United States
In the United States, a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS), Medical
Technologist (MT), or a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) typically
earns a bachelor's degree
in medical laboratory science, clinical laboratory science, medical
technology, biomedical science or in a life / biological science
(biology, biochemistry, microbiology, etc.), in which case certification
from an accredited training program is also required in some states. In
most four-year medical laboratory degree programs, the student attends
classroom courses for three years and clinical rotations are completed
in their final year of study. This combination is called a 3+1 program.
There are also 2+2 programs which specialize in accepting students who
have completed their lower division coursework and completing their last
two years of study in the CLS program. A 4+1 program would typically be
completed after a student has completed a bachelor's degree and usually
takes place primarily in a clinical site rather than a college. In
clinical rotations, the student experiences hands-on learning in each
discipline of the laboratory and, under supervision, performs diagnostic
testing in a functioning laboratory. With limited or no compensation, a
student in the clinical phase of training usually works 40 hours per
week for 20 to 52 weeks, experiencing work as a full-time employee. The
core curriculum in medical technology generally comprises 20 credits in
clinical chemistry, 20 credits in hematology, and 20 credits in clinical
microbiology.
In the United States, a similar two-year degree (or certificate) qualifies the graduate to work as a medical laboratory technician (MLT). Depending on the state where employment is granted, the job duties are very similar, but MLTs receive training more exclusively in laboratory sciences without the basic science coursework the MLS often takes; however, there are many MLT training programs that require substantial basic didactic science course work prior to entry into a clinical practicum. The shorter training time is attractive to many students, but there are disadvantages to this route. For example, MT's, MLS's and CLSs usually earn higher salaries than MLTs, and some institutions do not employ MLTs at all. Although, historically, some institutions have not employed MLTs, that practice is starting to change due to recent changes in healthcare legislation, cost reduction, and staffing shortages. Although the didactic coursework may be less for the MLT, the clinical practicum, in many cases, is longer than the MLS student's. This equates to MLTs who are well equipped to enter the work force with relevant and knowledge based practical application. Additionally, the associate in applied science degree received by the MLT is a huge stepping stone for their future pursuit of a bachelor of science degree.
In the United States, the term medical laboratory technician (MLT) may apply to persons who are trained to operate equipment and perform tests, usually under the supervision of the certified medical technologist or laboratory scientist in their departments. The entry-level for most medical laboratory technicians is an associate degree (60 credit certificate programs exist through military training programs; such as the U.S. Army's 68K military occupational specialty[1]) and some states require a license which can be acquired after completing necessary education and clinical requirements.[2]
Canada
In Canada, three-year college, or technical school, programs are offered that include seven semesters, two of them comprising an unpaid internship. The student graduates before taking a standard examination (such as the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science, or CSMLS, exam) to be qualified as a medical laboratory technologist.[3] Many MLTs go on to receive a bachelor of science degree after they are certified, but a few university programs affiliate with a college MLT program to allow students to graduate with both MLT certification and a degree.
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