What Is a Health Technician?

Health technicians work in several departments of a health care facility.

Health technician is a broad label used for technicians employed in the health care field. The requirements to work as a health care tech depend on the specialization an individual chooses; however, most organizations require health technicians to have a certificate or degree.

Types

Therapeutic health technicians assist in providing treatment for patients with debilitating injuries or medical conditions. Mental health technicians provide treatment to patients in mental health facilities, while health information technicians manage patient records in physicians' offices and other medical facilities

Considerations

Overall, job growth for health technicians is predicted to grow 18 to 20 percent between 2008 and 2018, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Due to the increased population of senior citizens, mental health, physical therapy and occupational therapy technicians are expected to be in great demand. Negative job growth is forecast for respiratory therapy technicians, due to fierce job competition.

Benefits

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2009 the median salary for therapeutic therapy technicians ranges from $44,700 for respiratory therapy technicians and $48,290 for physical therapy technicians to $50,250 for occupational therapy technicians. Mental health technicians earn on average $25,650 annually, while health information technicians' median salary is $31,290.

References

• Education Portal: Health Technician Education Requirements and Career Information
• Degree Directory: Mental Health Technician
• Bureau of Labor Statistics:Medical Records and Health Informatin Techs