BA in Healthcare Studies – Medical Technology

Students who have completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in healthcare studies/medical technology can draw knowledge from two different disciplines: the general background of the healthcare system and medical ethics and law as well as expertise in medical testing and analysis. Students pursuing a BA in healthcare studies/medical technology study the operation of the healthcare industry, anatomy, laboratory procedures, equipment care and more. Medical technologists work directly with patients, administering tests and analyzing results, helping doctors and nurses diagnose and treat diseases.

Requirements for Earning a BS in Healthcare Studies and Medical Technology

Requirements to become a medical technologist can vary by state. Successful students generally complete the following steps:

Earn proper bachelor’s degree (requirements vary by state). A bachelor’s degree in healthcare studies and medical technology is required for an entry-level position as a clinical laboratory technologist.
Earn proper master’s degree (requirements vary by state). Master’s degree graduates can advance to supervisory positions in laboratory work.
Earn credentials. Medical technologists can earn certification from several groups, including the Board of Registry of the American Society for Clinical Pathology, the American Medical Technologists, the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel, and the Board of Registry of the American Association of Bioanalysts. These agencies have different requirements for certification and different organizational sponsors.

Average Salary and Career Data

The expected salary, career growth, and work environment for a medical technologist might include:

Medical Technologist – Median annual salary: $59,178, according to salary.com’s most recent report.
Job Prospects – Employment is expected to grow rapidly with excellent job opportunities because the volume of laboratory tests continues to increase with both population growth and the development of new types of tests, according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Job Setting – Medical technologists find employment in hospitals and independent laboratories in addition to work with medical manufacturers.

Job Duties and Responsibilities for a Medical Technologist

A medical technologist is typically responsible for the following job responsibilities:

Examining and analyzing body fluids and cells.
Preparing specimens for examinations.
Performing complex chemical, biological, hematological, immunologic, microscopic and bacteriological tests.
Evaluating test results, develop and modify procedures and establish and monitor programs.