Should I Pursue a Med Tech Degree?

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The world of medicine is wide open right now in a huge variety of specialties and promising positions. One of the most sought after is that of a medical technician. This technician has many great attributes in organization, administration, and operating specialized medical equipment.

Where do med techs work?

Because of the versatility of needs in different types of facilities, med techs may pop up in a variety of places. They may be utilized in physicians’ offices, rehab facilities, operating rooms, and other hospital or day surgery venues. Med techs are also extremely helpful in areas like clinical laboratories, diagnostic labs, government agencies, and blood banks. These individuals multi-task and usually supervised by nurses, or other clinical personnel.

Who are medical technicians?

This particular type of individual exhibits a plethora of characteristics that behooves the position. Humility is a must. Also, flexibility and eagerness to work in crunch situations will be great attributes. These individuals work long hours; sometime on call situations are extremely demanding. Energetic med techs can do many types of tasks that will make the performance of the facility seem like a well-oiled machine. These are individuals who are willing to get there early and stay late. They are also willing to learn new things and be available to do the duties of other individuals, if they are off with a sick child or not able to perform periodically.

What do med techs do?

Medical technicians may perform different roles, but their main function is to be able to work specialized medical equipment and troubleshoot under pressure.

Medical technicians operate the equipment that provides the latest life-saving treatments to patients in need.

Microscopes, centrifuges, blood pressure and heart monitors, dialysis machines, video equipment, photography equipment, and printers and computers may also come into play, depending on his or her work environment. Medical technicians are handy with troubleshooting problems in stringent situations; sometimes during live procedures in operating rooms and cath labs or other critical care areas.

When do med techs work?

Since different facilities have different requirements for the position, the hours for med techs may vary significantly. For instance, in a hospital operating room setting, if there is twenty-four hour coverage and on call status, the tech may be required to take call in the evenings and on weekends. If the hospital is large enough, it may staff a tech on the evening shift, therefore reducing a call situation down to a minimal arrangement.

If hired in a physician’s office, the tech may work long hours for 3 or 4 days a week, but have a nice Friday off with no call and a long lunch. There may be drop shifts with hours like 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or early days like 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Commitment to employment should be well considered, weighing out all benefits of these different areas and the demands that will be placed on the individual.

Communication

Excellent verbal, as well as written communication will be paramount. Med techs, being in charge of equipment will need to document and report any equipment malfunctions or chronic problems and total breakdowns. Clear communication when it comes to these issues may be life saving for patients who rely on the medical professional’s commitment to make treatment venues safe and effective for proper treatment.

Salary

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, medical technicians made a median annual salary of $47,820 in 2012.