The Vital Role of Medical Lab Professionals and Why They’re in Demand

There is a need in our country that is crucial to our well-being and, due to the fact that this service is provided by professionals from behind the scenes, is largely undetected by the general public, until it affects you or your loved one. Then, this awareness for change could not be more apparent or essential.

The Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) reports that, “Approximately 1.2 million laboratory tests [are] performed every day in Canada. Each one is done by qualified and skilled medical laboratory professionals.”

The Medical Laboratory Professionals’ Association of Ontario (MLPAO) reports that, “Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLTs) and Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technicians (MLA/Ts) serve a crucial role in healthcare, conducting over 270 million lab tests annually for Ontario’s population of 14.9 million”.

With these trained professionals in place, this is impressive. With 70% of all medical decisions relying on lab results, an increase in testing demand, and a projection of 42% of current MLT professionals looking to retire, it’s of great concern.

But for those looking to join healthcare training programs, specifically medical laboratory technologist programs / medical lab technician programs to become a medical technician or medical technologist, there are incredible opportunities.

Precisely Why are Medical Laboratory Professionals So Essential?

Critical Sample Collection

Medical lab technicians/assistants, under the supervision of a medical lab technologist are responsible for collecting patients’ body tissue and/or blood sample to perform essential tests for the diagnosis and treatment of illness and disease. The medical lab technologist then applies their scientific, technical, and medical knowledge to perform and evaluate lab testing. Through chemical analysis and examination through a microscope, they can assess and record results and provide this vital information to the healthcare professionals who will deal directly with patients and develop care and treatment plans. A hold up in the lab means a delay in the ability to treat patients efficiently and effectively. Depending on the severity of a condition this could directly affect the quality, and length, of a patient’s life.

Maintenance of a Pristine Environment

In dealing with sensitive materials, samples, and intricate equipment, medical laboratory work goes far beyond just collecting and assessing blood and tissue. The need for cleanliness to avoid contamination, prevent infection and ensure that all equipment is sanitized and prepared for use is essential to efficiency in such a fast-paced, high-need environment.

Quality Assessment Leads to Accuracy

From maintaining a meticulously clean environment to reduce the risk of contamination, easing a patient’s anxiety during the collection process, gathering information and labelling samples, to delivering to the lab, conducting, and evaluating laboratory tests, medical lab professionals provide essential details to the healthcare team. The ability for a doctor to treat a patient with confidence, begins with accurate lab testing and results. There is a clear dependence on med lab professionals for patients to receive the diagnosis and care they require and deserve.
______________________________

So, how do you leverage this incredible, in-demand profession to reach your career goals? You enrol in training for lab technician or medical lab technology, to get yourself on track for medical technician certification or medical technology certification.

We recommend that you select a college and program with a track record for graduate success, one where you can learn from industry experts and receive hands-on training. Anderson College has medical laboratory science programs geared just for you – Medical Laboratory Technician program, Medical Laboratory Technician / Assistant program, Medical Laboratory Technology Hybrid, and even a Bridging Program for Internationally Trained Medical Laboratory Technologist.

Within one to two years, depending on the med lab program you select, you could be part of the solution for patients and their families and part of an extraordinarily dedicated league of professionals making a powerful difference every day.

If you’re still exploring your options, you can take the “Anderson College Medical Professional Career Training Readiness Quiz”.

If you’re all set to determine the specifics, we’re here to help you select the best med lab program fit for you, and help you launch your first, or next, incredible career. Book a virtual appointment today and let’s get you started!

Quick Links to Fuel Your Success!

We want to make sure you have what you need to succeed! Check out these reference links:

• Anderson College’s New Medical Laboratory Technology Program to Address Massive Industry Shortages (yahoo.com)
• Medical Laboratory Technology Hybrid at Anderson College
• MLPAO Call to Action
• CSMLS – SCSLM / Who are Lab Professionals
• How to become an MLT (cmlto.com)
• Ontario’s Medical Laboratory Technologists labour shortage alarms MLPAO – The Fulcrum