What is a Medical Technician?

What Is a Medical Technician?

The term Medical Technician can refer to a variety of occupations, including emergency medical technicians (EMTs), but it most commonly refers to medical laboratory technicians.

Under the supervision of a medical technologist or physician, med techs may be responsible for performing many laboratory tests. A med tech's work mostly occurs in a laboratory, regardless of where he or she is employed.

Important Facts About Medical Technician Careers

On-the-Job Training

None required; specializations require additional training

Key Skills

Critical thinking, reading comprehension, science background, problem solving, time management, proficient writing and speaking ability, decision making, service oriented

Work Environment

Hospitals and diagnostic labs

Similar Occupations

Biomedical technicians, chemical technicians, chemical and material scientists, veterinary technologists and technicians

Medical Technologists Job Description

Med techs prepare blood, urine, and tissue samples for analysis using special laboratory equipment. They may also use a variety of chemicals and other agents to help find bacteria and other microorganisms. The role a med tech plays may be helpful in a number of ways, including determining a patient's response to medical treatment by testing blood levels, as well as matching blood types when a transfusion is necessary. Many med techs are also trained in phlebotomy, which involves the collection and proper storage of blood. In addition, med techs may need to enter results into a patient's records.

Med Tech Work Environment

Med techs work in laboratories under the supervision of medical technologists. A medical technologist receives more extensive training than a med tech and plays an important part in guiding a med tech's work. Med techs may work for hospitals, clinical facilities, private medical practices, or pharmaceutical companies.

What Does a Medical Technician Do to Prepare for His or Her Career?

Most med techs have completed a certificate or associate's degree program from an accredited community college or vocational school and receive the remainder of their med tech training on the job. Med tech professionals may choose laboratory work that is general in nature, or they may choose to specialize in a particular area. Some of the areas in which med techs may specialize include:

•Cytotechnology

•Virology

•Hematology

•Microbiology

Med techs who wish to advance to a medical technologist position will need to complete additional school, as most medical technologists have a bachelor's degree. Students interested in pursuing a med tech career should focus on chemistry, biology, and mathematics.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), some states may require med techs to be licensed. Requirements vary by state and might include certification. Some employers may require applicants to be certified as well. General certifications are available, as well as certifications in a particular specialty. Although certification may not be required to be employed, people who are certified will have an easier time finding employment.

Career Outlook

The BLS reports that job positions for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians will increase by 11% between 2018 and 2028, which is much faster than the national average for all positions. Opportunities for health technologists and technicians are expected to increase by 10% in this time period. This is partially due to an increase in elderly populations.

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