Career in Medical Lab Technology (MLT): Courses, Eligibility, Jobs

The medical field offers numerous career opportunities for students with a PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) subject combination in Class 12.

While programs like MBBS, BDS, and Nursing are often the top choices, there are several other highly job-oriented courses in the medical field that provide excellent career prospects and growth opportunities.

A Medical lab technician is a healthcare professional responsible for performing diagnostic tests, analyzing samples, and assisting doctors in diagnosing and treating diseases.

lab technician

 

In order to diagnose an illness, the doctors need to investigate through the blood test, urine test, stool test and others lab test. Doctors prescribes the medicine as per the result of these tests.  The Medical lab technology is the subject that covers all these testing related activities & process.

What is Medical laboratory technology

Medical lab technology is the science that is involved in the chemical, microscopic, immunologic, hematological, bacteriological diagnostic analysis of human fluids like urine, blood, stool, sputum, peritoneal fluid, cerebro-spinal fluid, synovial fluid, pericardial fluid and other specimen”.

The Medical laboratory technology is also known as the medical laboratory science or clinical laboratory technology focuses on performing diagnostic tests and related activities by the professionals known as medical laboratory technicians (MLT) or the medical laboratory scientists.

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In this field there are two profiles as the following:

  1. Medical Lab Technologists
  2. Medical Lab Technicians

Medical technologists are highly trained people and testing specialist like analysis of body fluids, study of the immune system (Immunology), blood banking, haematology (study of blood) and study in bacteria and microorganism (Microbiology), Whereas.

Medical technicians work under the supervision of technologists. They do the routine testing in the laboratory. They prepare the specimen and operate the automatic analyzer machines.

Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) is a branch of science that deals with the diagnosis, treatment & prevention of disease using clinical laboratory test.

Medical Lab Technology Courses

The Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) professionals plays a key role in the healthcare system by diagnosing diseases, monitoring patients health and in research and development.

Around 60–80% of decisions regarding patient’s discharge, treatment and further assessment are based on the medical laboratory test results.

To produce experts and professionals in this field many institutions and colleges offers courses in the field of medical lab technology.

Also Check – Courses After 12th

The courses start right from the diploma courses, UG degree courses upto the PG degree programmes. The popular courses are listed below:

Diploma Courses:

  • Diploma in Clinical Analysis
  • Diploma in Cardiovascular Technician
  • Diploma in Medical Imaging Technology
  • Diploma in Medical Record Technology
  • Diploma in X-Ray and ECG Technology
  • Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology (DMLT)
  • Diploma in Clinical Laboratory Technician
  • Diploma in EEG Laboratory Technician

Also Check – Diploma Courses After 12th Science

Bachelor Courses

  • Bachelor of Medical Lab Technology (BMLT)
  • B.Sc in Medical Laboratory Technology
  • B.Sc in Medical Imaging Technology
  • B.Sc. Clinical Laboratory Technology

Master Courses

  • Post Graduate Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Laboratory Services in Science
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Biomedical Laboratory Technology (PGDBLT)
  • M.Sc in Medical Imaging Technology
  • M.Sc in Medical Laboratory Technology

All diploma courses are for the duration of two years and the UG degree courses leading to the B.Sc in MLT are for the duration of 3 years.

Candidates can go for higher studies like pursuing a PG diploma or degree programme in this field.

Also Check – Top Medical Courses without NEET

The BMLT is one of the most sought programmes in the field of medical lab technology. The BMLT course curriculum focuses on the subjects like chemistry, biochemistry, equipment handling and operating, microanalysis, immunology, cytology, human anatomy and haematology.

MLT is a crucial part of the healthcare system. Without an MLT, modern medicine would be incapable of providing the right treatment to the patients.

The areas of specialization in this field are as the following:

  • Microbiology
  • Clinical chemistry
  • Clinical biochemistry
  • Biostatistics
  • Molecular Biology and Applied genetics
  • Clinical Pathology
  • Hematology
  • Immunology and Immunological techniques
  • Immune pathology
  • Biomedical Techniques
  • Cytotechnology
  • Phlebotomy
  • Serology
  • Parasitology
  • Urinalysis
  • Coagulation
  • Histology
  • Radiology
  • Ultrasonography
  • Bacteriology
  • Toxicology
  • Virology
  • Mycology
  • Histopathology
  • Histocompatibility
  • Cytopathology
  • Genetics
  • Cytogenetic
  • Electron microscopy

Eligibility & Admission

For admission to UG degree programs like Bachelor of Medical Lab Technology (BMLT) or B.Sc (MLT). Candidates must pass class 12th with minimum 45% marks and having biology as the core subject in 101+2.

The admission is based on the entrance test CUET UG or any other state level entrance examinations for admission to UG degree programme.

For admission to the PG programme, candidates need to complete the UG course in the related field.

Many colleges also give admissions on the basis of merit list. The merit list shall be made on the basis of marks scored in the qualifying examination or 10+2.

Entrance Exams

Some of the most popular entrance exams for admission to UG degree courses in Medical Lab Technology are given below:

Jobs & Career

A medical lab technicians are very high in demand both in government as well as in private sector. As the country’s healthcare system is expanding rapidly the demand for professionals in this field is also increasing.

Candidates who are not interested in the mainstream courses like like MBBS, BAMS, BUMS and BHMS can go for medical lab technology related courses.

Graduated can find the job opportunities in hospitals, research lab, private laboratories or the pharmaceutical companies.

A medical laboratory technologist does not interact directly with the patient. The qualities which require for this profile are research ability, speed, accuracy, analytical judgment, working under pressure and mechanical and operating knowledge of instruments and computers.

With growing awareness about health and wellness, an increasing number of people are undergoing regular blood tests and health check-ups. This has created a significant demand for skilled professionals in the field of Medical Laboratory Technology. The top job profiles in this domain include:

  • Medical technician
  • Medical technologist
  • Laboratory in charge
  • QC Manager
  • QA Manager
  • Lab Consultant
  • Lab supervisor
  • Health care Administrator
  • Hospital Outreach coordination
  • Laboratory information system Analyst
  • Educational consultant
  • Medical Coordinator
  • Lab Director
  • Health and safety officer

Top Recruiters

The working areas for a medical lab technician (MLT) graduates are the following:

  • Government hospital
  • Private hospital
  • Minor emergency centers
  • Private laboratory
  • Blood donor centers
  • Doctor’s clinics
  • Research facilities
  • Public health laboratories
  • Universities & research institutions
  • Pharmaceutical companies
  • Biotech companies

Salary

The remuneration in the field of medical laboratory technology starts from the INR 15,000 to Rs. 30,000 per month. The salary depends on the number of factors like candidate’s experience, work organization, and skillset.

The professional working in the reputed hospitals can earn the salary between Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 600,00 per month as per their role and experience.

With 4-6 years of experience and having a master’s degree in this field candidates’s may earn anywhere between INR 6-12 lakhs per annum.

The medical lab technology (MLT) is highly job oriented field, graduates can find employment in hospitals, research centers and diagnostic labs.

Books & Study Materials

Here we have listed some books which can help you to study Medical Lab Technician:

  • Concise Book of Medical Laboratory Technology methods and interpretations by Ramnik Sood
  • Basic medical laboratory techniques by Barbara H. Estridge, Anna P. Reynolds
  • Immunohematology for Medical Laboratory Technicians by Sheryl Whitlock
  • Medical laboratory procedures by Mary Ellen Wedding, Sally A. Toenjes
  • Medical Laboratory Technology:Pearls of Wisdom by Valerie Dietz Polansky

Career in Medical Lab Technician FAQ’s

Answer: A Medical Lab Technician (MLT) conducts laboratory tests, analyzes specimens, and helps diagnose diseases by providing critical information for patient care.
Answer: To become an MLT, you generally need a diploma or bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Technology or a related field, along with clinical training or internships.
Answer: MLT professionals can work in hospitals, diagnostic labs, research centers, blood banks, and clinics. There are also opportunities in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.
Answer: The starting salary for MLTs in India ranges from ₹2,00,000 to ₹4,00,000 per annum, depending on experience, location, and employer.
Answer: Yes, MLT professionals can advance to roles like senior lab technologist, lab supervisor, or quality control specialist with experience and additional certifications.
Answer: Yes, demand for skilled MLTs is growing due to the increasing need for medical diagnostics and laboratory services in healthcare facilities.
Answer: Yes, MLTs can specialize in areas like microbiology, hematology, biochemistry, and pathology by obtaining additional certifications or training.
Answer: Critical skills include attention to detail, analytical ability, good communication, proficiency in laboratory equipment, and strong knowledge of laboratory safety procedures.

32 Comments

  1. Sir I am studying dmlt first so after dmlt microbiology studying compasaly are not without microbiology I can get job are not government job

    1. Many government and private labs hire DMLT professionals for roles like Lab Technician, Blood Bank Technician, and Clinical Pathologist. For government jobs, you can apply for positions in hospitals, diagnostic centers, and health departments.

    1. The salary starts with 15 to 20 thousand per month. In the government sector, the salaries are competitive and as per the government norms.

  2. sir i have completed my 12th this so i need a suggestion that for better career should i go for biotech or bmlt …. plz suggest

  3. I want to know how study this groups&where this studies are learn&how much cooleges have this groups

  4. hi i want to do DMLT could you please tell me the information about this course with fees. and how can i join with you. i have completed my 12 std with bio

  5. i want to do BLMT,could you plase tell m the information about this course with fees and how can i join in delhi

  6. i want to do DMLT. could you please tell me the information about this course with fees. and how can i join with you.

  7. Now im 12th.. I want to study diplomo courses in courses want can I do for tat. .. BT I can’t have more money…If courses available for less fee? Plz suggest me

    1. I have done my pg with micribiology. I want to do dmlt course.how can I apply for dmlt with less fee structure

  8. I WANT TO DO DMLT course .pls tell me about this course .B.SC done in this year from ccs university with ZBC.

    WITH REGARDS
    Ms. Bhavana

  9. I completed my 12th and i want to do DMLT. what are the formalities i have to fullfill in this coarse. and, how can i take admisssion in any reputated government college.

  10. i had given my cet for science vth biology ,physcis, chemistry in 2012 can i take admission on that in bot or bds or any other course now

  11. listen i m student of 12 bio group i have completed my 12 std ow but i m confused so much which course i should take and earn more salary in future to make my future bright!

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