Technical workers are trained to operate scanning and imaging equipment that is used to confirm what is happening with patients and health problems. The technical workforce is diverse with at least 20 occupational groups ranging from anaesthetic technicians to medical physicists and radiation therapists. Technical workers often work in relative isolation from each other.
Medical Training
A medical technician can work in a diverse number fields, and often takes certification or training courses in a specialized field after completion of high school. The term medical technical can apply to people who work in x-ray labs, pharmacy and veterinary assistants, and a plethora of other work environments. On the job responsibilities depend upon the career path and specialty of the medical technician. Medical tchnicians are trained to use and maintain special medical equipment. They use and make sure equipment is working properly, especially while a serious procedure such as an operation is happening.
Medical Technician Positions
Orthotist/Prosthetist
Makes braces or devices to help or fix bone problems. They also make special footwear. A prosthetist makes artificial arms and legs for people who need them. In some countries, orthotics and prosthetics are done together as one job, but in New Zealand they are separate roles.
Anaesthetic Technician/Operating Theatre Technician
Helps anaesthetists get operating theatres and clinics ready. They also help the surgery team with operations and help patients recover after an operation.
Cardiac Technician
Uses different equipment to investigate the way a patient’s heart is working to help doctors confirm and treat patients with heart disease.
Medical Laboratory Technician
Helps scientists and pathologists with tests and other work running a diagnostic medical lab.
Pharmacy Technician
Helps pharmacists prepare and give out medicines.
Medical Imaging
Medical imaging refers to the techniques and processes used to create images of the human body for clinical purposes or medical science (including the study of normal anatomy and physiology).
As a discipline and in its widest sense, it is part of biological imaging and incorporates radiology, radiological sciences, endoscopy, thermography, medical photography and microscopy e.g. for human pathological investigations.
Medical Imaging positions
Medical Diagnostic Radiographer
Uses x-ray and other equipment to take pictures of people’s injuries and possible diseases.
Sonographer
Operates ultrasound equipment that uses sound to make pictures that are used to investigate inside the body.
Medical Radiation Therapist
Uses radiation equipment to treat people with cancer.
Computed Tomography (CT scanning)
Use CT scanners to take cross section images of internal parts of the body.
Fluorocsopy
Use an x-ray beam and special equipment to take live images of the body.
Mammography
Use mammography units to take images of breasts to check for cancer.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Use MRI scanners, radiofrequency waves, and magnetic fields to confirm injuries and possible diseases.
Nuclear medicine technology
Use radioactive materials (tracers) and gamma cameras to confirm and occasionally treat diseases.