Florida Medical Technologist Certification - FL
Medical laboratory technologists, often called medical lab scientists, perform the the laboratory tests physicians use to diagnose and treat disease. They collect and analyze samples, then document and report the results. Mistakes are costly, so the right training is essential.
Medical technologist school in Florida
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov) reports that medical technologists are typically expected to earn at least a bachelor's degree before entering the field. Those attending medical technologist school in Florida should learn how to work as medical technologists while satisfying state licensing requirements. Programs can and do vary, but may include the following types of courses:
- Clinical microscopy
- Mycology and parasitology
- Laboratory management
Some medical technologist schools in Florida offer certificate programs allowing students to specialize in a specific area of medicine. More on this below.
State licensure and certification
According to the American Association of Pathologists' Assistants, Florida is one of only a handful of states that require medical technologists to be licensed. The Florida Area Health Education Center Network reports that licensing candidates must graduate from an accredited medical technologist school in Florida (or an out-of-state program that meets state requirements) before sitting for a licensing exam. The American Society for Clinical Pathology, the National Certification Agency for Medical Laboratory Personnel and the American Medical Technologists each administer national medical technologist licensing exams. Technologists must accrue continuing education hours to renew their licenses every two years. Future professionals can contact the Florida Board of Laboratory Personnel to learn more about licensing requirements and procedures.
The BLS notes that medical technologists can become specialized in a certain area of medical laboratory science, like cytotechnology or medical biology, through certification. Students can earn these certificates while attending medical technologist school in Florida, or afterwards while working in the field.
Wage and employment trends for Florida medical technologists
Medical technologist employment trends can vary tremendously from one city or region to the next. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (FDEO) projects that demand for medical technologists will grow by about 6.5 percent between 2013 and 2021, slower than the 14 percent growth nationally the BLS projects between 2012 and 2022. The BLS notes that as of May, 2013, Florida reported the fourth-highest employment of medical technologists in the nation. The Gainesville metropolitan area ranked among the top 10 metros nationally for highest concentration of medical technologist employment that same year.
There are a number of factors that can impact medical technologists' earnings, such as local market demand, education, certification and experience. The BLS reports that Florida medical and clinical laboratory technologists earned a mean annual salary of $56,730 in 2013, a bit less than the $58,430 national median salary reported by the BLS for 2013.
American Association of Pathologists' Assistants, http://www.pathassist.org/
Clinical Laboratory Science, The Florida Area Health Education Center Network, http://www.flahec.org/hlthcareers/medtech.HTM
Employment Projections, Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, May, 2013, http://www.floridajobs.org/labor-market-information/data-center/statistical-programs/employment-projections
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Bureau of Labor Statistics, May, 2013, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-and-clinical-laboratory-technologists-and-technicians.htm
Medical Technology Curriculum, St. Vincent's Health Care, http://www.jaxhealth.com/education/School-of-Medical-Science/medical-technology/medical-technology-curriculum/
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians, Occupational Employment Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics, May, 2013, http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292011.htm
Occupational Employment Statistics and Wages, Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, May, 2012, http://www.floridajobs.org/labor-market-information/data-center/statistical-programs/occupational-employment-statistics-and-wages
Technologist: Licensure Requirements, Florida Board of Clinical Laboratory Personnel, http://floridasclinicallabs.gov/licensing/technologist/