How to Become a Medical Technician in Missouri
Steps to Becoming a Medical Tech in Missouri
Medical lab technicians, also known as clinical science technicians, perform a variety of laboratory procedures that aid in the diagnosis of diseases, as well as disease prevention. There are many institutions that employ lab technicians including, but not limited to, hospitals, colleges, military operations, and research laboratories. Duties include collecting specimen samples through body fluids, test result analysis, and instrument sterilization. Tech’s will also assist in the measurement and comparison of test results, and will work under the direct supervision of a licensed medical professional such as a pathologist, physician or clinical laboratory technologist to accomplish these tasks.
Because there are so many institutions utilizing the skills of medical lab technicians, employment opportunities continue to increase. The national rate of job growth is projected to be 15% through the year 2016. The state of Missouri is slightly under the national average with a growth rate of about 11% expected.
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Missouri does not have any state licensing requirements for individuals looking for jobs as medical lab technicians, nor are there any specific educational requirements. Because of the complexity of the job, as well as staying competitive in the job market, it is recommended students complete a minimum of a two year degree from one of the online or campus based Missouri medical technician schools. Certification from a national organization such as the American Society for Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) is advised because of the added benefits it provides. National certification reinforces the skill set of laboratory technicians, making them a better choice to potential employers.
National certification with the ASCP can be obtained by first completing an associate degree program. The program should be at an accredited school in order to be eligible to sit for the certification exam. A certification as an International Medical Laboratory Technician requires a clinical internship of one year, or a minimum of three years job experience, in addition to the educational requirements. The application fee for the certification is $175. More information can be found on the ASCP website @ http://www.ascp.org.
The Missouri Office of Administration offers additional information on medical laboratory technician careers, including salary information on its website: http://oa.mo.gov/pers/ClassSpecs/4151.htm.
Through campus based and online programs, aspiring Medical Technicians in Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield and Independence, Missouri 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 St. Johns Mercy Medical Center, St. Anthony’s Medical Center, Barnes Jewish Hospital and Missouri Baptist Medical Center.