Obtaining a medical technician certificate of completion involves science aptitude, the desire to support patient care and knowledge of general health care. Depending on the area of specialization, proficiency in technical procedures and certain types of testing are required.

Jobs performed might be in the surgical, medication, radiology, ophthalmic or ultrasound departments. Typical coursework includes:

• Taking histories

• Pharmacology

• Pressure testing

• Muscle testing

• Surgical assistance

• Becoming proficient with modern imaging equipment

• Diagnostic training

• Fitting contact lenses

• Studying diseases of the eye

• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation

• General medicine

If students possess a high school diploma, medical technician training lasts only two semesters, but certificate candidates may learn a surprising variety of complicated tasks in that short amount of time. Students also routinely undergo a practicum in a clinical setting. Certain skills, such as anatomy, medical language and lifesaving are taught across disciplines.

To work in a laboratory, med techs must learn precise protocols for all of the following:

• Machinery testing, diagnosis and repair

• Results tracking

• Operation of complex instruments

• Specimen preparation and recordkeeping

• Administering of patient tests, including drug testing

• Determine blood compatibility of donors

Laboratory techs can discover clues to solving significant medical mysteries.

Medical technicians who work in a hospital might do the following:

• General medical support tasks

• X-ray patients

• Extract and analyze patient blood and additional tissue and fluid samples

• Identify pathogens at the cellular level

• Stocking of operating rooms

• Aid in results evaluation and interpretation

With additional coursework, medical technicians can go on and become EMTs or paramedics.

The med tech’s work is quite repetitive, and they must be extremely accurate with the tiniest details. Persons entering this occupation must be able to retain focus while stand for hours on end.

According to U.S. News and World Report, three of the best schools for a medical technology degree are Washburn University in the Midwest, Dana College and Madonna University.

When it is time to do your internship, you may find either a paid or volunteer position. The good news is that a practicum serves as the express lane to full-time employment. And there is no substitute for real, on-the-job experience.

Some school and medical programs are conducted in tandem, so that you can study and gain job experience at the same time. Be sure that the practicum that you choose earns you accreditation with the American Society for Clinical Pathology, or other appropriate agency.

Certain internships facilitate a rotation through contrasting medical disciplines, so that students gain full exposure to possible career paths. Typical departments served are hematology, transfusion medicine, chemistry, microbiology and immunology.