How long does it take to become a medical technologist?

Next, work experience, including clinical work, is needed to qualify for a medical technologist certification. It's recommended to have at least three years of experience in a medical laboratory setting.

Eligibility for certification as a medical technologist can be granted either through adequate work experience or by completing a NAACLS-accredited bachelor's degree. The work experience needed could take up to five years, extending the process of becoming a medical technologist.

Once you have the clinical experience, the next step is certification. Many states require medical technologists to pass an examination to receive certification to operate as medical technologists.

Although the exam takes a day to complete, some individuals may take months due to preparation, waiting for approval, study time, and scheduling conflicts.

Medical terminologist applicants applying for certification must have satisfactorily completed a minimum of 1,040 hours of work experience in the past three years, emphasizing laboratory technology in a healthcare setting. A minimum of 520 hours of clinical laboratory experience is required.

While not required, employers may prefer to hire medical technologists who are professionally certified. Specialized medical technologists can sometimes become certified through their employer or via organizations that administer to their specialty.

The American Medical Technologists (AMT) agency, for example, offers a professional AMT designation. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited program and either a recognized medical technology internship or a year of approved experience to sit for the written examination.