How Can a Medical Lab Tech Degree Prepare You to Work in Hematology?

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Hematology is the study of blood and blood diseases. It is a bit more specialized than a medical lab tech that does other types of testing like urinalysis and other specimen study. Some medical lab techs get more interested in blood and blood diseases as they work in these specialties and wind up moving into this more intrinsic field due to incredible awareness of the importance of the study.

Who are Hematologists?

Hematology is a specialty branch of internal medicine physicians that deal only with blood studies. Many of them start out in labs doing clinical class work and wind up going deeper into the specialty. Knowing that autonomy is appreciated and working in a lab is extremely rewarding to some people, this may inspire individuals to increase interest in the dynamics of blood and blood studies.

Hematologists also study diseases of the bone marrow and lymphatic systems. Different types of anemia, lymphoma, disorders of the white cells and/or platelets, leukemia and other blood issues are all studied under the hematologist’s microscope. Hematologists play a key role in diagnosing and treatment planning of each individual patient. Treatments may include therapeutic phlebotomy, bone marrow aspiration, core bone marrow biopsy, and chemotherapy or other special therapy.

Hematology is a growing science. With more advanced technology and new advanced pharmaceuticals, there are so many wonderful treatments for blood diseases currently. This type of medical practice can be unusually rewarding and interesting to say the least. These physicians must complete a four-year medical degree then complete a 3 to 4 year residency in order to work in the field as a hematologist. There are many years involved in learning to diagnose and treat these disorders.

Equipment

In training, if a student begins work as a medical laboratory technician, he or she will have the advantage of knowing in advance about laboratory equipment, microscopes, cell counters, automated equipment, and the general environment of the laboratory. If an individual thinks he or she will eventually want to go into hematology, working in a laboratory would be an excellent idea in order to hone skills that will be required for a lifetime in this profession. It would be good to know that each day there will be noxious fumes, handling of pathogenic specimens and absolutely no room for error when performing these types of laboratory tests. Patients will be depending on an accurate diagnosis and exemplary implementation of treatment plans.

Job Description

Medical lab technicians, like the hematologist, will have a keen ability to collect and analyze date, excellent technical skills and an accurate eye for detail. These technicians should also develop leadership skills and be willing to step into leadership roles when the opportunity arises. Physical duties include dealing with complicated and complex equipment, sitting and standing for long periods of time, and lifting heavy loads of solutions and other supplies needed in the lab. Good people skills are essential for non-stressful relationships in tight quarters.

This is a wonderful career choice for students who enjoy the work, admire the career path of helping others, and who want a steady salary for the rest of their life.