What Is the Training for a Medical Technician?
The term "medical technician" can refer to a variety of health care professions. Students with an interest in the medical profession can become technicians by specializing in different aspects of health care. Examples include medical lab technicians, emergency medical technicians, pharmacy technicians, ultrasound technicians, dialysis technicians and surgical technicians. Training varies between specialties, and each specialty has an important function on the health care team.
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Medical Lab Technicians
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Medical lab technicians are trained to assist in performing lab tests that help doctors diagnose and treat a variety of illnesses. They analyze the chemical content of blood, and they examine blood and other body fluids for parasites and bacteria. Medical lab technicians are also known as clinical lab technicians. They work under the supervision of clinical lab technologists, following detailed instructions and operating automated equipment. Medical lab technicians can specialize in certain areas, such as phlebotomy, which is collecting blood samples.
Medical Lab Technician Training
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A high school diploma is required to pursue a career as a medical lab technician. Candidates pursue professional training by obtaining an associate's degree through a community or junior college, or a certificate through a hospital or vocational school. Training includes both classroom study and lab work. Some medical lab technicians learn their skills on the job.
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Emergency Medical Technicians
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Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are trained to handle a variety of emergency situations. They usually work in teams and are dispatched by 911 operators to the scene of an emergency such as an accident or fire. At the scene of the emergency, they take the patient's medical history and assess his present condition. EMTs work to stabilize patients and transport them to hospitals.
Emergency Medical Technician Training
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Training to become an emergency medical technician involves learning emergency skills, such as handling cardiac or respiratory arrest as well as broken bones, bleeding and other traumas. EMTs are trained to use emergency equipment such as oxygen, suction devices and backboards. They also learn how to handle emergency childbirth. Training programs are offered at health care facilities and community colleges.
Other Types
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The most common training for other types of medical technicians is done through associate's degree programs. Classroom study focuses on sciences, such as microbiology, pathology, immunology and anatomy and physiology. Clinical studies focus on lab settings. Different specialties focus on learning different skills. For example, ultrasound technicians learn specific diagnostic imaging tests, while pharmacy technicians receive focused training in pharmacy settings.
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