Career in Medical Technology

Over the years medicine has evolved into the modern healthcare industry we are familiar with in the present day. With the introduction and popularity of various sophisticated diagnostic and therapeutic procedures medical technology is now a booming business. Those who choose a career in this field often have an avocation as well as a vocation.

Medical technologists can extend diagnostic services to physicians, surgeons, rehabilitative medical experts. Doctors are depending more and more on sophisticated diagnostic techniques and devices for which trained medical technologists, technicians and various types of medical assistants are required.

Some of the major professions that come under the definition of medical technology careers are: medical laboratory technologists and technicians: radiation therapist, nuclear medicine technologist, surgical technologist, cardiology/EEG technologists, EKG technologists, etc.

Medical Laboratory technology plays a critical role in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of disease. It is essentially concerned with operating equipment in medical laboratories and includes working as diagnostic technicians.

Radio logic technologists deal with ‘imaging’ equipment – X-ray machines, scanners, ultrasound, isotopes and similar matters, and with medical electronics
Generally.

Nuclear medicine technologists administer radio pharmaceuticals to patients, and then monitor the characteristics and functions and tissues or organs in which they localize.

Cardiovascular technologists and technicians operate sophisticated equipment that helps physicians and other health practitioners diagnose and treat patients.

Nature of Work

Medical laboratory technology (MLT)

Medical laboratory technologists examine and analyse body fluids, tissues and cells. They look for bacteria, parasites, or other microorganisms; analyse the chemical content of fluids; match blood for transfusions, and test for drug levels in the blood to show how a patient is responding to treatment. They use automated equipment and instruments that perform a number of tests simultaneously, as well as microscopes, cell counters, and other sophisticated laboratory equipment to perform tests. They analyse the results and pass them on to the pathologist who is in overall supervision and then on to the physician who had recommended the investigation.

While the essential focus is on the testing and analyzing, the work of taking the samples and monitoring the patient at the time of giving the sample is also the medical technologist’s work. Sometimes they may need to visit the homes of patients when they are unable to get to the laboratory or hospital for giving the sample.

Radio logic technologists/radiation therapists

Radiographers produce X-ray films of parts of the human body for use in diagnosing medical problems. They place the X-ray film under the part of the patient’s body to be examined and make the exposure. They then remove the film and develop it.

Experienced radiological/radiologic technologists may perform more complex imaging tests. The radiologist who is a postgraduate in the subject after an MBBS would be interpreting the X-rays.

Radiographers who use computerized tomography scanners to produce cross-sectional views of patients may also be known as CT technologists.

Radiographers who operate machines that use giant magnets and radio waves rather than radiation to create an image are called MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) technologists.

Sonographers or ultrasound technologists direct ionizing, high-frequency sound waves into the areas of the patient’s body; the equipment then collects the reflected echoes to form an image. The image is photographed for interpretation and diagnosis by physicians.

Radiation is used to treat cancer as well. Radiation therapy technologists or radiation therapists prepare cancer patients for treatment and administer prescribed doses of ionizing radiation to specific body parts. They operate many types of equipment and position patients under these with absolute accuracy in order to expose the affected body parts for treatment while protecting the rest of the body from radiation. They also check the patient’s reaction for side effects such as nausea, hair loss, skin irritation, etc. They give instructions to the patients who are likely to be very ill. Dealing with extremely ill and dying patients on a daily basis can be emotionally exhausting, so they have to develop objectivity in their work. They may be required to lift or turn disabled patients so physical stamina is important.

Nuclear medicine technologists

Nuclear medicine technologists administer radio pharmaceuticals so patients, and then monitor the characteristics and functions and tissues or organs in which they localize. They operate cameras that detect and map the radioactive drug in the patient’s body to create an image on photographic film. Radio logic technologists also operate diagnostic radio imaging equipment, but their equipment creates an image by projecting an X-ray through the patient.

Nuclear medical technologists must explain test procedures to patients. They prepare a dosage of the radio pharmaceutical and administer it by mouth, injection or other means. During this process they have to adhere to safety standards that keep the radiation dose to workers and patients as low as possible. They produce the images on a computer screen or on a film for a physician to interpret. Some nuclear medicine studies such as cardiac function studies are processed with the aid of a computer.

Surgical Technologists/Operation Theater Assistants

Before an operation, they help set up the operating room with surgical instruments and equipment, sterile linens, and sterile solutions. They assemble, adjust and check non-sterile equipment to ensure that it is working properly. They may also prepare patients for surgery by washing, shaving or disinfecting incision sites. They transport patients to the operating room, help position them on the operating table and cover them with sterile surgical ‘drapes’. They also observe patients’ vital signs, check charts, and help the surgical team scrub and put on gloves, gowns and masks.

During surgery they pass instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeons and their assistants. They help prepare, care for, and dispose of specimens taken for
Laboratory analysis and may help in dressings. After an operation, surgical technologists/ OT assistants may help patients to the recovery room and clean and restock the operating theatre.

Cardiovascular technologists are those who specialize in cardiac catheterization procedures. They assist physicians (cardiologists) with invasive procedures in which a small tube or catheter is wound through a patients blood vessel from a spot on the patient’s leg into the heart to determine if a blockage exists or for other diagnostic purposes. Cardiovascular technicians not only obtain electrocardiograph (ECG/EKG) but the more skilled ones perform Holter monitor and stress testing . These are the non-invasive technicians who obtain readings of tests for interpretation by a physician later. These types of tests are part of routine physical examination, especially for middle aged persons or those who have a history of cardio-vascular problems.

Technologists and technicians who use ultrasound on the heart are referred to as
Electrocardiographs.

Electroneurodiagnostic technologists use instruments such as an electroencelograph (EEG) machine, to record electrical impulses transmitted by the brain and the nervous system. They help physicians diagnose brain tumors, strokes, toxic/metabolic disorders, epilepsy and sleep disorders. They also measure the effects of infectious diseases on the brain, as well as determine organic impairments such as Alzheimer’s disease. They may also determine ‘cerebral’ death, the absence of brain activity and assess the probability of recovery from coma. They take patient’s medical histories and help them to relax, and then apply electrodes to designated spots on the patient’s head. After recording the activity these technologists review the readout obtained, selecting sections for the physician to examine.

Polysomnographic technologists specialize in and administer sleep disorder studies.

Work Environment

In large hospitals or in independent laboratories that operate round the clock, perfsonnel usually work in shifts; otherwise they work very regular hours. Most of their work hours are spent walking and standing. Some of the procedures may encounter complications with serious patients; hence a cool head and objectivity are vital.

Laboratories are usually well lighted, clean and usually air-conditioned. The complexity of the tests performed, the level of judgement needed, and the amount of responsibility a technologist can assume depends largely on education and experience. The odour of reagents, and solutions used in the laboratory is to be expected. Medical laboratory technologists are trained to work with infectious specimens. With proper methods of sterilization and infection control followed there are no hazards at all.

For surgical technologists/operation theatre assistants the work environment, for the most part, is clean, well lighted and cool but they must stand for long hours and remain very alert during operations. Usually their work hours are regular but they may be on call during holidays and weekends on a rotating basis. Hospitals are the primary employers though private nursing homes also require their services. They are expected to be abreast of new developments in their field.

Specialisations

The various medical technologists can specialize in working for a general hospital or in a consulting practice. They may be working in a private clinic, in research institutions or academic departments. Some medical technologists may work in marketing and sales of medical diagnostic equipment.

Physical and Psychological Requirements

You must have the capacity and willingness to work hard, possess the zeal to serve, and be a keen observer with a scientific temperament. Mechanical aptitude and the ability to follow detailed instructions is a must. A questioning attitude, keen interest in the diagnosis and cure of medical problems, and deep abiding love for life and the living are necessary qualities even for these technology driven jobs. A pleasant, relaxed manner for putting patients at ease is an asset in those occupations where patient contact is involved.

Dealing with extremely ill and dying patients on a daily basis can be emotionally exhausting for radiation therapists. So they have to develop objectibvity in their work. They may be required to lift or turn disabled patients so physical stamina is important.

Study/Training

Usually training in MLT is through a BSc programme of 3 years duration after Plus Two in Physics, Chemistry and Biology. (English too may be required for admission to all India level institutes). In some states, there is provision to take up the MLT course only after successful completion of BSc. Diploma courses are also offered in many of the training institutions.

Training can be in the form of a 3-year BSc Med. Lab. Course (Radiology/Radiography) or a BSc course in Radiography/Radiotherapy for radiologic technologists or radiographers.

There is also provision of specialized traning in Radio Therapy and Radio Diagnosis Technicians training course after BSc at specialized centres like the Tata Memorial Centre, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai which offers a combined training programme for Radiotherapy and Radiodiagnosis Technicians ( 2 years full time).

You are eligible for the courses is you are in the 17-25 age group and have successfully completed Plus two or equivalent exam with Science subjects (ideally, Physics, Chemistry and Biology). Do confirm specific details and criteria by going through the current admission notification.

A 3-year BSc (Nuclear Medicine Technology) after Plus Two (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) trains you for a career as nuclear medical technologist.

Most of the medical technology courses in other specialized areas are offered to those who have cleared Plus Two with Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) group of subjects.
Employment Prospects

Professionals trained in various aspects of medical technology, its applications and analysis are able to tap employment opportunities both in the private and the public sectors. Private hospitals, nursing homes and diagnostic centres all need such personnel in large numbers. With the expansion and sophistication of the health care industry the need for trained medical technologists has been magnified. There are areas of specialization within each field.

Entry-level positions fetch you approximately Rs.4,000-Rs.5,000 a month. The type of organization or facility that employs you, your level of training, expertise and related work experience would definitely influence remuneration. With so many medical facilities coming up, with increasing corporatisation of the healthcare sector, such openings will continue to increase.

Nuclear medicine technology is among the newer diagnostic options to emerge. Since the equipment is not available with each and every medical facility work openings are limited compared to MLT and radiologic technologists.

Career Progression

Career advancement comes with experience and can lead to increased responsibilities on the supervisory front and/or managerial/administrative front. Those who are keen to fulfil the demands of these professions should take the necessary steps towards acquiring the right qualifications and build a satisfying and rewarding career for themselves. Common to all professions allied to medicine is that you will be entrusted with the comfort, health and lives of people who come to you directly or indirectly, or depend upon your judgement. So, you must be prepared to shoulder this individual responsibility.