the-scenes medical detectives. They're highly trained, highly skilled scientists who perform tests to help physicians diagnose and treat diseases—an essential role in the health services world. 

The role of medical technologists continues evolving in India, and they remain critical parts of the health care system. Additionally, as more clinics and hospitals open nationwide and the population continues growing, the demand for skilled medical technologists remains high.

Let’s take a closer look at what medical technologists do, their educational requirements, and the skills they need to help you decide if this is a field you’d like to pursue. 

What do medical technologists do?

Medical technologists are behind-the-scenes testing and analysing body fluids (like blood and urine) and tissue samples at a lab or a doctor’s office. These laboratory test results aid in the diagnosis and treatment of patients. 

Medical technologists, also called medical laboratory scientists, clinical laboratory technologists, or technicians, often work in hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, GP surgeries, outpatient care centres, or universities. If you work in a small laboratory or clinic, you might perform various tests. In a larger setting, it’s more common to specialise. Some specialisation options include:

• Blood bank or immunohematology technologists collect, classify, and prepare blood for transfusions.

• Immunology technologists analyse samples involving the human immune system and its responses to foreign bodies.

• Chemistry technologists prepare specimens and analyse body fluids’ chemical and hormonal contents.

• Cytotechnologists examine body cells under a microscope for abnormalities (such as cancer).

• Microbiology technologists examine and identify bacteria and other microorganisms.

Medical technologist salary

According to Glassdoor, the median annual salary for clinical laboratory technologists in India is ₹2,64,000 annually as of March 2024 [1]. The wages you can expect to make may vary depending on the type of facility you work in, the company you work for, your location, and your experience. 

How to become a medical technologist

Several paths can lead to a career as a medical technologist. If you’re interested in this field, you can launch your career by pursuing education. 

1. Earn your degree.

Medical technologists typically hold a degree in medical technology, a related life science field, or another scientific field, such as physical sciences or biomedical engineering. To qualify for a degree course in the field, students must complete their 10+2 in physics, chemistry, biology, or maths. Following a degree, many study for a postgraduate qualification. 

2. Get experience.

Experience isn’t essential, but it will make you more competitive and help you demonstrate the critical skills needed to work as a medical technologist. Shadowing or working in an entry-level medical position is a great way to gain relevant experience.

3. Get certified.

You must have a degree to work as a medical technologist; however, additional certifications may give you a competitive edge while searching for a job. These credentials provide concrete evidence of your professional capabilities. 

Get started with Coursera

Explore whether a career in health care may be a good fit for you by taking Career 911: Your Future Job in Medicine and Healthcare from Northwestern. Dig deeper into the topics you may work with as a medical technologist through courses like Introduction to the Biology of Cancer from Johns Hopkins University or Fundamentals of Immunology Specialisation from Rice.