Course Details
Aspirants of medical laboratory technology can take up courses both at diploma and undergraduate level. The B.Sc. programme in medical laboratory technology is offered by different medical colleges/institutions across the country. The degree awarded is B.Sc.-M.L.T (BLMT). The basic eligibility criterion for Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Technology (BMLT) is 10+2 or equivalent with Science subjects. BMLT is a 3 year programme.
Eligibility needed for diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology (DMLT) is 10+2 or equivalent examination from a recognized University or Board. Duration of the course is 2 years. There are also other certificate courses in lab technicians which needs 10+2 as the eligibility. Courses are offered by colleges, universities as well as hospitals. The hospitals are usually affiliated with a college or university.
Career Prospects
A certified medical laboratory technician may find a challenging career in public and private sector hospital, minor emergency centers, laboratory, blood donor centers. These days with the growth in the private sector there are so many private hospitals, nursing homes, blood banks, pathology laboratories etc. the demand for laboratory technicians is on the up-swing. With adequate knowledge and experience, Medical Laboratory Technologists can advance to supervisory or management positions in laboratories and hospitals. These Laboratory Technologists can also run private pathology laboratories. Teaching in medical collages and institutions is also a very good option for them.
Top Colleges Offering UG/PG/Other Courses
Many colleges/universities/institutes offer BLMT course and other diploma courses in lab technologies. Some prominent names are University College of Medical Sciences and GTB Hospital, New Delhi; Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh; Sardar Bhagwan Singh Memorial Instt. of Biomedical Sciences, Dehra Dun; Maharashtra University of Health Science, Nashik; Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal; Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram; Nizam Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad; Sikkim Manipal University of Health, Medical and Technological Sciences, Gangtok; Sothern College of Medical Technology, Chennai.
Remuneration
Medical lab Technologists/Technicians get reasonable salary in government and private hospitals, clinics and diagnostic laboratories etc. The average starting salary of a lab technician ranges between Rs.6000 - 10000 per month in hospitals and in clinics. Those working in private hospitals and clinics have more income than those of government employees. Those who are doing private practice are earning handsome returns depending upon their skill and popularity.
