Laboratory Technicians or MLT’s “perform routine laboratory tests done in hematology, chemistry, immunohematology, microbiology, immunology and coagulation while maintaining instrument maintenance and quality control” (MLT Job Description). There is also no patient interaction in this setting. At first, these two occupations seem identical, however despite the fact they work within the same settings and so similar procedures, they have differences which are what define them. A medical lab scientist or MLS has more education and job responsibilities. An MLS requires a four-year degree and to work in a laboratory usually while still in school. A MLT only needs a two-year degree usually through a community college. “The median annual Medical Laboratory Technician salary is $47,651, as of November 30, 2016, with a range usually between $42,312-52,980” (Medical Laboratory Technician Salaries). Medical Laboratory Technicians make slightly less money than Medical Technologists. Phlebotomists have heavy patient interaction as they are drawing blood from a variety of different people of many different …show more content…
Phlebotomy is different than MLS and MLT because they only interact with the laboratory, they don’t work in it. Their field is focused heavily on the patients since they are drawing blood from them. Their education path is also very different. “The median annual Phlebotomist salary is $32,106, as of November 30, 2016, with a range usually between $28,921-$35,862” (Phlebotomist Salaries). Phlebotomists make less money than both medical technologists and medical laboratory scientists. “Pharmacists are essential healthcare professionals, who enhance patient care and promote wellness. While responsibilities vary among the different areas of pharmacy practice, the bottom line is that pharmacists help patients get well” (Role of a Pharmacist). Pharmacists prepare and dispense medication. They work in their own kind of laboratory where they prepare medication for their patients. This is a different environment compared to what a MLS or MLT works in. They also interact with patients directly. Pharmacists are like medical technologists in the sense that they work closely with technicians in the