Part 1: Read and discuss the following lesson:

Exploring the Job of a Medical Laboratory Technician

Have you ever wondered who helps doctors find out what is making people sick? One important job is that of a Medical Laboratory Technician! These workers play a big role in healthcare, helping to keep us healthy and safe.

What Does a Medical Laboratory Technician Do?

Medical Laboratory Technicians work in labs where they test samples from patients. These samples can be blood, urine, or other body fluids. The technicians use special machines and tools to look for germs, diseases, or other problems in the samples. Their work helps doctors understand what is wrong with a patient so they can give the right treatment.

How Do They Work?

1. Collecting Samples: Medical Laboratory Technicians often start by collecting samples from patients. This can mean drawing blood or taking small samples of other fluids. They make sure everything is done safely and carefully.
2. Testing: After collecting the samples, technicians analyze them using different tests. They look for things like bacteria that can make someone sick or check if the blood has enough healthy cells.
3. Using Equipment: Technicians use many types of equipment, like microscopes, to see tiny things that we cannot see with our eyes. They need to know how to use these tools properly to get correct results.
4. Reporting Results: Once the tests are done, Medical Laboratory Technicians write down the findings. They share these results with doctors so that the doctors can make decisions about how to treat their patients.

Education and Skills Needed

To become a Medical Laboratory Technician, you usually need to finish high school and then go to college for special training. In college, students learn about biology, chemistry, and how to use lab equipment. It is also important for technicians to have good attention to detail, be organized, and work well with others.

Why Is This Job Important?

Medical Laboratory Technicians are vital because they help save lives! The tests they perform can find diseases early when they are easier to treat. By working behind the scenes, they support doctors and patients, making a real difference in healthcare.

In conclusion, being a Medical Laboratory Technician is an exciting and important job. They use science to help people and ensure that everyone stays healthy. If you enjoy science and helping others, this might be a career for you!

Part 2: Research one degree and/or certificate program in this field available at Saddleback College and read an article about it:

Medical Laboratory Technician

• Medical Lab Technology (Associate in Science)
• Medical Lab Technology (Certificate of Achievement)

Articles:

• Exploring Medical Lab Technician Careers and Training
• Exploring Medical Lab Technology Careers and Training

Part 3: Write about the specialty you are interested in and what you learned about it by writing 5 or more sentences about it in the comments section below: