The medical field has many job opportunities outside of direct patient care. With technological advancements, there is a need for specific skills sets.
Administrative tasks, for instance, require the management of electronic health systems. But today, remote access to medical care is possible due to telemedicine.
Data analysts go through tons of information. They do this to gain insights that can go towards improving the quality of healthcare.
Our article explores emerging technician fields in the medical profession.
1. Medical Appliance Technician
Thanks to technology, people who would have never walked can have an opportunity to do so. The use of prosthetics has been a life-changer for many patients. The need for such devices could arise from congenital disabilities.
Other reasons are surgical procedures like amputations or even accidents. The people in charge of designing and fitting prosthetics are medical appliance technicians.
To become a medical appliance technician, you need a high-school diploma or GED. On-the-job training is also a prerequisite. You can opt for formal education at a college level.
Associate degree programs offer more in-depth training in different areas. They include pathophysiology, prosthetic studies, and health sciences research.
A love for technology is essential because you will use different software. You must also stay on top of the current trends and innovations within the field. This kind of job requires a thirst for knowledge and a desire to learn and improve.
2. Pharmacy Technicians
Pharmacy technicians have to cover many roles. They work hand in hand with the pharmacists to administer prescriptions. The job of locating, dispensing, packaging, and labeling medication falls on a pharm tech.
Other responsibilities include tracking inventory, prepackaging bulk medications, and filling automated dispensing machines.
A pharmacy technician can also offer their services to third parties. Some insurance underwriters will have them as part of the staff. Their work is to authenticate and process claims.
Depending on the state, a pharmacy technician may need to get formalized training. There is the option of certification or diploma, which takes one year. The other is a degree program that will take two years.
Note that pharm techs must undertake a licensing exam. It is vital to prepare well for the exams. Online resources like the PTCB study guide provide a fantastic solution. A team of medical test prep experts put the PTCB test questions together.
The pharmacy technician practice tests include samples of past state board exams. Use such resources to prepare for your written exams.
The search for knowledge does not stop there, though. Ongoing education for recertification purposes is also a must. Pharm techs need to achieve specific credit hours to qualify. Different states have different requirements around this.
3. Veterinary Technicians
Veterinary technicians provide the necessary support to vets. They will, for example, collect samples and play an active role during operations. They can also administer medications and vaccinations under the watchful eyes of veterinarians.
Once the animal receives care, the vet technicians track and report progress. The technicians will also take on some of the administrative tasks. They will, for example, be the contact point between the owners and the veterinarian.
They collect relevant history about the animals, both past and present. They will then document such for future reference. According to indeed.com, salary expectations within the US range from $7 to $38 per hour.
To become a veterinary technician, you will need an associate degree. The American Veterinary Medical Association committee must accredit the college in the US.
The program covers two years. There is also the option of accelerated programs, which tend to take less time.
4. Genetic Counselor
During medical consultations, the doctor may ask about your genetic predisposition. They will ask questions about specific conditions that may run within the family. The information helps determine the risk potential for specific health conditions.
As a parent, you may also want to know whether a child is at risk of such conditions. The people who provide such answers are genetic counselors. They use tools like sequence analyzer programs and other software to get answers.
The process of gathering and analyzing data forms a critical part of a genetic counselor’s work. To become a certified genetics counselor, you will need to complete a master’s program. Some subjects you will cover include counseling ethics, molecular genetics, and research methods.
After that, you can expect some clinical training experience and a project. But that’s not all; to get accreditation, you must pass a certification exam as well. There are many areas of specialization, including pediatric, prenatal, cardiology, and oncology.
5. Audiologist
If you have ever had a problem with your ears, your GP may have referred you to an audiologist. These experts diagnose and treat patients with a wide range of problems. These include hearing difficulties or lack of equilibrium.
Audiologists are also involved in the prevention of diseases that could impact hearing. That means you will find the experts working outside of hospital settings.
Industrial audiologists, for example, work for manufacturing companies. They develop safety guidelines for those who work with noisy machines.
Educational audiologists work with learning institutions. They identify learning challenges that may arise from hearing difficulties. They will then recommend solutions to ensure the students can hear the educators.
The use of technology has become critical in the successful completion of jobs. Specific tools can, for example, allow them to see into the interior of the ears.
The audiologist may also recommend devices that can help patients. Some include cochlear or hearing implants. They may also provide counseling services.
To get into the field, you need a doctoral degree. That means you must first obtain a four-year bachelor’s degree. Then comes another four in the audiology program. Some colleges offer accelerated programs. These allow you to take a year off the doctoral program.
After that comes internship and then licensing. You should find out what is applicable in your state with regards to licensing. You may also need to seek certification from professional organizations.
Final Thoughts
If you want to make a difference by joining the medical field, many opportunities exist. Medical technicians provide support and keep the parts moving within the field.
Determine your area of interest and see what opportunities are out there. Articles like this one are a fantastic starting point. But there is lots more information both online and offline.
And, don’t forget to use free resources like the PTCB tests to study. With a simple online search, you will find one that is relevant to your chosen career.
