How to Become a Medical Technician in Mississippi

Steps to Becoming a Medical Tech in Mississippi

Employment as a medical lab technician can provide a challenging and rewarding career.  Jobs can be found in hospitals, laboratories, educational institutions, and forensic medicine, among others.  Technicians have a wide array of duties which include both clinical and administrative tasks. Medical lab technicians perform diagnostic testing using body fluids, and chart changes in medical history.  Those interested in a career as a lab technician should be detail-oriented and organized, because of the importance of valid test results.  Misdiagnosis can lead to improper care for the patient, therefore lab technicians must display professionalism and thoroughness.

Clinical medicine is one of the fastest growing careers in the 21st century, as disease prevention and longevity of life become key focuses.  The projected national growth for lab technicians is 15%, while those in the state of Mississippi will see higher levels of growth at 18%.

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The steps leading to a career as a lab technician include finding a clinical science program through one of the accredited online or campus based Mississippi medical technician schools.  Upon graduation, national certification should be applied for because it adds value to the lab technicians resume.  There are no requirements for state licensing in Mississippi to practice as a lab technician, but certification by a national agency is strongly recommended.

The American Society for Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) is a national organization which allows individuals to become certified Medical Laboratory Technicians.  A minimum of an associate degree, or 60 semester credit hours are required, and must be obtained at an accredited school.  Though this is the standard requirement for ASCP certification, additional avenues are listed on the ASCP website @ http://www.ascp.org.

The American Society for Clinical Medicine is an additional organization which serves as being the voice for medical lab technicians across the country.  Each state, including Mississippi has its own chapter which provides members with current legislation, networking opportunities, as well as promoting safety in the laboratory environment.  The Mississippi chapter can be found online @ www.ascls-ms.com/

Through campus based and online programs, aspiring Medical Technicians in Jackson, West Gulfport, Gulfport, Biloxi and Hattiesburg, Mississippi may be able to prepare themselves for the possibility of employment in some of the largest hospitals and healthcare facilities in the state including the Tupelo Hospital, North Mississippi Medical Center, Baptist Memorial Hospital and University of Mississippi Medical Center.