Reckoning Seven Most Promising Medical Technologist Roles

It seems that there are new technological advancements each day. While every industry benefits from these advancements, the medical industry is at the forefront. Medical researchers work on increasingly sophisticated systems to improve patient outcomes daily and make each healthcare institution as efficient as possible. Rapid technological advances cause the role of healthcare providers to change rapidly too. The functions of the medical technologist evolve promptly in response to increasing healthcare demands and scientific advancements. Medical technologists are now vital to the healthcare system and operate in different capacities. Without medical technicians, healthcare staff wouldn’t operate complex machinery that allows the automation of many procedures. Below, we’ve listed the seven most promising roles that medical technologists can pursue to bring accuracy and better treatment procedures.

HEMODIALYSIS TECHNICIAN

Kidney disease affects millions of people globally. With an increasing elderly population, the number of people affected by chronic kidney disease will increase. Although kidney disease is treatable if identified earlier, it often progresses to where patients need dialysis. Without regular dialysis treatments, affected individuals wouldn’t be able to survive. However, not just any doctor can operate the dialysis machine.

Hemodialysis technicians are essential to safely and effectively operating this complex machine, so patients get the best results. They have a thorough knowledge of both kidney systems and the dialysis machine. They provide critical care to patients who need it most, so the dialysis technician salary is considerably high. Hemodialysis technicians can finish their training in a few short months and prepare to help patients make chronic illnesses manageable.

CYTOGENIC TECHNICIAN

Preventative healthcare is a crucial aspect of healthcare. By spotting and treating disease while still in the preliminary stages, we can guarantee that patients have a more significant recovery chance. Furthermore, it also helps reduce the burden on healthcare institutions and keeps diseases manageable. Cytogenic technicians play a vital role in preventative healthcare, as they analyze cells and look for cellular anomalies. Abnormal cells can hint towards a host of healthcare issues, including cancer. Cytogenic technicians take cell samples from various parts of the body and identify any microscopic changes. By collaborating with a pathologist, they can help deliver a timely diagnosis to stop any disease from exacerbating.

PHLEBOTOMIST

Phlebotomy is one of the essential aspects of modern medicine and is incredibly important for diagnoses. While we can’t detect cancer and other cellular abnormalities through our blood, we can catch a vast range of medical issues through blood tests. These can include bacterial, viral, and other infections. Researchers now estimate that they can use blood tests as a diagnostic tool for COVID-19. Doctors also commonly use blood tests to monitor treatments or the progression of any disease. Phlebotomists draw uncontaminated blood and analyze it for any irregularities. Furthermore, they can also help optimize patient care by calming down patients while drawing blood to lessen the trauma.

MRI TECHNICIAN

An MRI scan diagnoses a wide range of illnesses, like developmental anomalies, dementia, brain injury or tumors, and any infections. The MRI machine is easily one of the costliest in any medical facility. Only someone with the right skills can operate it effectively. MRI technicians use the scanner to help diagnose many diseases. Furthermore, they also help inform patients about the procedure and prepare them adequately. Their work allows doctors to achieve the best diagnosis and treat patients accordingly.

MEDICAL LABORATORY ANALYST

While many of us don’t know of medical lab analysts, we have reaped their work benefits. Lab analysts work with the immense amount of medical data in the lab and help conduct tests, compile results, and record data. Lab analysts need to work with a great deal of medical equipment to get accurate test results each time. They also work closely with doctors and take on their options to help reach the best diagnosis. The work of medical laboratory analysts is essential to treat and care for patients appropriately. Lab technicians don’t work directly with patients but play an indispensable role in the treatment course. They work with various samples, ranging from blood to urine, stool, cerebrospinal fluid, sputum, to name a few.

DENTAL LAB TECHNICIANS

Dentistry requires the use of some incredibly complex machinery and tools. Without dental technicians, we wouldn’t have much of the orthodontic procedures available today. They help design dentures and veneers to improve not the aesthetic problems but functional issues too. They can help protect teeth and prevent patients from facing any issues in the future. In doing so, they need to work with a variety of materials such as stainless steel, precious and non-precious alloys, waxes, and plastics. Dental lab technicians need a touch of creativity in their work, as they often work to create aesthetic prostheses.

SURGICAL TECHNICIANS

The OR is easily one of the most high-stakes environments anyone can experience. However, surgeons aren’t the only ones who need to have laser-sharp focus and immense stamina. Surgical technicians work in the OR alongside surgeons and help prepare the operating theatre. They set up instruments, sterilize them, and ensure everything is working correctly. During the procedure, they’re present to assist the surgeons however they need. They provide no breaks in sterile technique while the surgeon operates to minimize any risk of infection. They help make the surgery much less stressful for the surgeons by anticipating their needs and providing timely aid.

CONCLUSION

Medical technologists play an integral role in providing accurate healthcare procedures to patients. Their work helps patients deal with chronic illnesses and manage them easily. They can also help prevent and treat diseases before they exacerbate and play a vital role in promoting better healthcare.