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How to Become a Certified Med Tech
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Interested in the medical field but not sure where to start? Enrolled in nursing school part-time but want a way to get into the workforce faster? Consider becoming a certified medical technician. This entry level position involves assisting nurses, mostly by distributing medication. It is a great way to get your foot in the door and gain some experience before you decide if you want to pursue a more advanced position like an RN. Here are the steps you will need to take in order to become a certified med tech.
Figure Out Med Tech Program Requirements
You have to have a high school diploma or a GED in order to be a certified med tech, so focus on getting one of those first. As you do that, begin to research CMTs in your state. In most places, you must first become a certified nursing assistant, or CNA, before you can apply to be a med tech. CNA courses can be as short as six weeks and are offered at community colleges and other local training facilities. Once you pass your CNA exam, you can begin working in that position. You will have to work as a CNA for a set number of hours before you can begin studying to be a med tech. This usually takes anywhere from six months to a year.
Take a Med Tech Class – or Don’t
There are classes to learn how to be a certified med tech. However, you might not need to take this additional course depending on how long you have been working in the medical field. If you have enough experience, you can jump straight to the exam. This is especially true if you have ever been enrolled in nursing school. Or worked a bit in a higher level position such as an LPN. If not, you will spend anywhere from 16 to 60 hours in a med tech class. Being a CNA for the required amount of time before attempting to become a med tech is usually not enough to pass the test. If that has been your only experience in the healthcare field, take the class.
Pass the Test
Regardless of whether or not you take the specific course on how to be a certified med tech, you will need to pass a state exam on the subject in order to become licensed. Passing this test allows you to practice as a CMT in your state. Make sure to renew your credentials as often as is required by your local registry. Which is usually every two years. There is a minimum amount of hours you must work in this time frame in order to stay on the list of registered CNAs and CMTs. This varies from state to state.
Find a Job
Once you become certified, the only thing left to do is find a job. If you have already worked for a year or more in the healthcare field as a med tech, you may be able to advance into your new position within the same workplace. Don’t be afraid to find somewhere else if your employer isn’t looking for more med techs, though. You went through the necessary process to become a CMT, so you might as well do that job.
If you need help finding a certified med tech position, CynaMed can help. They make your job goals their priority. CynaMed is connected with many top hospitals, nursing homes, and other medical facilities in the greater Pittsburgh area. Trust CynaMed to match you with the med tech position you have been dreaming of. Call (412) 325-3420 to apply today.
