What are careers in medical technology?

X-ray technicians, medical coding specialists, and medical technologists are careers in medical technology. Here are descriptions of each of these careers and others in medical technology:

• X-ray technician

  X-ray technicians operate radiology equipment. They also prepare x-ray rooms and assist injured patients in the x-ray process. X-ray techs work alongside other radiology professionals, as well as other kinds of medical professionals, such as doctors and nurses.

  They can work in a variety of medical settings, such as hospitals, medical clinics, private x-ray practices, and other types of medical facilities.

  To become an x-ray technician, you need an associate's degree in radiologic technology. These associate degree programs prepare you to work as an essential unit of a medical team by developing your patient care skills, technical knowledge and abilities, and analytical assets.

  You study medical areas such as anatomy, physiology, x-ray physics, x-ray technology, and radiographic procedures. Most associate programs also have clinical rotations included within them.

  After you get your associate's degree, you need to obtain a license. In most states, this is a requirement. You must pass a licensing exam to complete this step. Certain states use the American Registry of Radiologic Technologies (ARRT) exam or accept ARRT certification as enough qualifications to gain a license.

  The ARRT exam contains 200 questions, most of which are multiple choice. Certification obtained from the passing of this exam is valid for two years, after which time you need to have completed 24 hours of continuing radiologic technology education for renewal.

  The average salary of an x-ray tech in the United States is $56,698 per year.

• Medical coding specialist

  Coding specialists deal with the creation of medical codes that contain an overview of a patient's records and medical visits. These are used by medical billers when they submit claims to health insurance companies.

  Codes that a specialist uses contain information on a patient's symptoms, diagnosis, therapies, prescribed medications, surgeries, and other medical procedures.

  They most often work with doctors, nurses, medical assistants, and other medical billers to make sure a patient's visit overview and other important information are accurately translated to avoid discrepancies that result in insurance problems.

  Medical coders typically have attended a medical coding program or have sought certification in medical coding. There is a CPC certification exam when seeking your certification in the field.

  A medical coder makes an average salary of $54,797 per year in the United States.

• Medical Technologist

  A medical technologist also referred to as a clinical laboratory scientist, is a professional who uses medical laboratory facilities and equipment to examine biological specimens and perform tests on them. Their work has a heavy focus on medical inquiries, such as testing bodily fluids for diseases or other anomalies that might be in the sample.

  The work they perform can lead to possible treatments or prevention techniques concerning illnesses and diseases. They also may work in the pharmaceutical arena, testing chemical solutions on various different properties, attempting to gain a certain effect.

  Medical technologists always work in a lab, but these labs can come in many different forms, such as ones in hospitals, academic settings, pharmaceutical companies, and other industry-specific laboratories.

  Medical technologists almost always have advanced degrees in a specific area of science, such as biology, microbiology, chemistry, or other related fields.

  The average salary of a medical technologist is $94,081 per year in the United States.

• Nurse anesthetist

  A nurse anesthetist is an advanced practice nurse that gives anesthesia to patients. A nurse anesthetist gives medicine called anesthesia to keep a patient from feeling pain or anxiety during a medical procedure.

  They can work in tandem with anesthesiologists to help in providing general anesthesia, regional anesthesia, or sedation. A nurse anesthetist also goes over the anesthesia plan with patients before surgery. They also utilize different kinds of anesthesia technology when assisting or administering anesthesia.

  You need a master's degree in nursing anesthesiology to become a nurse anesthetist. Prior to your master's, you need to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), pass the NCLEX-RN exam, and become a registered nurse.

  You also have to complete the necessary clinical hours. This applies to clinical nursing hours and clinical nurse anesthetist hours.

  The average salary of a nurse anesthetist is $195,610 per year in the United States.

• Anesthesia technician

  Anesthesia technicians work with anesthesiologists in the administration of anesthesia on a patient before surgery or other medical procedure.

  Their job mainly entails dealing with the technology and machinery used when applying anesthesia to a patient. They often have to perform testing, and maintenance, to ensure that equipment is operating efficiently and safely.

  Generally, anesthesia technicians work in hospitals, but some also work in medical supply companies that create the machines used in anesthesiology.

  The average salary of an anesthesia technician is $63,758 per year in the United States.