Perform laboratory tests on blood, tissue and body fluids to support diagnosis and treatment. Medical technologists hold the BSc, are licensed by the CPSM, and work in hospitals, health centres, the National Public Health Laboratory and private laboratories.
Salary Breakdown
Medical Technologist (HPC/MDT 1). Advertised at $3,241,533 per annum by the Ministry of Health & Wellness. Runs routine tests, performs venipuncture and validates results under a Senior Medical Technologist.
Estimated Take-Home Pay
Based on the midpoint of the Entry salary range ($3,570,767 JMD), after NIS, NHT, Education Tax, and PAYE.
Show deduction breakdown
- Gross (annual)
- $3,570,767 JMD
- NIS (3%)
- −$107,123 JMD
- NHT (2%)
- −$71,415 JMD
- Education Tax
- −$77,931 JMD
- PAYE Income Tax
- −$390,320 JMD
- Net (annual)
- $2,923,975 JMD
Estimate only — illustrative rates and thresholds, not tax advice. Confirm current figures with Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) and the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).
Career Path Roadmap
- 1
High School & CXC Subjects
Pass CSEC Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and English. Strong science foundation is essential.
5 years (Forms 1-5) - 2
BSc in Medical Laboratory Science
Complete a 4-year BSc in Medical Laboratory Science or Biomedical Science. Only two institutions in Jamaica offer this degree: UTech and NCU. Includes clinical placements in hospital labs.
4 years - 3
Licence with the CPSM
Register with the Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine (CPSM) to practise as a Medical Technologist. Registration is granted on your degree and internship - there is no licensing examination. Licences are renewed annually.
6 months - 4
Medical Technologist (HPC/MDT 1)
Start as a Medical Technologist (HPC/MDT 1) in a hospital, health centre, the National Public Health Laboratory or the National Blood Transfusion Service. Perform venipuncture, routine testing and quality control.
0 - 3 years - 5
Senior / Specialist Medical Technologist
Progress through the HPC/MDT grades. Specialise in haematology, clinical chemistry, microbiology, immunohaematology, histology or cytology, and take charge of quality assurance and SOPs.
3 - 6 years - 6
Chief Medical Technologist (HPC/MDT 4+)
Move into management. Supervise a hospital or reference laboratory, manage staff and reagents, and maintain compliance with ISO 15189 / ISO 17025.
6+ years
Required Education
- CSEC/CXC English, Mathematics, Biology and Chemistry (minimum 5 subjects)
- CAPE or equivalent for university entry
- BSc in Medical Technology / Medical Laboratory Science (UTech or NCU)
- Six months minimum internship
- Licence with the Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine (CPSM)
Common Local Certifications
- Licence with the Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine (CPSM) - required to practise
- Registration is granted on your qualifications; there is no licensing examination
- Six months minimum internship before registration
- Annual licence renewal (CPSM fiscal year, 1 April - 31 March)
- Membership of a professional association (MTAJ or CASMET)
- Optional international certification (ASCP or AMT)
Where to Train
Local Institutions Offering Programs
- University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) - BSc in Medical Technology, Kingston
- Northern Caribbean University (NCU) - BSc in Medical Technology, Mandeville