Launch a Rewarding Career as a Medical Technician in 2026

Are you considering a career that offers both stability and a profound impact on patient care? The role of a medical technician stands as a cornerstone in modern diagnostics, providing the crucial data that informs virtually every treatment plan. This isn’t just a job; it’s an essential healthcare support role that places you at the heart of medical innovation, even as technology like AI and automation reshape the laboratory landscape.

Why a Medical Technician Career is More Relevant Than Ever

The healthcare sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by an aging population and continuous advancements in medical science. This surge directly translates into a significant demand for skilled medical technicians. Projections indicate employment growth of 13% to 16% through 2028, far exceeding the national average for all occupations. We anticipate 24,000 to 42,700 new job openings annually, creating a robust job market for those prepared to enter.

A medical technician career path offers both financial security and professional growth. The median annual salary for medical laboratory technicians is projected to reach approximately $54,400 to $57,380 by 2026, with top earners in specialized roles surpassing $84,000.

This demand is further intensified by a critical retirement cliff, with up to 60% of the current workforce eligible for retirement by 2026. This creates a powerful incentive for aggressive recruitment strategies, including attractive sign-on bonuses, making it an opportune moment to explore how to become a medical technician.

Is This Path Right for You?

This guide is specifically crafted for aspiring healthcare professionals who are eager to contribute to patient well-being from a vital laboratory setting. If you are detail-oriented, possess a strong interest in science, and seek a career with tangible impact and clear advancement opportunities, then a medical technician role warrants your serious consideration. It’s a rewarding field where your daily work directly supports accurate diagnoses and effective treatments.

We will delve into the essential skills and certifications for 2026, exploring the daily realities of this evolving profession, and outlining the clear steps for your medical technician career path. From understanding the foundational education to navigating national certification and state licensure requirements, we cover everything you need to know. For a deeper dive into the daily life within the lab, explore A Day in the Lab: Realities of a Medical Technician in 2026.

Many aspiring medical technicians find success through flexible, self-paced programs. Beacon Hill Career Training specializes in just this, offering online certificate programs designed to build foundational skills and enhance training methodologies for high-growth, in-demand healthcare roles. Visit fastcareertraining.com now to learn more about how our programs, including those for Phlebotomy Technician, can set you on the right track towards a fulfilling healthcare career 2026.

Many people envision doctors and nurses when they think of healthcare, but behind every diagnosis and successful treatment lies a crucial team of unsung heroes: medical technicians. These professionals are the backbone of clinical laboratories, performing the vital tests that inform almost every medical decision. Their daily work is precise, impactful, and essential for patient care, directly contributing to the accurate and timely information physicians rely on.

The Core of Laboratory Operations

A medical technician’s day is dynamic, centered around analyzing patient samples to provide accurate and timely results. This is a critical healthcare support role, directly influencing how physicians diagnose illnesses, monitor treatment effectiveness, and prevent disease. Without their meticulous work, much of modern medicine would simply not be possible.

Medical technicians are the detectives of the diagnostic world, uncovering crucial clues within samples.

Their primary responsibilities often include:

• Sample Processing: Receiving, labeling, and preparing patient samples such as blood, urine, tissue, and other bodily fluids for analysis. This foundational step ensures accuracy from the very beginning.
• Performing Diagnostic Tests: Operating sophisticated laboratory equipment to conduct a wide array of tests. This could range from blood counts (hematology) and identifying bacteria (microbiology) to analyzing chemical components (clinical chemistry) and blood typing (immunohematology).
• Quality Control: Regularly checking equipment calibration and test results to ensure everything is functioning correctly and producing reliable data. This vigilance guarantees the integrity of every report.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Interpreting test results, identifying abnormalities, and inputting data into laboratory information systems for physicians to review. Accuracy here is paramount.
• Equipment Maintenance: Performing routine maintenance and troubleshooting on complex analyzers. With the increasing integration of automation and AI in labs, digital literacy for these tasks is becoming more critical.

Impact on Patient Outcomes

Consider a patient presenting with symptoms of infection. A medical technician quickly processes their blood sample, cultures it, and identifies the specific pathogen. This rapid, accurate information enables the doctor to prescribe the correct antibiotic, potentially saving a life. This direct contribution to patient well-being underscores the immense value of medical technician jobs.

For those looking to enter this rewarding field, gaining practical skills is key. Many successful professionals begin their journey through focused medical lab technician programs that emphasize hands-on training. At Beacon Hill Career Training, we understand the importance of building foundational skills and offer self-paced certificate programs designed to prepare individuals for these high-demand roles. You can explore how to build a respected medical technician career through online study and gain the essential medical technician skills needed for success.

The median annual salary for medical laboratory technicians is projected to reach approximately $54,400 to $57,380 by 2026, reflecting the high demand and specialized nature of this work. This robust outlook, coupled with an anticipated 13% to 16% employment growth, makes becoming a medical technician an excellent career choice. If you’re wondering how to become a medical technician, the path involves dedicated education and certification. Visit fastcareertraining.com now to learn more.

Every sample analyzed, every test performed, contributes directly to a healthier community.

The daily life of a medical technician is a blend of scientific rigor, technological proficiency, and an unwavering commitment to accuracy, all contributing to the larger mission of saving and improving lives.

The role of a medical technician isn’t just a job; it’s a foundational pillar of modern healthcare, becoming increasingly indispensable with each passing year. As someone focused on practical career growth, I see this field as one of the most strategic moves an aspiring professional can make today, offering both immediate impact and robust long-term stability.

Why Your Medical Technician Career Path Offers Unmatched Stability and Growth

When we talk about career significance, the numbers for medical technicians speak volumes. The projected job growth for this sector is a robust 13% to 16% through 2028, which is significantly faster than the average for all occupations. This surge isn’t just about new positions; it’s fueled by a critical industry expansion and a substantial wave of retirements, anticipating 24,000 to 42,700 new openings annually. This high demand means securing medical technician jobs is a realistic and attainable goal for those with the right training.

Beyond job security, the med tech salary prospects are equally compelling. The median annual salary for medical laboratory technicians is projected to reach approximately $54,400 to $57,380 by 2026, with top earners in specialized roles exceeding $84,000. These figures demonstrate a clear path to financial reward for individuals dedicated to this vital profession. For those seeking to advance their careers, gaining additional credentials and a bachelor’s degree can lead to Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) roles, often commanding a 20% to 30% salary premium, as detailed in this guide on how to become a medical technician.

A medical technician career path isn’t just stable; it’s a ladder of opportunity.

The Healthcare Industry’s Growing Reliance on Medical Technicians

The broader healthcare landscape is undergoing profound shifts, making medical technicians more critical than ever. We’re seeing an aging global population that requires more diagnostic testing, leading to an undeniable elevation in the demand for these professionals. Furthermore, technological advancements are revolutionizing the laboratory, with Total Lab Automation (TLA) and AI-enabled diagnostic tools expected to be standard in over 60% of large laboratories by 2026. This means technicians now need strong digital literacy to manage and troubleshoot these sophisticated systems. This evolution is why many are now considering medical technologists in demand positions.

Another significant factor is the looming workforce shortage. The industry faces a critical retirement cliff, with up to 60% of the current workforce eligible for retirement by 2026. This creates immense opportunities for new entrants, often accompanied by aggressive recruitment strategies, including sign-on bonuses of $5,000 to $15,000. This is a clear signal that the industry is actively seeking skilled professionals to fill these essential roles.

Driving Public Health Through Precision and Expertise

At its core, the medical technician’s role directly impacts public health. Every diagnosis, every treatment plan, and every patient outcome hinges on the accuracy and efficiency of laboratory testing. From routine blood work to complex molecular diagnostics, these professionals provide the crucial data that physicians rely on to make informed decisions.

The rise of personalized medicine and liquid biopsies, for instance, is shifting the technician’s focus towards intricate molecular testing and genomic analysis. This means their expertise is not just about running tests, but interpreting results within a broader clinical context, directly contributing to more precise and effective patient care. To ensure you have the foundational skills for these evolving demands, exploring a robust medical technician entry guide is essential.

Long-Term Importance and Adaptability

The significance of medical technicians will only continue to grow. As healthcare becomes more data-driven and technology-reliant, the need for skilled individuals who can bridge the gap between advanced machinery and patient care will intensify. This requires a commitment to continuous learning and adaptability—qualities that are central to programs like those offered by Beacon Hill Career Training. Our focus at Beacon Hill Career Training is on providing self-paced, accessible certificate programs that equip individuals with the practical skills and a strong foundation to excel in these evolving roles, often leading to crucial med tech certification.

Medical technicians are not merely operators of equipment; they are critical thinkers, problem-solvers, and essential contributors to the diagnostic process, ensuring the health and well-being of communities worldwide.

To successfully launch a career as a certified medical technician, you need a clear roadmap that combines rigorous education, hands-on experience, and essential national certification. The path isn’t just about gaining knowledge; it’s about building practical, in-demand skills that healthcare employers value today and in 2026.

Laying the Educational Foundation

The journey into medical technician training typically begins with a focused academic program. The industry standard entry-level requirement is an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT). This two-year degree provides the foundational scientific knowledge and laboratory techniques crucial for accurate diagnostic work.

Choosing an accredited program is paramount for your future success. Look for programs accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). This accreditation ensures that your education meets stringent quality standards, preparing you adequately for both clinical practice and national certification exams. Without NAACLS accreditation, your ability to sit for these crucial exams might be compromised.

Many institutions offer these comprehensive programs, and for those seeking flexible learning options, self-paced programs can be an excellent choice to build foundational skills. These programs often cater to individuals balancing other commitments, making a career transition more accessible.

Gaining Hands-On Clinical Experience

Formal education is only one piece of the puzzle; practical application is equally vital. After completing your academic coursework, you’ll engage in extensive hands-on clinical rotations. These rotations are where theoretical knowledge transforms into tangible skills, preparing you for the realities of a working laboratory.

You can expect to complete anywhere from 400 to 600 hours of supervised clinical experience. This immersive training covers critical areas such as hematology (blood analysis), microbiology (identifying pathogens), and clinical chemistry (analyzing bodily fluids for chemical components). During this phase, you’ll learn to operate sophisticated laboratory equipment, perform a wide array of tests, and interpret results under the guidance of experienced professionals.

Clinical rotations are your opportunity to build confidence and refine your techniques in a real healthcare setting. This practical exposure is what truly prepares you for a successful career in the lab.

Achieving Med Tech Certification

Once your education and clinical training are complete, the final, crucial step is to achieve national med tech certification. This credential is the industry’s “gold standard” and is highly sought after by employers. The primary certifying bodies are the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification (BOC) and American Medical Technologists (AMT).

National certification validates your competency and commitment to professional excellence. It signals to potential employers that you possess the necessary skills and knowledge to perform the duties of a medical technician effectively and safely. While ASCP certification fees are slated to increase by $10 starting January 2026, the long-term career benefits far outweigh this investment.

It’s also important to be aware of medical technician requirements regarding state licensure. While national certification is broadly recognized, approximately 11 to 12 states, including California, New York, and Florida, mandate specific state licensure in addition to national certification. Always verify the specific requirements for the state where you intend to practice. This comprehensive approach ensures you meet all necessary qualifications to become a certified medical lab technician.

Many individuals seeking to enter high-demand healthcare roles, including those considering how to become a medical lab technician, find value in focused online certificate programs. These courses can help bridge skill gaps or provide specialized knowledge quickly. For instance, Beacon Hill Career Training offers a range of online, self-paced certificate programs designed to prepare students for various in-demand healthcare industry roles, building foundational skills and enhancing training methodologies to help individuals achieve excellence in the medical field.

Advancing Your Medical Technician Career

Becoming certified is not just an endpoint; it’s a launchpad. The field of medical technology offers numerous avenues for growth and specialization. Many professionals begin as generalists in hospital laboratories, but with additional education and experience, they can advance to roles such as Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS) by obtaining a bachelor’s degree, often commanding a 20% to 30% salary premium. For a broader understanding of the diverse career paths and the types of healthcare technicians, exploring different roles can be insightful.

Continuous learning and skill development are key to long-term success in this evolving field. From troubleshooting automated analyzers in the age of Total Lab Automation (TLA) to engaging with complex molecular diagnostics, the demand for adaptable, digitally literate technicians is only growing. Understanding the detailed steps to become a medical technician can further guide your journey.

This structured approach—from accredited education and practical clinical training to national certification—provides a robust framework for anyone aspiring to a rewarding career as a certified medical technician.

Embarking on a career as a medical technician offers immense opportunities, but the path is not without its challenges. Many aspiring professionals, eager to join a field projected to grow significantly, often stumble over common, yet avoidable, pitfalls. Understanding these traps early is key to a smooth and successful journey into the medical laboratory.

Overlooking Program Accreditation

One of the most critical missteps is enrolling in an unaccredited medical laboratory technician program. While a program might promise quick certification, without proper accreditation from bodies like the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), your education may not be recognized by employers or national certification boards.

Choosing an unaccredited program is a direct route to wasted time and resources.

This oversight can render you ineligible for the essential med tech certification needed to practice. Always verify that any program you consider holds current and recognized accreditation. At Beacon Hill Career Training, we emphasize foundational skills through industry-focused programs designed to align with recognized standards, ensuring your investment truly prepares you for the medical field.

Neglecting State Licensure Requirements

Another common pitfall is focusing solely on national certification while overlooking specific medical technician requirements for state licensure. While national certifications from organizations like the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or American Medical Technologists (AMT) are the industry gold standard, approximately 11 to 12 states, including California, New York, and Florida, demand additional state-specific licensure.

National certification is crucial, but state licensure can be a non-negotiable gateway to practice.

Failing to understand these state-mandated requirements can delay your entry into the workforce or restrict your employment opportunities. Always research the specific regulations of the state where you intend to work, ideally before you begin your training. This proactive approach ensures you meet all legal benchmarks to become a practicing medical technician.

Skipping Continuous Professional Development

The medical laboratory field is dynamic, constantly evolving with advancements in technology, diagnostics, and patient care. A significant mistake is viewing your education as a one-time event rather than a continuous process. Neglecting ongoing education means you risk falling behind on crucial developments like Total Lab Automation (TLA), AI-enabled diagnostic tools, and the rise of molecular diagnostics.

Stagnation in knowledge translates to a stagnation in career growth and opportunity.

Professionals who embrace lifelong learning, whether through workshops, advanced certifications, or specialized courses, are better positioned for career advancement. These efforts not only keep your skills sharp but also open doors to specialized roles that often command higher salaries, with top earners in specialized roles exceeding $84,000. For insights on navigating your career path and advancing your skills, consider resources that detail various career pathways and educational advice, such as those found on Research.com’s guide to becoming a medical technician.

Underestimating Clinical Rotation Importance

While theoretical knowledge is foundational, the practical application gained through clinical rotations is indispensable. Some aspiring technicians might not fully appreciate the depth and breadth of experience these 400 to 600 hours provide across hematology, microbiology, and clinical chemistry. This hands-on training is where theoretical concepts solidify into practical skills, preparing you for real-world lab environments.

Clinical experience is the forge where competent technicians are made.

Maximize every moment of your clinical rotations, asking questions and seeking diverse experiences. This practical exposure is critical for building confidence and demonstrating proficiency to future employers. For those looking to build foundational skills and enhance their training methodologies, exploring options like Beacon Hill Career Training’s self-paced programs can provide a structured approach to professional development and increase employment possibilities in the medical field.

Avoiding these common pitfalls by prioritizing accredited education, understanding all medical technician requirements, committing to continuous learning, and valuing hands-on experience will set you on a clear and rewarding trajectory in the medical laboratory field.

For many, the initial certification as a medical technician is just the beginning of a dynamic and rewarding journey. While the entry-level path sets a strong foundation, the medical laboratory field is ripe with opportunities for those who seek to specialize, lead, and adapt to cutting-edge advancements. This isn’t a static career; it’s a launchpad for continuous growth and increased impact.

Elevating Your Expertise Through Education and Specialization

Moving beyond the foundational Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) is a clear pathway to significant career advancement and a higher med tech salary. The most direct route often involves pursuing a bachelor’s degree to become a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS).

A bachelor’s degree can command a 20% to 30% salary premium. This upgrade in credentials doesn’t just open doors to more complex analyses; it positions you for leadership. With the median annual salary for medical laboratory technicians projected to reach $54,400 to $57,380 by 2026, advancing to an MLS role can push your earnings well beyond this, with top earners in specialized roles exceeding $84,000.

Strategic Specialization and Advanced Certifications

Beyond generalist roles, the field offers a rich tapestry of specializations. Think about areas like molecular diagnostics, cytotechnology, blood banking, or clinical chemistry. Each niche requires specific knowledge and often, an advanced medical technician certification.

These specialized certifications are more than just additions to your resume; they are critical differentiators in a competitive job market facing a significant workforce shortage. They signify a deeper commitment and expertise, making you an invaluable asset. To explore specific educational requirements and projected salary increases for advanced roles, you can find comprehensive insights on how to become a medical technician.

Adapting to Tomorrow’s Technology Today

The medical laboratory is undergoing a rapid transformation, driven by automation and artificial intelligence (AI). By 2026, Total Lab Automation (TLA) and AI-enabled diagnostic tools will be standard in over 60% of large-scale laboratories. This shift isn’t about replacing technicians but evolving their roles.

Successful med techs will be those with strong digital literacy, adept at troubleshooting automated analyzers, and skilled in managing AI-driven data workflows. Embrace these technological shifts as opportunities to expand your skill set and become indispensable.

The Rise of Molecular Diagnostics and Personalized Medicine

The frontier of personalized medicine and liquid biopsies is creating new demands for highly skilled technicians. This area focuses on complex molecular testing and genomic analysis, moving beyond traditional lab work into the realm of genetic insights. Investing in specialized medical technician training in these areas can future-proof your medical technician career path.

Continuous Professional Development: Your Growth Engine

The most successful professionals view their career as a continuous learning journey. Given the rapid advancements in healthcare technology and methodologies, ongoing education is not optional—it’s essential. This commitment to learning is what allows you to climb the MedTech career ladder.

For those seeking to build foundational skills or enhance their current training, Beacon Hill Career Training offers flexible, self-paced certificate programs to advance your medical field journey. These programs are designed to provide practical, in-demand skills that directly translate to increased employment possibilities and professional satisfaction.

While your primary focus might be lab work, understanding adjacent healthcare roles, like those in peer support specialist certification, broadens your professional perspective and can open unexpected avenues for career growth and impact. The future of medical technology is bright, and with strategic planning and continuous learning, your career can be too.

The landscape of medical technician jobs is dynamic, but one question frequently arises: is the demand truly uniform across all areas? My experience in healthcare career training reveals a nuanced picture. While the overall outlook for medical technician jobs is exceptionally strong, demand often varies significantly by geographic location, presenting unique opportunities and challenges.

The Geographic Divide: Urban vs. Rural Demand

While major urban centers might offer a broader array of specialized laboratory settings, the most acute demand for healthcare support role professionals, including medical technicians, is increasingly found in rural and underserved communities. These areas often struggle with limited access to essential healthcare services and face persistent staffing shortages.

Many rural hospitals and clinics find it challenging to attract and retain qualified laboratory personnel, leading to critical gaps in diagnostic capabilities. This imbalance means that new graduates, particularly those seeking to make an immediate impact, may find plentiful opportunities and even enhanced med tech salary prospects in these high-need regions.

Rural and underserved areas represent significant career gateways for aspiring medical technicians.

Driving Factors: Workforce Shortages and Recruitment in 2026

Looking ahead to 2026, the industry faces a perfect storm of factors driving unprecedented demand. A major contributing element is the impending “retirement cliff,” with up to 60% of the current medical laboratory workforce becoming eligible for retirement. This demographic shift alone is projected to create 24,000 to 42,700 new job openings annually.

This critical shortage is prompting aggressive recruitment strategies nationwide. We’re seeing facilities offer substantial incentives, including sign-on bonuses ranging from $5,000 to $15,000. These bonuses, combined with a median annual med tech salary projected to reach $54,400 to $57,380 by 2026, make a medical technician career incredibly attractive. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics further projects medical laboratory technicians employment to grow by 13% to 16% through 2028, significantly faster than the national average, underscoring the robust job market. You can explore more about these trends and the overall job outlook for medical laboratory technicians.

Evolving Roles: Automation and Molecular Diagnostics

Even with the integration of Total Lab Automation (TLA) and AI-enabled diagnostic tools, which will be standard in over 60% of large-scale laboratories by 2026, the need for skilled technicians will not diminish. Instead, the healthcare support role evolves. Technicians will be essential for troubleshooting automated analyzers, managing complex data workflows, and validating results. This requires a strong foundation in both traditional laboratory techniques and digital literacy.

Furthermore, the rise of personalized medicine and liquid biopsies is driving a shift towards complex molecular testing and genomic analysis. This specialization opens new avenues for medical technicians to advance their skills and increase their value within the laboratory. For those looking to accelerate their medical technician journey, even with compressed timelines, comprehensive training is key.

Many states, including California, New York, and Florida, require specific state licensure in addition to national certification. Understanding these requirements from the outset is crucial for seamless entry into the profession. Institutions like Beacon Hill Career Training focus on providing the flexible, self-paced programs and foundational skills necessary to prepare individuals for these high-growth roles, ensuring you are ready for the demands of medical technician jobs in any area. To learn more about how to accelerate your healthcare career through online training, visit our blog for practical insights.

In essence, while urban centers offer variety, the profound and growing demand in rural and underserved areas, combined with a nationwide workforce shortage, ensures that medical technician jobs will remain a high-demand, rewarding career path well beyond 2026.

The journey to becoming a medical technician is not merely about acquiring a skill; it’s about stepping into a vital role within the healthcare ecosystem, one that offers profound stability, continuous growth, and immense personal satisfaction. We’ve explored the dynamic responsibilities, the critical impact on patient care, and the robust demand that defines this profession, especially as the industry faces a significant retirement wave and rapid technological advancements.

Charting Your Medical Technician Career Path

To recap, your medical technician career path begins with a solid educational foundation, typically an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) from a NAACLS-accredited program. This academic rigor is complemented by essential clinical rotations, providing hands-on experience across diverse laboratory disciplines like hematology, microbiology, and clinical chemistry.

A strong educational foundation is the bedrock of a successful medical technician career.

The culmination of your training leads to crucial med tech certification, predominantly through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or American Medical Technologists (AMT). This national certification is the industry gold standard, often a prerequisite for employment and, in numerous states, a key component of licensure. For those wondering how to become a medical technician, securing this certification is a non-negotiable step.

The Rewarding Future of Medical Technicians

Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, the outlook for medical technicians is exceptionally bright. The median annual salary is projected to rise, with top earners commanding over $84,000 in specialized roles. Employment is set to grow significantly faster than the national average, driven by an anticipated 24,000 to 42,700 new job openings annually. This high demand, exacerbated by an impending “retirement cliff” of up to 60% of the current workforce, is leading to attractive recruitment incentives, including sign-on bonuses ranging from $5,000 to $15,000.

Beyond entry-level roles, the profession offers a rich tapestry of advancement opportunities. Technicians can specialize in areas like molecular diagnostics, advance to Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) positions with a bachelor’s degree, or even transition into leadership roles, managing laboratory operations and mentoring new talent. Embracing automation and AI integration will also be crucial for navigating the evolving landscape of diagnostic medicine. Learn more about climbing the MedTech career ladder and expanding your expertise.

Your Next Steps Towards a Thriving Career

If you’re ready to embark on this fulfilling journey, the time to act is now. The healthcare sector is expanding, and skilled medical technicians are more vital than ever. Consider exploring comprehensive programs that build foundational skills and enhance your training methodologies. Beacon Hill Career Training offers online, self-paced certificate programs designed to prepare you for high-growth, in-demand healthcare roles, increasing your employment possibilities and helping you achieve professional satisfaction. Their flexible courses are ideal for those seeking to prepare for medical technician certification and enter the medical field efficiently.

Taking that first step, whether it’s researching accredited programs or enrolling in targeted training, can set you on a path toward a stable, impactful, and financially rewarding career. Discover how to become a medical technician with comprehensive guides and resources. Visit fastcareertraining.com to explore how Beacon Hill Career Training can support your ambition to excel in healthcare and make a lasting difference.