Is Medical Technology a Good Option for a Career?

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Perhaps you’ve heard about the growing need for medical technology workers and think it could be a great career choice. After all, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it’s a field that’s predicted to grow faster than average for all occupations between now and 2022 with a median annual salary for medical technologists of $57,580.

The job outlook and salary sound good, but before you decide, review the checklist below to determine if you have the training, interest and skills needed to excel in the field of medical technology.

Medical Technology Training – Do You Have the Time?

Whatever your study style and schedule, if you plan to work as a medical technologist or medical technician, get prepared for these educational time commitments:

•Medical technicians mostly examine samples of bodily fluids using lab equipment, record findings and communicate the results. To work as a medical technician, you must first earn an associate degree in clinical laboratory science. This is a two-year degree program you can find at community colleges, vocational schools or hospital training programs.

•Medical technologists, also known as medical laboratory scientists, perform more complex laboratory tests than technicians. To work as a medical technologist, you’ll have to earn a bachelor’s degree in medical technology.

•Whether you choose a two-year or four-year program, getting certified is encouraged. The BLS notes that although certification isn’t required by all states to enter the occupation, employers prefer to hire Certified Medical Technologists and Certified Medical Technicians.

•Licensure is required in some states for technologists and technicians to enter the field. In some cases, certification is a prerequisite to gaining licensure in medical technology.

Personal Interest Checklist – Do You Have the Passion?

Finding your work enjoyable is part of a satisfying career. Browse this list to see some of the subjects you’ll study in your medical technology program and what you’ll work with on a daily basis. Hopefully you find most or all of these topics interesting:

•Studying sciences such as chemistry, biology and microbiology
•Experiencing clinical lab work in hospitals and/or physicians’ offices
•Understanding math and statistics
•Analyzing samples of bodily fluids and/or blood
•Using lab equipment and medical technology

Workplace Skills Checklist – Do You Have What It Takes?

Now that you know the time you’ll need to dedicate to training and the subject areas you’ll study and apply, it’s time to see the basic job duties.

•Study blood samples and bodily fluids
•Record findings and log data from test results
•Operate lab equipment and other medical technology
•Prepare specimens and slides as needed
•Communicate with surgeons, physicians and other med tech professionals

Looking at the above lists, do you think medical technology is a good career option for you? While the field has a bright future, only you can decide if you have what it takes to participate successfully and feel satisfied by your choice for years to come. Good luck!