Medical Technical Careers

Medical technology is a growing field that involves using advanced diagnostic instruments and tests.

Medical technology is a growing field which includes careers that use a wide variety of advanced diagnostic instruments, such as X-ray, ultrasound and electrocardiography (EKG) machines. It also include laboratory technologists, who are trained to work safely with biological specimens. Medical technologists have several educational options, including pursuing a postsecondary certification or an associate's or bachelor's degree in the relevant field of their choice. Job applicants who are trained in several kinds of medical technology are the favored candidates. According to WorldWideLearn.com, as technology is rapidly advancing, the demand for medical technologists is increasing as well.

Clinical Laboratory Technologist

Clinical laboratory technologists are medical technicians who perform diagnostic, detection and treatment tests in a clinical lab. These medical technicians usually work with fluids, cells, bacteria, other microorganisms and blood. They also prepare specimens and test them in order to help doctors diagnose and treat their patients. Other names for clinical laboratory technologists include clinical laboratory scientists and medical laboratory technicians. The educational requirement for these medical technicians is a bachelor's degree in medical technology or a related field such as biology and chemistry. As of 2008 a clinical laboratory technologist could make between $36,180 and $74,680 a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Cardiovascular Technologist

Jobs within the category of cardiovascular technology include the cardiovascular sonographer and cardiovascular technician. These medical technologists work with diagnostic devices such as ultrasound and EKG machines. The technologist is trained in proper use of equipment to achieve the best readings and test outputs. Test results are forwarded to the prescribing doctor, who will use the results to treat and diagnose illnesses having to do with blood vessels and/or the heart. Postsecondary education for cardiovascular technologists includes both associate- and bachelor-level degrees in cardiovascular technology or a related field. According to the BLS, the average annual income for a cardiovascular technologist is $47,010, as of May 2008.

Radiologic Technologist

A radiologic technologist is a technician who takes diagnostic images using such methods as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized axial tomography (CT) scans. To become a radiological technologist, you need a postsecondary education from a vocational, technical or trade school or from a community college. Undergraduate-level degrees in radiologic technology are also available but not required. As of 2008, according to the BLS, a radiological technologist makes a median income of $52,210 a year, though the top 10 percent of radiological technologists make up to $74,970.

References

• World Wide Learn: Health Careers in Medical Technology
• BLS: Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians
• BLS: Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
• BLS: Radiologic Technologists and Technicians