It may be difficult to believe but there are certain careers that are inextricably tied to the microscope.  These careers span a wide variety of industries, ranging from medicine, biology, geology, mining, steel production, computers and even food.  In fact, many of the products (or at least their components) we encounter today have, at one time or another, been observed under a microscope.

Microscope-based careers are also an excellent choice for the naturally curious, the scientifically bent and the detail oriented.  Microscopes represent a whole new world of discovery, representing a billion opportunities and possibilities to people who are willing to be involved in a related career.

A microscope career up close: the Medical Technologist
A career in medical technology is so much more than just a job requiring a person to look at organic materials through a microscope.  It is actually one of the most exciting jobs in the field of medicine.  In the United States, for example, about 300,000 professionals are currently working in clinical laboratories performing tests, analyzing data and doing research work.

Medical technology may be a medically inclined career but it is way younger than the practice of medicine itself.  Medical technology as a profession began in the 20s and has since developed into the full-blown practice it is today.  Medical technologists have become the essential players in the correct diagnosis of diseases and also in the development of preventive measures.

Requirements for a career in medical technology
You cannot begin working with microscopes as a medical technologist unless you pass certain requirements.  Students who look forward to spending their working life as clinical laboratory professionals will have to obtain a bachelor’s degree with a major in medical technology, a course regularly offered by many colleges and universities.  They can also choose any field related to life sciences.  However, individuals without the proper training can also begin their career through a combination of related work experience, on-the-job training and some formal specialized training.

Some of the program courses that can help lead to a career as a medical technologist include biological sciences, chemistry, microbiology, statistics and mathematics.  Some computer applications may also be required.  Entry level jobs often require an associate’s degree, a requirement imposed by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act.

What are the tasks expected from medical technologists?
The job of a medical technologist ranges from the simple and routine to the more challenging and complicated.  Some of the tasks that may be performed include:

-    using the microscope to observe specimen samples such as bacteria, viruses and parasites
-    determining blood type for blood matching during transfusions
-    analyzing the biological and chemical content of samples
-    performing cell counts
-    identifying normal and abnormal cells
-    using the microscope to examine and analyze chemicals, fluids and biological samples such as blood, tissues and other substances
-    performing chemical testing for biological samples
-    analyzing results of tests and observations

There are also certain administrative tasks that may be required of medical technologists, such as preparations of reports and summaries and establishing standards and monitoring programs to maintain quality and accuracy of testing procedures.  More experienced medical technologists may also be called upon to train new technicians.  Certain judgment calls might also be performed in the course of the job, which will require the medical technologist to use his training and experience.

What can be expected from a career as a medical technologist?
Generally, a medical technologist will be required to work in a laboratory setting.  The number of hours required for workers will vary, depending on the type of work required, the employment setting and the size of the facility.  Large facilities such as hospitals, for example, will often require medical technologists to work round the clock in shifts, with some holidays and weekends required.  Medical technologists may also be required to be on call, depending on the urgency or size of the project.

Generally, the job of a medical technologist is quite safe, considering that the laboratory is a sanitized environment.  However, there are also certain tasks that might pose a risk, such as when it’s necessary to work with dangerous chemicals, bacteria and viruses.  Although their jobs don’t usually require a lot of physical efforts, medical technologists will often have to spend plenty of time standing, looking over microscopes to observe and study specimens.

Job outlook for the medical technologist
Nearly 50% of jobs available for medical technologists are in hospitals.  However, there are also jobs in research facilities, doctors’ offices and clinics, diagnostics and medical laboratories.  Of course, there is also some demand for medical technologists in the academic field.  Some medical technologists might also want to work in sales and product development.  Advancement in this career is via promotion to supervisory and managerial positions.  Often, graduate and doctoral studies will also help in the advancement of the position. Read more