Medical technology careers provide a great opportunity to combine an interest in technology and medicine. Technology is becoming more important every day, so perhaps if you have interest in utilizing technology to impact the field of medicine, this article might be for you!!
Posted by Glassdoor Team
Career Advice Experts
Last Updated June 29, 2021
Should I consider a career in medical technology?
Medical technology careers are great if you’re looking to combine your medical skills with an interest in technology. Having strong technical skills can make you eligible for more careers in the healthcare industry. With technology becoming more important, more medical jobs will require some technical skills. We’ll discuss the top careers in medical technology.
What are medical technology careers?
Medical technology careers are positions in the medical industry that require technical skills. This could include skills in using machines to assess and diagnose medical conditions, or it could mean using technology to report and track information. Medical technology careers are available in most specializations, including psychiatry, cardiology, neurology, or family medicine. Knowing what careers are available in medical technology can help you choose a career that you enjoy.
Learn more: How to Write an Irresistible Technical Resume
Medical technology careers
There are many medical technology career paths you can take. Here are a few medical technology careers to consider:
Radiologist technologist
Average base pay: $28 per hour
Radiologist technologists position patients and then use radiologist equipment to take images of their organs. They interpret these images and provide diagnostics to physicians. They frequently use medical equipment to perform X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and fluoroscopies. To carry out each procedure accurately, they need a good understanding of how to use each piece of equipment.
Medical records technician
Average base pay: $33,176 per year
Medical records technicians provide administrative and clerical support to medical professionals. They may be in charge of updating patient records or billing patients after a visit. They may also use computer software programs to update a patient’s medical history and prescriptions. In addition to strong technical skills, medical records technicians also need to be up-to-date on HIPAA laws for legal transfer of information.
Clinical laboratory technician
Average base pay: $34,769 per year
Clinical laboratory technicians are responsible for analyzing tests. They will evaluate lab investigations on bodily fluids, sending lab results back to the physician. They may also discuss results with the physician. This position requires good technical skills, like quality assurance and control, as well as the use of computer programs, to accurately test samples and provide results.
MRI technologist
Average base pay: $63,777 per year
MRI technologists have specialized training in using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines. They work with physicians in identifying and diagnosing medical conditions. MRI technologists need good technical skills to efficiently use the MRI machine, as well as to troubleshoot it when it is not working. MRI technicians will also need technical skills to ensure safe imaging for certain patients.
Dental assistant
Average base pay: $37,727 per year
Dental assistants assist the dentist in conducting oral exams and other dental procedures. Dental assistants are also responsible for handing equipment to the dentist, as well as cleaning and sanitizing it. They may use different pieces of equipment in these tasks, including dental burnishers and evacuators. A basic understanding of how these tools work, as well as how to properly store them is important.
Medical appliance technician
Average base pay: $37,437 per year
Medical appliance technicians are responsible for designing and fitting prosthetics. They work with patients who may need specialized medical equipment to accommodate a birth defect or injury following an accident. Medical appliance technicians must use software programs to fit and design devices for their patients, as well as to identify improvements to current prosthetic designs.
Genetic counselor
Average base pay: $38,216 per year
Genetic counselors work specifically with DNA and genetics. They may help patients assess their risk for certain medical conditions. They may also work with parents who want to test the risk of their child developing certain family conditions. Genetics counselors use many programs to gather and analyze data, like medical software and sequence analyzer programs.
Surgical technologist
Average base pay: $39,712 per year
Surgical technologists assist surgeons when operating on a patient. They may transport patients to and from the operating room. They may also prepare the surgical room, including all necessary equipment. Surgical technologists need to be comfortable with the technical equipment used in the operating room. This might include 3-D visualization programs or robotics.
Cardiovascular technician
Average base pay: $44,125 per year
Cardiovascular technicians use technology to assess and diagnose cardiovascular conditions. They frequently work with ultrasounds and other medical imaging resources to view the heart’s condition. They work closely with a cardiovascular physician in creating a treatment plan for the patient and routinely checking their condition. They also work with devices like pacemakers and defibrillators.
Diagnostic sonographer
Average base pay: $52,278 per year
Diagnostic sonographers use imaging programs to capture images for diagnostic purposes. They frequently use medical equipment to capture clear images to make diagnoses and treatment plans. They also often work with sound waves to capture images. Good technical skills are needed to know how to accurately use the equipment.
Learn more: What You Need to Know to Ace Your Technical Interview
Chiropractor
Average base pay: $60,170 per year
Chiropractors are physicians who are focused on spinal health. They monitor the bones and ligaments in the body to manage pain. They are trained in making spinal adjustments that can reduce inflammation and improve symptoms. Chiropractors use many tools to assist with these tasks, like neurological scanning technologies and activator adjustment tools. They may also use X-rays to identify the patient’s spinal conditions.
Clinical laboratory scientist
Average base pay: $60,353 per year
Clinical laboratory scientists primarily work in the lab, reviewing and analyzing biological specimens. They will conduct tests on samples, reporting the data back to the physician. They need to have strong technical skills to be able to accurately report and share the data. They frequently work with different technologies, including microscopes and cell counters.
Dental hygienist
Average base pay: $62,027 per year
Dental hygienists assess patients for common dental diseases. They also improve patient awareness and education of oral hygiene. In addition to skills of dexterity, dental hygienists need certain technical skills. They need the ability to use dental cleaning equipment, as well as troubleshooting them. Dental hygienists may also assist the dentist with taking imaging of the teeth.
Registered nurse
Average base pay: $65,870 per year
Registered nurses provide direct care to patients. They may work in a hospital or healthcare facility, monitoring patients or providing medical care. They may also help patients with medications. Registered nurses need a basic comfort level using technology to input medication and test requests into the programs they use. They may also use medical devices to read vitals and for upcoming medical procedures.
Medical sales
Average base pay: $66,562 per year
Medical sales representatives are responsible for presenting and selling medical equipment to different medical offices. They must have strong knowledge and comfort using the top medical technology programs. Additionally, physicians and other medical staff may call on the sales representative to educate their offices on how to use the technical programs.
Audiologist
Average base pay: $70,666 per year
Audiologists are focused on the health of the ear. They may help diagnose, or treat common ear problems, like hearing difficulties or an unequal equilibrium. They will often use many technology programs to test hearing or to get a better view of the structure inside the ear. They use programs like FM systems and soundfield systems to test. They may also have to help patients with hearing implants or cochlear implants.
Physical therapist
Average base pay: $73,148 per year
Physical therapists assist patients in recovering from an injury or medical condition. They may create treatment plans and monitor the patient’s progress. Technical skills are useful as a physical therapist, specifically in using diagnostic machines and measuring movement. Some physical therapists may also use technical equipment to help patients recover or overcome mobility challenges.
Learn more: Physical Therapist Careers: How to Become a Physical Therapist
Optometrist
Average base pay: $107,268 per year
Optometrists are licensed doctors who are focused on visual health. They complete vision exams and prescribe glasses and contacts. They also routinely monitor patients for visual health problems. Optometrists frequently use technology to assess the vision. They work with lensometers, phoropters, retinoscopes, and auto-refractor machines.
Nurse practitioner
Average base pay: $110,076 per year
Nurse practitioners use clinical training to help patients manage symptoms. They diagnose conditions and create treatment plans. They may also be involved in prescribing medication and ordering lab work or tests. A nurse practitioner may need to use technical skills when assessing a patient’s symptoms, including when updating patient records or analyzing test results.
Pharmacist
Average base pay: $125,845 per year
A pharmacist dispenses medication to patients. They may work in a hospital setting or at a local outpatient pharmacy. Some pharmacists also offer medical advice or consultation regarding prescriptions. Pharmacists need basic technical skills to use computer software programs. They use these to track patient records and to review potential interactions. They may also need to communicate with insurance companies via software.
These careers in medical technology require candidates who have a background in healthcare, as well as technical skills. If you are looking for a medical technology career, try Glassdoor’s job search.
