MLTs are healthcare professionals who perform a variety of laboratory tests on patient samples to assist in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases[1][7].
Job Responsibilities:
Medical laboratory technicians (MLTs) and pathologists' assistants (PAs) are both important allied health professionals who play crucial roles in the healthcare system, particularly in laboratory and pathology settings. However, they have distinct responsibilities, educational requirements, and career paths.
- Collect and prepare patient samples for analysis
- Operate sophisticated laboratory equipment
- Perform tests on blood, urine, and other body fluids
- Record and analyze test results
- Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure quality control
Education and Certification:
- Typically requires an associate's degree in medical laboratory technology
- Certification through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) is often preferred by employers
Career Outlook:
- The job outlook for MLTs is positive, with a projected growth rate of 7% from 2019 to 2029[14]
How to Become Medical laboratory technicians and pathologists' assistants -
Pathologists' Assistants
Pathologists' assistants are highly trained professionals who work under the supervision of pathologists, primarily in anatomic pathology[8][10].
Job Responsibilities:
- Perform gross examination of surgical specimens
- Assist in autopsies and postmortem examinations
- Prepare and submit tissue for microscopic examination
- Photograph specimens and prepare clinical histories
- Manage laboratory operations and quality control
Education and Certification:
- Requires a master's degree from a NAACLS-accredited pathologists' assistant program
- Certification through the ASCP Board of Certification is necessary
Salary Range
As of February 2025, the salary range for medical laboratory technicians and pathologists' assistants in India is as follows:
- Entry-level: ₹2.1 Lakhs - ₹2.8 Lakhs per annum
- Mid-level (3-5 years experience): ₹2.8 Lakhs - ₹4.8 Lakhs per annum
- Senior-level (5+ years experience): ₹4.8 Lakhs - ₹8 Lakhs per annum
The average annual salary for a laboratory technician is approximately ₹2.8 Lakhs[22].
Key Differences
- Education: MLTs typically require an associate's degree, while PAs need a master's degree[17][8].
- Scope of Practice: MLTs focus on performing laboratory tests, while PAs are more involved in gross examination of specimens and assisting pathologists[1][8].
- Work Environment: MLTs work primarily in clinical laboratories, while PAs often work in surgical pathology and autopsy settings[1][10].
- Career Progression: MLTs can advance to become medical laboratory scientists with additional education, while PAs have a more specialized career path within pathology[16].
Citations:
[1] https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/medical-laboratory-technician
[2] https://college.mayo.edu/academics/explore-health-care-careers/careers-a-z/medical-laboratory-scientist/
[3] https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/pathologist-assistant
[4] https://college.mayo.edu/academics/explore-health-care-careers/careers-a-z/pathologists-assistant/
[5] https://www.getsetresumes.com/resume-examples/pathology-assistant-resume-sample
[6] https://www.itm.edu/blog/duties-and-responsibilities-of-a-medical-laboratory-technician/
[7] https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/what-can-you-do-with-mlt-degree
[8] https://www.pathassist.org/page/What_is_a_PA
[9] https://www.medicaltechnologyschools.com/pathologists-assistant/how-to-become-a-pathologists-assistant
[10] https://www.schulich.uwo.ca/pathol/gps/mclsc_pathologists_assistant/program_overview/what_is.html
[11] https://www.foundit.in/career-advice/lab-technician-job-description/
[12] https://www.indeed.com/hire/job-description/lab-technician
[13] https://www.betterteam.com/lab-technician-job-description
[14] https://www.itm.ac.in/blog/the-role-of-medical-laboratory-technologists-a-career-guide/
[15] https://resources.workable.com/lab-technician-job-description
[16] https://www.raise.me/careers/healthcare/medical-and-clinical-laboratory-technologists-and-technicians/
[17] https://www.coursera.org/articles/medical-laboratory-technician
[18] https://in.linkedin.com/jobs/pathologists-assistant-jobs
[19]