If you are someone who has a knack for science, wants to work in the field of healthcare, and positively impact people’s lives without direct patient interaction then a career in Medical Lab Technology might be the best fit for you. The field of healthcare is rapidly expanding and the need for skilled healthcare professionals is also increasing. One such in-demand profession happens to be Medical Lab Technology. This blog will provide you with all the details required to build a successful career in the field of MLT. From Medical Lab Technology colleges, to certifications available, to career options, everything will be covered.

What is Medical Lab Technology (MLT)?

Medical Lab Technology (MLT) is a prominent sector in the field of healthcare which helps diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases by conducting examinations and analysis of bodily fluids, tissues, and other specimens of the human body. Individuals pursuing this profession are often called Medical Lab Technicians or even Medical Lab Technologists. They are skilled professionals who are capable of performing a wide range of tests using various laboratory techniques and equipment to identify infections, abnormalities, and health conditions. 

Education and certifications required for Medical Lab Technology professionals -

In India, the most common and accessible paths to enter the field of Medical Lab Technology are by pursuing either a diploma or a bachelor's degree in MLT. There are a lot of Medical Lab Technology colleges in India that provide these programs and here is a detailed breakdown of what both the programs offer:  

• Diploma in Medical Lab Technology (DMLT) - A diploma in Medical Lab Technology can be the first stepping stone towards a career in the same. This program is usually a shorter duration course of 1 to 2 years which teaches the foundational aspects of Medical Lab Technology. Any individual, having completed their 10+2 with science is eligible for this program. After completion, graduates can expect entry level positions as a Medical Lab Technician. 
• Bachelor’s in Medical Lab Technology (B.Sc. in MLT) - A bachelor’s degree in Medical Lab Technology is a good fit for someone who wants to gain a deeper knowledge of the subject and explore better career opportunities. This is a 3 year long program which focuses on in-depth knowledge, comprehensive learning and extensive training of advanced laboratory techniques and skills. Any individual, having completed their 10+2 with science is eligible for this program. Medhavi Skills University is one of the best B.Sc Medical Lab Technology colleges in Sikkim.

Skills required for a successful career in Medical Lab Technology - 

In the field of Medical Lab Technology, candidates having real- world practical skills have more leverage over someone who just has a theoretical background. Since MLT professionals are required to collect, test, and analyze different specimens everyday, it is always beneficial for a candidate to focus on gaining practical experience rather than focusing on theoretical knowledge. There are a lot of Medical Lab Technology colleges in India. Medhavi Skills University is one of  the best B. Sc Medical Lab Technology colleges in Sikkim which is a skill-based university imparting real-world skills, hands-on learning, and on-the-job training to its students.

Career progression after graduating with Medical Lab Technology -

Candidates can expect a lot of excellent opportunities after graduating with a diploma or bachelor’s degree in Medical Lab Technology from the best Medical Lab Technology colleges in India, some of them are - 

• Medical Laboratory Technician 
• Medical Laboratory technologist
• Phlebotomist
• Laboratory Assistant
• Specialized Medical Technologist
• Quality Control Technician 
• Laboratory Supervisor
• Entrepreneurship 

Post the pandemic era, the demand for medical laboratory technician or any other job profile mentioned above has witnessed a steady rise in demand. 

Sources:

• Gilson Learning Hub: High demand for lab technicians post-COVID
  Gilson
• KPMG Report on India's healthcare infrastructure investment growth
  KPMG Assets

The graph above illustrates the indexed growth in demand for Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLTs) in India from 2020 to 2024. This trend is based on the increased need for diagnostic services and workforce expansions post-pandemic. 

The major reason behind the increase in demand for MLT professionals are as follows: 

All these have opened up opportunities for individuals trained in laboratory science. 

In conclusion, Medical Lab Technology is the perfect fit for a candidate who wants to be in the field of science, contribute to patient care, and not be in direct contact with patients. The blog above discusses everything that you need to know for a successful career in the field of MLT. Nowadays, Medical Lab Technology colleges are accessible all over India, including the North East. Medhavi Skills University is the best Medical Lab Technology college in India that is known for its skill-based approach to education and can be a great option for candidates wanting to kick start their career in the field of MLT.