Medical Technology Programs
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Healthcare is expected to have 1.9 million openings annually between 2023 and 2033, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2024)—more than any other occupational grouping. Demand for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians is expected to increase 5 percent by 2033, which is more than the expected average for all careers (4 percent). Better access to health insurance and advances in technology are making once-expensive tests and procedures affordable, and the aging Baby Boomer generation is requiring more of them. Furthermore, hospitals and other healthcare facilities generally pay less for the expertise of a technologist than they would for a registered nurse or physician, making these technologist roles economically desirable for employers. Discover what to expect from a medical technologist program, which is relatively affordable and shorter in duration than the education required for many other roles in the thriving healthcare sector.
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A Complete Guide to the Latest Fertility Technologies
November 6, 2024The necessity of fertility treatments cannot be overstated in today's society, where many couples face challenges on their path to parenthood: “One out of six couples are going to suffer from infertility, and those are couples who are trying it on their own. Other patients can benefit from our services, such as patients in same-sex relationships, single women trying to get pregnant without a partner, and women interested in fertility preservation by freezing eggs,” notes Dr. Molinaro.
Dental Assistant
November 4, 2024Dental assistants support dentists in tending to patients' dental care and oral health needs, running the office, and processing laboratory work. General dental assisting duties involve preparing and sterilizing instruments and equipment, assisting dentists with treatments and procedures, gathering patient information and histories, and communicating post-surgery instructions to patients.
Medical Billing & Coding
October 24, 2024Medical billers and coders ensure that health services, diagnoses, and clinical procedures are recorded properly in patients’ health records. Their important work requires a thorough and working knowledge of the unique codes used for patient care, insurance, and billing documentation.
Patient-Facing Technology Programs
Many, if not most, roles in medical technology offer extensive patient interaction, combining technical mastery with patient empathy and care. For example, phlebotomists draw blood from patients and must not only have the requisite skills to do that safely and effectively, but also must be able to calm and reassure anxious patients who are uncomfortable with the process. Each of these technology programs incorporates a hands-on, practical component to prepare students not only to apply their technological expertise, but also to become comfortable working in a healthcare environment, delivering care to patients in need.
Anesthesia Technician & Technologist
Anesthesia technicians work in fast-paced environments where they play a critical role in saving and improving lives. Learn more about what it takes to become an anesthesia technician and discover the programs that can help you get there.
Audiologist & SLP
Audiologists and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) specialize in the medical complexities of communication. Audiologists focus on diagnosing, preventing, and treating hearing and balance problems. Speech-language pathologists specialize in diagnosing and treating speech, language, and swallowing disorders. These are two separate professions, but they’re strongly connected.
Cardiovascular Technologist
The human heart is a powerful organ. Cardiovascular technologists deploy technology to identify and diagnose heart-related issues and can begin work with as little as one year of intensive training. To start work as a cardiovascular technologist, some background education is necessary. The most prevalent degree program for this field culminates in an associate of science (AS) or an associate of applied science (AAS) degree and takes two years to complete. However, there is an increasing number of cardiovascular technology schools that offer bachelor of science degrees (BS) in cardiovascular technology.
Dental Assistant
Dental assistants support dentists in tending to patients' dental care and oral health needs, running the office, and processing laboratory work. General dental assisting duties involve preparing and sterilizing instruments and equipment, assisting dentists with treatments and procedures, gathering patient information and histories, and communicating post-surgery instructions to patients.
Dental Hygienist
In addition to completing a dental hygiene program at an ADA-accredited school, aspiring hygienists must pass state exams on how to provide dental hygiene and education to patients, and (in most states) must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination as well. Upon receiving their license, hygienists become Registered Dental Hygienists (RDH's) and qualify to enter this high-growth occupation.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Sonographers (i.e., ultrasound technicians) work closely with trained physicians in capturing and interpreting sonographic images. The Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) adds that by using high-frequency sound waves to elucidate structures such as organs or blood flow patterns, practitioners get deeper insights into whether a person’s body is functioning properly.
Dialysis Technician
There are many good reasons to pursue a career in healthcare, but perhaps none is so noble as wanting to spend your career helping others live a happier, healthier life. As a dialysis technician, a position also referred to as a hemodialysis technician; you can truly make a difference in the lives of those with chronic kidney failure and end-stage renal disease. It is a career in high demand, as the population in the United States continues to age and the incidence of Type 2 diabetes, a significant risk factor for kidney disease, continues to climb.
EKG Technician
Hearts produce electrical signals recorded through an electrocardiogram (EKG). Trained EKG technicians place electrode patches on a patient’s chest, legs, and arms. While most EKGs are done while a patient is resting, some may be done while a patient is exercising. While this is a painless and quick procedure, EKG technicians must be skilled at their job to ensure accurate results.
EMT & Paramedic
A career as an EMT begins with emergency medical technician training. Most programs only require that students be 18 years of age with either a high school diploma or a GED. EMT courses can take a few months, depending on the school and schedule, and include both classroom and practical instruction on the basics of anatomy, trauma care, and emergency management. At the end of the training, new EMTs are eligible to take the exam given by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). Upon passing the exam, candidates are awarded a nationally recognized certification.
Kinesiologist
The entire field of kinesiology (exercise science) is dedicated to examining how people move, how movement affects well-being, and how to help people move better. This broad field encompasses a variety of different careers, including fitness trainers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and other movement-related professions. Kinesiologists are employed at hospitals, clinics, gyms, rehab centers, and long-term care facilities to help patients and clients reach their mobility and fitness goals.
Mammography Technologist
Mammography technologists play a vital role in this important patient care. They are responsible for creating images of patients’ breasts using a piece of specialized medical equipment that produces X-rays. A mammography unit is only used for breast X-rays and has special features to hold and compress the breast to take pictures of the breast from positioning at different angles.
Medical Assistant
According to the American Association of Medical Assistants, medical assistants typically work in physicians’ offices, hospitals, and outpatient care centers. They’re responsible for both clinical and administrative tasks, taking on varied responsibilities such as answering phones; managing appointment schedules; maintaining patient records; greeting patients; coding medical information; processing billing and bookkeeping; coordinating services with other healthcare providers; recording medical histories; collecting lab samples; cleaning examination rooms; and doing basic lab tests.
MRI Technologist
MRI technologists are in high demand. Find schools that offer accredited MRI technologist programs, learn how to get certified, and discover what the career outlook is for this exciting and advanced technology career.
Neurodiagnostic Technologist
Most aspiring neurodiagnostic technicians (NDTs) opt to pursue two-year AAS degrees, although seasoned healthcare professionals may pursue a shorter certification program instead. Both certification and degree programs prepare students to perform neurological scans, capture brain information, and analyze it in order to help those with neurological disorders.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Becoming a nuclear medicine technologist (NMT) is a unique career for people with technical precision and supportive and pleasant bedside manners. This job leverages a savviness with cutting-edge medical equipment and medicine to treat patients undergoing radiology and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Learn to operate equipment like computed tomography (CT) machines, radiation-sensitive cameras, and dosage meters to help young and old patients get the care they need for potentially life-threatening illnesses.
Ophthalmic Technician
Ophthalmic technicians have completed training and education in patient care, eye care, eye anatomy, and lens dispensing. They are critical to the smooth running of an eye care clinic as they prepare patients for meeting with the physician by administering basic tests and taking patient health histories. In some offices, ophthalmic technicians may also assist with procedures.
Pharmacy Technician
As pharmaceutical companies continue to innovate and the population continues to age, demand for prescription medication continues to rise. Pharmacy technicians are uniquely positioned to serve this demand and in a matter of months, aspiring pharmacy techs can be certified to assist pharmacists in measuring and distributing essential medications to patients in need.
Phlebotomist
Phlebotomy programs tend to be year-long programs, although that may vary by school and state. A handful of states require certification as well, which generally entails not only completing an accredited program from a phlebotomy school, but also gaining some clinical experience (e.g., externship), and then taking a certification exam involving a written portion and a practical component to demonstrate efficacy at drawing blood.
Physical Therapist Assistant & Aide
Physical therapy is the treatment of injuries, disorders, and other issues by using non-surgical methods, such as massage, heat treatment, exercises, assistive equipment (such as walkers), and more. Accordingly, PTAs and PT aides may work with patients of all ages and abilities.
Psychiatric & Mental Health Technician
Learn how you can help mental health patients and the developmentally disabled as a psychiatric or mental health technician. While the field is not projected to grow too quickly, those projections may change as more Americans gain access to healthcare that covers mental health treatment.
Radiation Therapist
Radiation therapists help patients who are undergoing radiation therapy by explaining procedures, calibrating machinery to proper doses, and ensure that everyone is safe from improper levels of exposure. Students who complete a program that qualifies them for certification through the American Registry of Radiology Technologists (ARRT) must have completed at minimum an associate’s degree in any field and an educational program in radiation therapy.
Radiologic Technologist
These radiologic professionals may specialize in various methods and types of treatment, including radiation therapy, medical dosimetry, mammography, bone densitometry, cardiovascular-interventional radiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), nuclear medicine, or sonography.
Rehabilitation Technician
Rehabilitation technician programs are critical components of the healthcare system, designed to restore and enhance the physical capabilities and quality of life for individuals recovering from injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions.
Respiratory Therapist
Respiratory therapy students have several educational options: they may begin with an accredited two-year associate degree, which allows them to receive the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) certification, complete a four-year degree and attain the higher Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) designation, or even pursue a master’s degree in respiratory management or education.
Surgical Technologist
Surgical technologists (STs), or "scrubs", are an integral part of a surgical team that also includes surgeons, anesthesiologists, and registered nurses. Amongst other responsibilities, STs are commonly responsible for preparing operating rooms and handing tools and instruments to surgical assistants and surgeons.
Laboratory Technology programs
Not all medical technology programs focus on preparing you to work directly with patients (although all positions are ultimately aimed at working towards the best outcomes for those patients). Some programs focus more on preparing you for laboratory work. These programs incorporate practical experience in real laboratory environments with a focus on applying medical technology to diagnose illnesses, run routine lab tests, and even help with important medical research.
Cytologist (Cytotechnologist)
Many students interested in cytology decide in college to complete a bachelor’s degree in cytology while others get degrees in related disciplines and then complete a post-baccalaureate cytology certificate. Aspiring cytogenetic technologists may have to complete a more rigorous course of study to be able to delve more deeply into whether DNA or chromosomal structures genetically predispose patients for specific conditions.
Dental Lab Technician
As the profession's name may imply, dental lab technicians work in laboratories, where they help to create restorative devices for individuals’ teeth. The role involves a high degree of precision and attention to detail. The dental lab tech programs profiled help prepare students who are so inclined for entry into the career.
Histotechnologist
In the histotechnology field, educational options range from histotechnician (HT) or histology technician programs, which are typically certificate or associate degree programs, to bachelor's degree programs for aspiring histotechnologists (HTLs), or even master's degree programs for more advanced histological study.
Medical Lab Assistant
Medical laboratory assistants are critical members of the healthcare system. They strike a balance of medical care, technology, and science as they are responsible for interacting with patients but also must be able to help a lab run smoothly. Typical duties can include taking blood, gathering specimens, preparing samples for testing, running routine tests, sterilizing equipment, and recording results.
Medical Lab Technician
Medical lab technicians, or MLTs, conduct a variety of lab tests that can help with the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of various conditions and diseases. While MLTs typically need to complete a two-year associate degree program to obtain entry-level work in the field, some fast-track programs may be available to students who have already received training in a related healthcare field, such as nursing.
Medical Laboratory Scientist
A bachelor's degree is typically required to pursue a career as a medical laboratory scientist, and there are MLS programs available in states ranging from Washington to Vermont, as well as online programs specifically developed to help the working MLT become an MLS.
Natural & Clinical Lab Science Programs
If you prefer the hands-on thrill of scientific discovery over administrative functions, you can consider an academic program in fields such as biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, clinical and medical lab science, or health sciences. Natural and clinical laboratory scientists push the frontiers of what’s known about observable phenomena and serve an invaluable role in scientific investigations, medical diagnoses, and the overall advancement of knowledge.
Biological Sciences
With a degree in biology or biochemistry, one can have a significant impact on the physical world as well as improve the everyday lives of thousands of people. Many students who major in biology or biochemistry for their undergraduate degree may plan to go on to become doctors, scientists, or researchers.
Biomedical Science
Because biomedical science explores knowledge, practices, and technologies related to diagnosing, analyzing, and treating disease, the number of specializations and practical applications of a biomedical science degree are vast.
Biotechnology
Depending on each student's career path, aspirations, professional experience, academic background, and time commitment, students can choose to enroll in a bachelor's or master's program in biotechnology that can be completed online, on-campus, or as a hybrid of both.
Health Sciences
Health science includes a multitude of healthcare specialties and subspecialties, including biotechnology research and development, diagnostic services, health informatics, support services, and therapeutic services, among many other subfields.
Infection Preventionist
This guide explores the multifaceted world of infection prevention programs ranging from continuing education to graduate certificates and degrees, unraveling their essential components, core courses, and program accreditation.
Nutritionist & Dietitian
Nutritionists do more than help people manage chronic health conditions. People seek nutritional help for various health-related reasons, such as addressing digestive problems, athletic performance, and preparing healthy meals for family members. Nutritionists with master’s or doctoral degrees may specialize in nutritional health and are positioned to earn higher salaries in leadership or supervisory roles.
Pathologists’ Assistant (PathA)
Pathologists’ assistants have a deep understanding of human anatomy and diseases. Through education and training, they learned specialized clinical skills to assist in autopsies and examinations.
Pre-Vet (Veterinarian)
The most common majors for pre-vet degree programs are animal science, biology, chemistry, and biochemistry. Many schools also offer specializations, concentrations, and emphases in pre-veterinary science, on top of the awarded degree.
Medical IT & Administrative Programs
If you would prefer to focus your education on medical information technology or medical equipment technology rather than treatment and diagnosis, then consider one of these medical IT or equipment-centric programs. Medical IT and administrative technology programs focus on preparing students to manage technology and medical information and in some cases prepare or maintain it. In the end, even these very technology-focused roles have a medical aim, which is to facilitate and ensure the delivery of superior patient care.
Biomedical Equipment Technician
Working with machinery may call to mind the idea of loud warehouses or greasy garages. The world of biomedical technicians, although also focused on machinery repair and maintenance, is generally much more sterile. Studying to become a biomedical technician is a great way to use your mechanical knowledge to improve the lives of patients while working closely with other medical personnel in an exciting healthcare environment.
Biomedical Informatics
Biomedical informatics may be used in a research setting in which large data sets about a population are evaluated to look for common trendlines. An example of this would be an academic using data collected from local hospitals to analyze the effects of the Covid-19 epidemic on a specific group of people. Beyond compiling and sorting information, biomedical informatics can point out trendlines or even make its evaluations and conclusions through artificial intelligence.
Health Informatics
A healthcare informatics degree program equips students to gather healthcare information, manage different healthcare computer programs, and monitor medical records to ensure that they remain secure. American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) is the most prestigious and well-known licensing body for healthcare informatics, and they provide students with a standardized test to demonstrate their mastery of the field.
Health Information Management
Health information managers often work closely with information technology staff as well as clinical staff to ensure workflows that maximize the efficacy of data collection. Health information managers are able to weigh in on how to improve patient outcomes as well as clinical efficiency by analyzing the data available to them and applying their knowledge.
Health Information Technology
Health information technology as field is booming due not only to the aging of the population, but also to the complexity of medical records compliance, accuracy, and security. Learn more about the educational programs that help prepare you to enter this growing field.
Healthcare Administration
Healthcare administration is one of the fastest growing fields in the United States. With a large aging population and increased access to healthcare with the implementation of the Affordable Healthcare Act, the field of healthcare administration is predicted to grow rapidly in the next ten years.
Medical Billing & Coding
Medical billers and coders ensure that health services, diagnoses, and clinical procedures are recorded properly in patients’ health records. Their important work requires a thorough and working knowledge of the unique codes used for patient care, insurance, and billing documentation.
Nursing Informatics
Nursing informatics programs prepare students to manage complex healthcare delivery systems, integrating nursing and science with communication and information technology.
Sterile Processing Technician
Sterile processing technicians assist in preparing, sterilizing, and distributing medical instruments and devices so that contagion is contained and medical supplies are free of contamination. Sterile processing tech programs generally culiminate in a certificate, and in some cases include a clinical internship for real-world training.