The use of technology is enhancing medical diagnosis, care, and treatment. A job in medical technology is ideal if you wish to contribute to these innovative advancements. The field offers a wide range of jobs; medical records specialists just require a high school degree, while physician assistants require a graduate degree.
Is medical technology a good career path for you?
There is great promise in the world of medical technology. Leading positions, such as clinical laboratory technicians and technologists, are expected to expand at a 7% annual rate through 2031. The health care sector is expanding at a rate of 13% overall.
But is a job in medical technology what you want to pursue? If you decide to take this path, you should possess the following abilities:
Cordial. Many medical technologist positions, such as radiography and sonography, necessitate direct patient interaction. A friendly bedside approach is essential.
Team player. To deliver the best possible patient care, medical technology professionals collaborate with physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, and other medical technology specialists. Collaboration is essential.
But is a job in medical technology what you want to pursue? If you decide to take this path, you should possess the following abilities:
Cordial. Many medical technologist positions, such as radiography and sonography, necessitate direct patient interaction. A friendly bedside approach is essential.
Team player. To deliver the best possible patient care, medical technology professionals collaborate with physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, and other medical technology specialists. Collaboration is essential.
Detail-oriented. A strong attention to detail is necessary for many medical tech positions. A physician's assistant or medical assistant, for instance, is required to maintain meticulous patient records.
Leadership abilities. Having strong leadership qualities is essential for career advancement in the medical technology industry. As a clinical laboratory scientist, for instance, you might supervise more inexperienced clinical or medical lab technicians.
Leadership abilities. Having strong leadership qualities is essential for career advancement in the medical technology industry. As a clinical laboratory scientist, for instance, you might supervise more inexperienced clinical or medical lab technicians.
Best degrees for medical technology
Careers in medical technology typically call for a science degree and practical medical experience. The following degrees may be able to assist you in landing a job:
A high school certificate. It's true that a college degree is not required to work in medical technology. Professionals in medical records might start their careers with just a high school degree.
Science. One can pursue a profession as a medical laboratory technician, medical assistant, physician's assistant, or medical lab technologist by majoring in science subjects like biology, chemistry, and biochemistry. There's also biomedical engineering.
Certificates in specialties. Extra doors can be opened by specialized qualifications in addition to a Bachelor of Science degree. For instance, the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) certification is required for surgical technologists, whereas sonographers require a certificate in diagnostic medical sonography.
A high school certificate. It's true that a college degree is not required to work in medical technology. Professionals in medical records might start their careers with just a high school degree.
Science. One can pursue a profession as a medical laboratory technician, medical assistant, physician's assistant, or medical lab technologist by majoring in science subjects like biology, chemistry, and biochemistry. There's also biomedical engineering.
Certificates in specialties. Extra doors can be opened by specialized qualifications in addition to a Bachelor of Science degree. For instance, the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) certification is required for surgical technologists, whereas sonographers require a certificate in diagnostic medical sonography.
Industries where you can build a medical tech career
Jobs using medical technology can be found in a variety of healthcare environments, such as physician offices, hospitals, assisted living homes, and rehabilitation centers. Not in the mood to interact with patients? Additionally, you can work in laboratories for private pharmaceutical corporations or government research agencies.
For a handshake list of businesses employing medical tech professionals, scroll down.
For a handshake list of businesses employing medical tech professionals, scroll down.
Top 6 entry-level jobs in medical technology
You can pursue a career in medical technology if you believe it's the right fit for you. These are a few well-liked job pathways for entry-level work.
1. Clinical laboratory scientist
Clinical laboratory scientists, sometimes referred to as medical laboratory scientists, might find employment in diagnostic labs, hospitals, or physician offices. To aid in medical diagnostics, they collect and examine samples, such as bodily fluids and tissues. Compared to a medical or clinical laboratory technician, a clinical laboratory scientist typically possesses greater schooling and is capable of handling more intricate lab tasks and analysis.
Qualifications:
- A bachelor's degree in chemistry or microbiology, or in a science or health-related discipline, is preferable; however, a bachelor's degree in medical technology or clinical laboratory science is also acceptable.
- National accreditation in the fields of medical laboratory science (MLS) and clinical laboratory science (CLS)
Skills:
- Abilities as a leader
- Strong project management abilities
- Outstanding capacity for communication
2. Medical laboratory technician
Clinical laboratory scientists frequently oversee the work of medical laboratory technologists. While clinical laboratory scientists may do more thorough studies, write reports, and present results, they carry out routine chores like gathering and processing samples.
Qualifications:
- An associate's degree in chemistry, microbiology, or a related field
- For the majority of medical technologist positions, national certification as a medical technologist (MT) is preferred.
Skills:
- Meticulous
- Strong project management abilities
- The capacity to multitask
3. Radiologic technologist
Medical practitioners diagnose a wide range of illnesses, from cancer to broken bones, using imaging technologies like X-rays. Photographing and analyzing these images is the responsibility of radiologic technologists. They have direct patient interaction.
Qualifications:
- Finish a two-year course in radiologic technology.
- ace the radiography test offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)
Skills:
- Keen sense of detail
- Courtesy in the bedroom
- Talkative
4. Medical lab technologist
Medical laboratory technicians and technologists are comparable. Both of them carry out tasks in laboratories, such as setting up lab apparatus, examining biological samples, and documenting test outcomes. A medical laboratory technologist, on the other hand, is marginally more skilled and can carry out more intricate tests and analysis. They could also be in charge of other team members.
Qualifications:
- A bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, microbiology, or a related field
- National Medical Technologist (MT) Certification
Skills:
- Capabilities as a leader
- Paying close attention to details
- Capabilities for managing projects
5. MRI technologist
Scanners for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used in medicine. MRI technologists assist with MRI imaging, guaranteeing both high-quality images and patient comfort. In addition, they might explain MRI processes, record patient data into computer systems, and give IV contrast solutions.
Qualifications:
- MRI technology or radiography associate
- ARRT certification is preferred.
Skills:
- Amiable and sympathetic
- Unambiguous communicator
- Effective time management
6. Surgical technician
In the operating room, surgical technologists and technicians support surgeons and nurses. They might help maintain the operating room sterile, gather and count surgical instruments and equipment, sterilize equipment, and prepare patients for surgery.
Qualifications:
- A one-year program covers surgical tech if you already have an associate degree, while two-year programs combine the associate and surgical tech certification. An associate degree plus a specialized surgical technologist training program
- The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) certification is preferred.
Skills:
- Incredibly well-organized
- Keen sense of detail
- A cooperative team member
Find medical technology jobs on Handshake
The world of medical technology is always changing, with new prospects emerging on a regular basis. Everyone can find something of interest. If you do well under pressure, a career as an ER tech might be right for you. If your style is more laid back, you might be a good fit for a career as a medical lab technician.It's a field worth looking into if the idea of being at the forefront of health care innovation appeals to you. It's simple to land your first field job using Handshake. Establish a profile and configure job notifications. There are internships as well as full- and part-time positions available.
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