Online Medical Laboratory Technician Degree Programs

<p>If you aspire to become a medical laboratory technician, you can pursue a degree in medical laboratory technology or clinical laboratory science; these degree names are used interchangeably. Degree programs specifically in medical laboratory technician are also available at select schools. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (<i>www.bls.gov</i>) states that most employers will only require you to possess an associate's degree, but you can also pursue a bachelor's degree in this field. Associate's degree programs in medical laboratory technology are widely available online. Though less common, bachelor's degree programs are also available for online study. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Required Education</b></td><td> Medical laboratory technicians require a minimum of an associate's degree, but bachelor's degrees are also available in this field</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Course Topics</b></td><td> Courses cover topics like the technology used in a laboratory, medical terminology, ethics and microbiology</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Online Programs</b></td><td> Online programs cover theory and basic learning that can be completed without practical experience, while clinical training takes place in person at a hospital or laboratory</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Possible Careers</b></td><td> Associate's degree holders can pursue a career as a medical laboratory technician, while bachelor's degree holders may find work as a medical laboratory technologist, a more advanced position</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td>$54,180 <i>(for medical and clinical laboratory technologists and technicians)</i>*</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-29)</b></td><td>7% growth <i>(for all medical and clinical laboratory technicians)</i>*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---WhatCoursesWillITake">What Courses Will I Take?</h3> <p>As you begin your undergraduate training, both programs introduce you to the machines and tools that are used in a medical laboratory. You will also take lecture-based courses in medical terminology, safety procedures and ethical issues. As you progress in your studies, you will learn specialized sciences including microbiology, immunology and hematology. </p> <p>Both online programs include clinical components. These require you to gain supervised experience in a nearby hospital or laboratory. You may complete this requirement in your current place of employment or your online school may provide a referral to a site that is convenient for you. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatWillMyOnlineStudiesEntail">What Will My Online Studies Entail?</h3> <p>Your theory-based courses can be taken entirely online. These courses will be identical to what you would take if you enrolled in a campus-based program. You will use a coursework delivery platform, such as Blackboard, to complete your work. You can watch recorded lectures, submit homework and participate in discussion boards with fellow students using this system. While you complete your clinical training, you will typically have a mentor to whom you will report progress. This faculty member can also coach you and respond to your questions. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatCanIDoWithThisDegree">What Can I Do with This Degree?</h3> <p>Upon completing an associate's degree, you can work as a medical laboratory technician. You will most likely work in a hospital, though additional employment opportunities exist in medical laboratories and physicians' offices. With a bachelor's degree, you can seek employment as a medical laboratory technologist. In this role, the sophistication of the tests you will perform will increase. For example, you may make body tissue cultures, study cholesterol levels or match blood donations prior to transfusions. Additionally, your responsibilities in diagnosing diseases and recommending treatment plans will rise.</p>