Interview with a medical technologist (medical laboratory scientist)

Below is a short interview with Philip Eric, MLS (ASCP). In this interview, Eric will introduce the field of medical laboratory science and answer a few questions about people who might be interested in entering this field of study.

Could you give us a brief introduction?

“Hi, I, Justin Phillip, and I am a medical laboratory scientist. I am from Southern California and graduated with my bachelor of science in medical laboratories two and a half years ago. Technologist) in the hospital.

Why did you decide to study medical laboratory science?

“I was not originally a specialist in the field of medical laboratories, when I started college, which was also pre-med, we were specialists in biology or biochemistry, so I myself considered myself as a biologist.

In the middle of my second quarter, one of the local allied health universities came and had a small stand on my campus. It was then that I was introduced to the possibility of studying medical laboratory science. I was always familiar with medical technologists, but I never thought about studying in order to become one, not to mention training.

The more I was looking for a profession, the more attractive it became. I was particularly attracted to this basic, because, unlike other undergraduate degrees, medical laboratory science is an actual professional field where you can work as a nationally licensed laboratory staff (through ASCP). In addition, this study allows an in-depth study of the clinical sciences. All these lessons will definitely prove helpful in my future desire to study medicine. Finally, studying MLS will give me comfortable contact with the health situation, and then better prepare me for studying and practicing medicine.

It did not take long to click on it ... I had to become a specialist in the field of medical laboratory science (MLS). Moreover, I decided to take this path, because in the process of my thought I thought that this was an exceptional stage in medical school (I am happy that I chose MLS!). "

Where did you study medical laboratory science?

“After completing my preconditions, I moved to the Medical Laboratory Research Program at Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan. MLS consists of both didactic (classroom) and practical (clinical) research. ”

How is your experience during the program "Laboratory of Medical Sciences"?

“In short, the curriculum was BIG. It was the most difficult scholastic period in which I passed. During the program, you do not accept anything except the classes of clinical science of the highest rank: hematology, immunology, microbiology, immunohematology and chemistry,

Our program at Andrews University was divided into a didactic period (10 months) and a clinical one in a hospital training laboratory (6 months). During the Didactic period, in addition to the full load of classes, we had a full load of laboratories every day. Our days in the classroom / lab will usually be from 8 am to 5 pm from Monday to Thursday and half a day on Friday. It does not include the many hours needed to study, complete homework and prepare for exams. INTENSE is an understatement.

The practical period is the time to use everything that has been studied in the classroom before the actual clinical situation (40 hours, 5 days a week). You will work with actual patient samples and produce results (supervised). "

Any suggestions or tips on how to succeed during the Medical Lab Science program?

“Take one day at a time. Do not do too much work to get the job done; just memorize the facts, focus on a complete understanding of the concepts. This will be a long way in your success in the program. certainly not least the time to rest! There will ALWAYS be a task or a test to learn, so find a way to set aside a little precious time to rest and relax.

How did you study for the ASCP MLS exam?

“I bought a study guide provided by ASCP. I spent about one month reviewing all the subjects in the manual. All topics are underlined without spending too much time on each topic. ”

How is your current experience as an MLS?

“Currently I work as a universal specialist in one of the largest medical institutions in southern Tennessee. I work with a gravity shift (11:00 am - 7 am) and work through all departments, fulfilling my general work experience. part of a great team. Help go through each period.

I don’t think there is another bachelor’s degree that allows me to have sufficient job security and a future like Medical Lab Science. Although I plan to continue my career in medicine (I plan to start this school this fall), I am grateful for the opportunity to work as an MLS for the last 2 1/2 years. I am very pleased with the impact on the medical field, the experience of the start of a professional career and more than enough of the "newly-formed" salary. "

What is your opinion on this field and the profession as a whole?

“To be honest, I do not think that medical laboratory scientists (or medical technicians) have an attitude and appreciation that they deserve attention. Medical technologists - this may be due to the fact that laboratories work "behind the scenes" in most hospitals, so patients and even medical workers often forget who works with samples immediately after they are sent.

I always remember one time when I worked in a blood bank and gave out a unit of blood, the nurse asked how many weeks of training “at work” needed to become a blood banker. I tried to stay calm when I reported that medical laboratory science is a professional field that requires at least 4 years of bachelor's degree (many programs currently take an average of 5 years).

I think our career is going in the right direction in terms of increasing credibility and public acceptance. I feel that the recent merger that the National Certification Council (American Society of Clinical Pathologists) has founded has begun to push our profession forward. However, I personally believe that medical lab specialists will need to create their own national association separately from pathologists, like other medical professions (of course, ASCP will not appreciate this ... lol).

In addition, I believe that our work is exceptional! I feel that in order to facilitate work in the laboratory, you should be fine with working behind the scenes. If you can have a healthy sense of satisfaction, knowing that you play an important role in treating many patients, without a real meeting with the patient, you will succeed! During very fussy shifts, it can be very easy to discourage the amount of tedious “lab” work. When this happens, it can help take a short break for 5 minutes and actually check out some patient rooms. Placing a face with the many patterns you work with converts your perspective into the work you do. The ability of the doctor to effectively and effectively treat patients depends on the results of your laboratory! ".

Any suggestions for people interested in this activity?

“One of the facts that we all know for sure will ALWAYS be people who need health care, which suggests that there will ALWAYS be a need for laboratory medical specialists, but at the same time satisfying a college degree to become a step towards For more advanced research ... i HIGHLY recommend the medical lab field.