Medical Technology Jobs & Career Training

Medical technologists, also known as "clinical laboratory scientists," perform a wide range of laboratory tests, such as:
  • Examining blood
  • Making cultures of tissue samples and body fluid
  • Determining cholesterol levels.
 
Studying for this exciting health career can prepare you to work in research labs, hospital settings, forensics and more.

Working in Medical Technology

Medical technologists can have a bachelor’s degree from a school offering a medical technology program, or get an education from a vocational, medical technology school or technical school.
 
People who would be successful in this field may include those who are interested in science, have investigative instincts and have a desire to help others. Degrees in medical technology not only prepare you to work in a hospital setting—they can also lead to a job in the criminal justice system working in forensic science.

Jobs in Medical Technology

The medical technology field is broad. Depending on what you are interested in, you may want to consider some of the following options:
  • Cardiovascular technologists perform ultrasounds, monitor patients’ heart rates and may explain test procedures to patients, as well as operate care for the testing equipment.
  • Dialysis technologists work under the supervision of a registered nephrology nurse to perform dialysis on patients with kidney failure.
  • EKG techs give electrocardiograms (EKGs) and sonograms of the heart. These technicians also specialize in performing stress tests. A basic EKG test is done before surgery, or can be part of a routine exam.
  • Lab techs are also known as clinical laboratory technicians, clinical laboratory scientists, or medical technicians. These specialists perform tests that play a large role in detecting, diagnosing and treating disease.
  • Patient care techs work with healthcare professionals to assist patients with tasks they might not be able to do themselves. This could include eating, bathing, or brushing their teeth.
  • Radiographers, also known as radiologic technologists, produce X-rays, which doctors sometimes use to diagnosis a medical problem.
  • Surgical technologists, or operating room technicians, assist in surgical operations. The surgical technologist helps to prepare the operating room for surgery.

Facts and Figures

The medical technology field offers a wide variety of stable job opportunities. Most jobs are in hospitals, but employment is expected to grow in other settings as well. In 2006, the median annual salary of a medical or clinical laboratory technologist was $49,700.

Education, Training and Work Experience

If you're considering a career in the medical technology field, and you don't have a degree, you may want to consider attending a vocational or technical school.
 
Many schools offer 12-month courses in clinical laboratory science. During this period, students receive instruction in all parts of laboratory medicine. If they choose, graduates then can take a national certification exam, as many hospitals and organizations require national certification.

Medical Technology Related Associations and Groups

For more information about the medical technology field, you can contact the following:
  • American Medical Technologists is a not-for-profit certification agency and professional membership association. It represents over 41,000 people.
  • The American Society for Clinical Pathology has a membership of 130,000 pathologists, laboratory professionals, medical technologists and more.
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