The truth about MLT pay: Part I

If I were a man, I could be making up to $20,000 more per year, according to The Medical Laboratory Observer's 2013 annual salary survey.  Granted, this study data was compiled from 379 MLO subscribers,  a population which cannot possibly represent over 300,000 individuals who work in the profession currently.     Most of the folks who returned the survey had over 20 years of experience in the field, a bachelors degree, and were female.  A good portion were also working in management.  This should not come as a surprise, as most "bench techs" do not have time to fill out MLO surveys.  Though I have a great amount of respect for the Medical Laboratory Observer, I understand the survey to be a representation of smaller clinical laboratory managers, not the average technician or technologists.  If I want to know the truth about salary, I must search elsewhere.

My next search was with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics,which reports the average MLT makes about $36K/year. (Disclaimer:  Don't expect your first offer out of school to be more than this.  There are factors involved such as location, years of experience, and type of lab).  The median and average salaries are much higher for medical technologists.  The difference is about $20,000.  I am still not convinced as to the real reason behind this.  According to CLIA regulations, the only thing an MLT with a two year degree is not qualified to do is become a supervisor.  Though the BLS data was interesting, I was disappointed to learn they do not break down salary by gender, number of years in the field or even age.  If they do, it was not in the Occupational Outlook Handbook.  Interestingly, government data does not suggest a shortage coming any time soon, either.  

Without an acceptable source of survey data, the best conclusion that I can come to is that MTs are paid more because the organization is making an investment in MT who might one day become a leader in their organization.  If you've ever worked in a laboratory, you know it's not because they work any faster than an MLT.  It's definitely not because of any impending shortage.  Though I have been personally hearing about fears of a "lot much grey in the lab" for about 5 years, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts MT growth at 11%, which is below the 14% average growth of all occupations.

To be continued ..........................

Anatomy and Physiology Study Materials (ClickBank Product)

Let's face it.  If you don't do well in your college Anatomy and Physiology course, it might be a good idea to find another way to make a living.  This is one of the first required courses for many allied health professions, including medical laboratory technicians and technologists (or clinical laboratory scientists or medical laboratory scientists or whatever the "nom du jour" is.)

When I trained to become a medical laboratory technician, I did not go to a traditional MLT school.  I was army trained.  My program was NAACLS accredited and condensed two years worth of training into one year.  One of the first courses we took was anatomy and physiology.  I couldn't stay awake in class most of the time, but thanks to excellent study guides, I was a "go" after successfully passing all of my tests and competencies.

I wouldn't dare taking this course without a great study guide.  I can't wait to find out how well this one works for you..Click Here!

The movement for laboratory professional licensure in Minnesota

"We strongly view the CLIA regulations as low level, basement regulations and that we need to operate at a higher level" - This statement came from the Minnesota Licensure Coalition, and the honesty is refreshing. The acceptance of continuously decreasing standards in the industry is unacceptable and the American Society of Clinical Laboratory Scientists in Minnesota is doing something about it. There is an active group of laboratory professionals in Minnesota working to promote state licensure for medical laboratory technicians and technologists. Their opposition is coming mainly from American Association of Bioanalysts and the Minnesota Hospital Association. What a surprise! One of those groups is a competitor of properly trained clinical scientists and the other is the group who doesn't want to pay for quality. You can read more about the Minnesota Licensure Coalitiaton here.
And.... if you're a medical technologist getting ready for the boards (because you know it's the right thing to do), or just want to brush up check out these helpful books from Amazon. These books are also helpful at developing questions for in service presentations or developing your own continuing medical laboratory education courses.

Digital Pathology Market is Primed for Exponential Growth

Markets and Markets is reporting the digital pathology market is being projected to grow 12% annually until 2017 an expected to reach over $336 million.  The largest market is in North America, with Europe and Asia following behind.  Asia's market is expected to grow as technology becomes more cost effective.

The uses of digital pathology include improving laboratory process efficiency, cutting laboratory costs, and preserving slide images.  The major American companies taking part in this digital pathology boom so far are Aperio Technologies and Ventana Medical Systems.

ABSciex thinking outside of the box

They didn't just get out of the lab, they took the lab out of the lab!!!! These marketing rock stars have hit the road with their technological breakthroughs and are doing it in style! The big-rig is one inch within street legal limits! The trailer features a state of the art GC/MS, collectible t-shirts, and sandwiches! Check to see when the Mass-tastic voyage is headed your way! Follow them on twitter #MassTasticVoyage

Error Auditing Procedures

Inspired by a blog from the Westgard website, http://james.westgard.com/the_westgard_rules/2012/01/more-error-rates-at-poc.html, I pulled the original study and as I'm reading through it, I have a question or two and I'm wondering if anyone else does. As I'm reading the original study, (which I would be glad to send a copy to anyone interested in studying with me) the first question I have is regarding operator bias. It states the technicians were aware they were being audited. Does this naturally effect the psyche of the operator who is being audited? Does it force the operator to take more time and care when running a sample when it is known their work is being audited at that time? Were department managers inclined to designate more experienced personnel to handle these samples for testing? I'm still reading through the study, and as I'm reading I was curious to see if anyone else is interested in putting their two cents in on this conversation regarding pre-analytical errors. Let me know! Lab Rat Rebellion is all about bench tech and MLT student feedback.

Is a Medical Laboratory Technician program necessary?

The Medical Laboratory Technician, also known as the Clinical Laboratory Technician, is highly encouraged to attend a program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).  While many states still do not require the MLT to have a license or have attended an established program, states such as New York, California and Tennessee not only require having earned an accredited degree, but are setting a standard by requiring licensing and professional certification by associations such as the ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology).  Stay tuned to this blog for more information on certifications.