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Medical Technologists: At the Front Lines of the War Against Illness

By Gabby Hyman
Learning & Life Columnist

The United States is deeply concerned with providing adequate, affordable health care for its citizens. For those in the healing professions, the real focus today is on finding qualified medical technicians to staff our facilities. As our population ages, the demand for trained technical professionals is rising.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job growth for medical techs--laboratory, radiology, and respiratory technicians--will exceed the national average for growth among all other occupations over the next decade. America has never witnessed so great a demand for med-tech professionals.

Broad Choices, Great Opportunities

The top-growing occupations in the med-tech field are in radiology, respiratory therapy, and clinical laboratory technology. Radiologic techs may take x-rays, administer imaging materials into patients, and operate scanning equipment, which includes computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices. According to the BLS, radiologic techs held about 174,000 jobs in 2002, with about half of them working in hospitals. Median annual earnings of radiologic techs were $38,970.

Respiratory techs and therapists care for people with breathing difficulties or cardiopulmonary illness. They conduct diagnostic procedures to measure breathing capability or administer oxygen and aerosol medications. The BLS reports that respiratory techs held about 112,000 jobs in 2002, and the median annual earnings were at an estimated $40,000.

Clinical laboratory technicians may draw blood or collect other bodily fluids for analysis. They also work in the lab to conduct standardized tests to assist in patient progress and diagnosis. According to the BLS, clinical laboratory techs held some 297,000 jobs in 2002, more than half of them in hospitals. The median annual earnings of clinical laboratory technicians were $39,000.

Clinical techs, respiratory and radiologic techs also find employment in private clinics, laboratories, and medical offices. Some combine hospital and out-of-hospital positions; some call on patients in their homes; and many work on a part-time basis.

Ready, Set, Grow

Medical techs don't grow on trees. They grow in universities, in dedicated medical tech and assisting programs, and in community colleges. Often people receive training in the military for medical tech professions. Requirements vary by technical specialty, but an associate's degree in a medical discipline or certification from a qualified training program can get most entry-level techs in the door.

Radiologic techs can attend school programs from one to four years, leading to a certificate, associate's degree, or bachelor's degree. Schooling can include coursework in physiology, anatomy, chemistry, and training in CT or MRI devices. Most are qualified in two-year associate degree programs. If they hope to move into an administrative or supervisory position, the radiologic tech should pursue a bachelor's or master's degree.

Respiratory techs receive their training at colleges, medical schools, or at vocational-technical institutes. Associate's degrees or certificates lead to most entry-level jobs. Coursework can include physiology, anatomy, chemistry, and training on inhalation therapy equipment. Advanced degree work is mandatory for receiving supervisory or respiratory lead positions.

Clinical lab techs begin by obtaining an associate's degree from a community college or a certificate from a vocational or dedicated tech school. The better-paying, supervisory or lead jobs require a Bachelor's Degree in Medical Technology. Lab techs may take courses in chemistry, microbiology, and statistics. They also take courses in operating analytical instruments. To advance to lead roles, they'll need a graduate degree in one of the biological sciences, chemistry, or in health care management. Lab techs may also take courses in business and computer applications.

Advancement is brisk for those who continue training in medical technology. Many work part time while they attend classes to further their career. As technology advances, there will always be a need for people dedicated enough to train on the latest diagnostic and therapeutic instruments.

Source

• US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. http://www.bls.gov

About the Author
Gabby Hyman has created online strategies and written content for Fortune 500 companies including eToys, GoTo.com, Siebel Systems, Microsoft Encarta, Avaya, and Nissan UK.

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