Medical Technology

Medical technology is a growing field for technicians and clinical laboratory scientists. If you're interested in a career in medical lab technology or as a medical lab tech, you'll likely have many opportunities for career growth over the next decade.

Career Training: Medical Technology

Working at a medical technology job allows you the opportunity to work in the healthcare industry in a hands-on way. A medical tech, also called a "medical lab tech," performs the majority of the tests used to detect, diagnose and treat various diseases. This can involve significant exposure to blood, chemicals and bodily fluids.

Successful medical lab technology professionals possess the following skills:

• Ability to work on their feet for extended periods
• Advanced analytical problem-solving skills
• Aptitude for science
• Attention to minute detail
• Computer skills
• The ability to work well under pressure.

Advancement opportunities exist for those willing to pursue degrees or professional certifications. Medical technology advancement opportunities could include moving to product development or sales positions.

Medical Technology: Education and Training

To succeed as a medical lab tech, start your education with a foundation of courses in biology, chemistry, math and statistics. Although a bachelor's degree in technology or science is the key to most entry-level positions in the medical technology field, some employers will allow a combination of education and work experience. In fact, many hospitals and universities offer certificate programs in medical lab technology.

In addition to degrees and certification, your state may require you to register and obtain a license to work in medical technology.

Jobs in the Medical Technology Field

The medical technology field provides a number of varying career opportunities, including:

• Blood bank technologists work with blood--collecting it, typing it and preparing it for transfusions.
• Cytotechnogists prepare and examine slides of cells to look for abnormal growths that can indicate cancer.
• Histotechnologists prepare tissue for pathologist examinations by cutting and staining them.
• Immunology technologists study the body's immune system and how it reacts to foreign bodies, like viruses and bacteria.

Medical Technology Job Outlook

The outlook for medical tech jobs is bright. Over the next seven years, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2011) anticipates the medical technology industry will continue its growth trend and increase by 14 percent. During this time, a willingness to relocate will help prospective medical tech employees find additional advancement opportunities.