Medical Technology is a broad term that covers many different careers in healthcare. Medical lab technician, phlebotomist, or histotechnician are just a few of the job titles you will encounter when looking for more information about med tech careers. While most of these careers allow you to work closely with the patients you treat, some med tech jobs require you to stay in a lab while you work. That means there are many different work environments you can choose from after completing med tech training.
What to Expect From a Career in Medical Technology
Also referred to as clinical laboratory science, medical technology is a part of several areas of healthcare including public health and the pharmaceutical industry. Med techs assist with patients, determine lab results, and compound medications for prescriptions. If you are considering a medical technology career, you should think about the path you plan to take. There are several specialties to choose from when considering a career as a med tech, giving those in the field a chance to work in various environments with different types of patients and take on numerous responsibilities.
The average med tech salary is between $50,000 and $60,000, depending on location. For Pennsylvania, the average salary is $56,719. An associate’s degree or certificate is usually necessary to work as a medical technician; however, there are advanced positions that require med techs to have a bachelor’s degree.
Top Specialties to Consider for Your Med Tech Career
Med techs are experts in a specified healthcare area. They have the training and skills to use specific equipment, analyze blood tests, and ensure a safe and sterile work environment. If you are a med tech who prefers to work one-on-one with patients, here are a few career paths for you to consider.
Surgical Technician
These technicians help prepare operating rooms to ensure they are sterile for surgery. Likewise, they can help set up equipment and ensure that patients are fully equipped for their upcoming procedures.
Phlebotomist
A phlebotomist interacts with their patients regularly. They draw blood for tests, donations, or transfusions. These experts explain drawing blood to their patients to help eliminate any fears the patient may have. They also make sure that all samples are labeled correctly.
MRI Technologist
These med techs explain the MRI process to their patients. They help with positioning the patients in the machine and they take images using the machine. Afterwards, they give the images to specialist, so they can analyze them.
If you prefer to work in a lab or behind the scenes, here are a few job titles that may interest you.
Dental Lab Tech
These techs help to construct, repair, or fit dental devices for patients such as dentures.
Cytotechnologists
These med tech experts examine slides containing body cells and determine if any abnormalities on the slide could lead to cancer.
Clinical Lab Tech
A clinical lab tech collects samples of blood, bodily fluids, or tissues before performing necessary tests. They look for any abnormalities in the samples they take. Also, they alert the physician they are assisting of issues if any are found.
Find Med Tech Jobs in Your Area
To learn more about what Med Tech Jobs are available in your area, get in touch with us here at CynaMed today. We are a premier nursing staffing provider happy to serve the Pittsburgh area. Check out our current job listings for certified med techs by giving us a call or apply for a job by filling out a form on our website. We look forward to hearing from you.
