Career in MLT

For the smallest disease, doctors examine patients to ascertain the real condition. In such cases, the role of a medical lab technician becomes crucial for proper treatment. These trained professionals are called Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLT).

Medical Lab Technicians work on doctors' instructions. They are responsible for equipment maintenance and various laboratory tasks. The solutions used in sample analysis are also prepared by expert lab technicians. They possess full knowledge of medical issues, safety rules, and laboratory requirements. Essentially, medical lab technicians help physicians prevent and identify diseases. Tests conducted by lab technicians aid in diagnosis and treatment.

Medical Laboratory Technologists examine and analyze cell counts, body fluids, tissues, blood types, microorganisms, and chemical analyses. They contribute significantly to sampling, testing, reporting, and documentation.

There are two types of medical laboratory workers: technicians and technologists.

The Field of Medical Lab Technician

Medical Lab Technicians follow doctors' instructions. Equipment maintenance and various tasks are their responsibility. They use samples in the lab and analyze test results. They have full knowledge of medical science and lab safety rules. The work is responsible and challenging. It requires patience and dexterity. Securing test data is also part of their responsibility.

Courses in M.L.T.

There are three types of courses for Medical Laboratory Technology in India:

• Certificate Course
• Diploma
• Degree

During Medical Lab Technology courses, students learn Basic Physiology, Basic Biochemistry, Blood Banking, Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Pathology, Environment and Biomedical Waste Management, and receive Hospital Training. This applies to Certificate, Diploma, Degree, and Master courses.

Eligibility Criteria for Medical Lab Technology

Certificate in Medical Lab Technology (C.M.L.T.) is a six-month course requiring 10th pass eligibility.

Diploma in Medical Lab Technology (D.M.L.T.) requires passing 12th grade. The course duration is two years. Passing with PCB or PCM as major subjects is mandatory.

B.Sc. in Medical Laboratory Technology (B.Sc. MLT) also requires passing 12th with science subjects. The duration is three years.

Many institutions conduct entrance tests for admission to these courses. Top colleges select candidates based on entrance exam merit.

Job Opportunities for Medical Lab Technician

Medical Lab Technicians require training aligned with job skills and needs. Students gain this training during laboratory work. While most states don't require certification, some do. Technicians with certification have better prospects.

Demand is high. You can work in Medical Labs, Hospitals, Pathology Labs, Blood Banks, etc. Diploma or degree holders can work as:

• Lab Technician
• Laboratory Manager
• Consultant
• Supervisor
• Health and Safety Officer

Lab technicians work in these areas:

• Microbiology
• Hematology
• Blood Banking
• Immunology
• Clinical Chemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Cytotechnology

Top Institutes for MLT Courses

• Indian Institute of Paramedical Sciences, Lucknow (www.iipsinstitute.com)
• Department of Pathology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh (www.amu.ac.in)
• Delhi Paramedical and Management Institute, New Delhi (www.dpmiindia.com)
• Shivalik Institute of Paramedical Technology, Chandigarh (www.shivalikinstitute.org)
• Paramedical College, Durgapur, West Bengal (www.paramedicalcollege.org)
• Calicut University
• Amity University
• Manipal University
• Jamia Hamdard University