Job Description

Medical technical laboratory assistants (MTLA) carry out for physicians, but on their own responsibility, medical tests, which can serve as a diagnosis of a disease and help in assessing its course. MTLAs do not work directly with a patient but, nevertheless, should be aware that what has been entrusted to them as analysis material is not dead matter, but that there is always a person behind it. The majority of the medical technicians are active in laboratory institutions, research institutions and hospitals in the areas of clinical chemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, haematology, or histology. Since the amendment of the MTA-law in 1993,. a self-employed professional activity in one’s own office/laboratory is possible.

Perspectives

Due to the variety of activities and an increasingly-aging population, MTLAs have very good prospects of finding a job, especially in co-operation with partners of the NTK Landau.
In these laboratories, our students take part in a compulsory (practical) training during their education courses which allows insights into different laboratory operations. Quite often here is also where a career starts. The chance of finding a job abroad is also given, especially in Switzerland which offers very good earning opportunities to MTLAs from Germany. Many large companies also offer the opportunity of attending external further education courses. A continuous learning allows specialization in a particular direction and is, of course, necessary to study new developments for the benefit of patients.

Education

As can be seen from the curriculum, MTLAs receive a broad education. Only in this way, is it possible to create a basis for highly-qualified and responsible workers in the fields of medicine.

In the theoretical lessons aspiring MTLAs get a solid fundamental education in the fields of medical diagnostics. Parallel to this, the understanding of experimental procedures, the documentation of data and their evaluation will be trained in practical classes. Thus, the students are able to combine the contents of both the theoretical and practical courses.
The trained MTLA learns to understand the processes in the human body and thus the importance of their investigations for the patient. Experienced instructional MTAs lead their students in understanding the importance of independent, self-responsible work. The work in small groups promotes teamwork and social skills.
Here is an excerpt of the training at our school. In addition, the Federal Employment Agency presents the MTLA profession here.
The importance of the MTA profession is also shown in this amusing short film, which was produced by students of NTK.

Graduation

After a training period of 3 years, an examination has to be taken to become a “state-certified MTLA”. Here, the theoretical skills can be displayed in a written and oral examination. A practical examination is carried out in the four main subjects, clinical chemistry, microbiology, haematology and histology.

Educational requirements

Do you have a qualified lower secondary education (high school), an equivalent degree or have completed vocational training of at least two years’ duration?
Do have have fun with teamwork and dare to take responsibility? Do you enjoy carrying out experiments, in logical and creative thinking and look to the future for a varied and safe workplace?
If so, then you have the best prerequisites for your career as an MTLA.