- edited by Ben Mudrak
I want to break away from my series on resumes and the interview process to highlight this topic because I would hate for any research technicians out there looking for employment to miss this opportunity.
I have written about this topic in an earlier post, but the number of medical technologist positions open right now with no qualified candidates is overwhelming. The main reason for this shortage is the ASCP (American Society of Clinical Pathology) certification requirement. However, if you have a bachelor’s degree in science, most places are willing to train you and give you time to take the test for your ASCP certification.
At the Veteran’s Administration, you have a year after being hired to take the exam. At Indian Health Services, they will provide training, but it is not clear how long you will have before you need to get your certification.
In Arizona
In addition, despite the downturn in the market, clinical diagnostics is on the rise. Every life sciences company is looking to expand their footprint into the area.
There is also the potential to move up quickly. With the current shortage, the average medical technologist is well into his or her 40s. Many of those technologists will retire and make way for new technicians to move into their place, including filling lab supervisor positions. So, if you have been searching for a technician position and not finding much luck in the research area, consider these positions and don't pass them by even if the requirements state ASCP certification requirement.
If you are in Arizona, you can email me. I can direct you to a few places that are hiring and would be interested in speaking with you.
Hi Mindy,
ReplyDeleteI am interested in working as a medical technologist eventually but I recently graduated with BSc in Biology in Canada. I am open to working in the US but would you suggest what my next steps could be?
Thanks
Hi Harsh,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your question. There is a North America Fair Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in place that helps professionals such as yourself from Canada to gain entry to the US for non-immigration employment. As a Canadian NAFTA worker (TN status), you don't need a visa. You just have to apply for this status at the port of entry. However, there is a new requirement, called the VisaScreen certification,established in 2009, that is a requirement for all healthcare workers. So, my first step would be to get that VisaScreen certification. It is valid for 5 years, so you don't have to do it again for a while. If you need more information on where to go, please email me off-line at mindyluce at gmail.com.
Hi Mindy,
ReplyDeleteI have masters with Molecular biology training, and with my biology background I feel this is a good opportunity. Could you please tell me:
1. how the program from SonoraQuest will help me.
2. is there any online course.
3. how much it will cost
4. how long this course is for
5. how much pay can be expected from jobs based on this course.
please reply.
OmahaResident
Hi Mindy!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a really interesting career opportunity. I'm wondering about the certification process- namely, what are you certified to do? I've been a few postings that are looking for certified clinical researchers- is the American Society of Clinical Pathology the place to get that certification? I'd love to see more posts on certifications etc you can use to advance your career- in any direction, really.
Thanks for your perspective!
Sandlin
Hi Andy, I will try to answer your questions as best I can:
ReplyDelete1. SonoraQuest does not have an official program, but a lot of the supervisors there are willing to train the right person.
2. I would not recommend an on-line course as a lot of these on-line courses are not considered an accredited school.
3. I do not know the cost, but I have heard many who have been "scammed" into these types of programs that offerred "financial aid", and ended up paying thousands for a degree that is worthless. You should visit your local university either online or at the guidance office to find out if they have a medical technology program.
4. There are two year program (MLT) and four year program (MT), depending on the level of expertise you would like to gain.
5. As for pay, if you are an MT, you would be paid more than an MLT. According to Salary.com, an average Med Tech in Phoenix, AZ, makes about $58,285. The low 10% averages $49,292 while the top 10% make about $67,678. You can visit that site and change it to any state. Here's the link to my previous blog post that discuss this: http://mylabconnection.blogspot.com/2011/06/medtech-needed.html
Hi Sandlin, The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) is the organization that provides these certifications. However, keep in mind that there are positions out there that do not require ASCP certification. A lot of government labs do not have this requirement. Even certain states don't have this requirement. It is usually the employers who impose these requirements. Most lab managers said these certifications help provide a standard and set the bar of expectations for every technician coming into the lab. This helps them reduce the cost of training individuals who later leave to take on more lucrative positions. One lab manager told me that because his lab is small, sometimes having someone who is already trained as a phlebotomist is extremely helpful when there is a shortage and he could send that person to get the blood to help out. So, perhaps another way to get into this career is to train as a phlebotomist.
ReplyDelete