What is it like to be a clinical laboratory scientist/medical technologist?

I've been doing this work for about 9 years now and it's great. It depends on what you enjoy. The most intriguing department MAY prove to be Microbiology because Biochemistry and Haemotology are very automated...Micro B's more "lab-like".

I left graduate school to pursue medical technology -- that was 10 years ago. I am an MT(ASCP) working primarily in the blood bank at a hospital. I have never regretted my decision to go into this field. No two days are ever the same... I've had days where there was very little bench work to be done and other days where there was no time for a break of any kind. Regardless of the day, I know that I did something to help someone -- maybe even save a life. The pay -- pay is good, and could be excellent (signing bonus) depending on where you live. The hours -- well, hospitals are open 24/7 and so in the lab. Frequently, when starting out you work an off shift -- evenings or nights. And you weekends and holidays too. It is a good field, not right for everyone, but worth investigating....