Diagnosing Medical Equipment: Medical Technology Degree
Studying medical technology helps you develop the skills to operate sensitive equipment used to acquire the necessary information to diagnose patients in hospitals, doctor offices and other healthcare facilities. Earning a degree in medical technology is one of the best ways to qualify for jobs in this competitive field. Several schools offer medical technology associate's and bachelor's degrees that train students to use equipment like X-ray and ultrasound machines. While earning your associate's degree is a good way to begin a career, most people find that bachelor's degrees give them better opportunities to find higher paying, rewarding careers in healthcare. As medical technology continues to progress, many professionals find they need to take classes to stay current with the newest equipment. Some schools offer certificate programs for those who only need to learn a few new skills for their jobs.
Medical Technology Degree FAQs
What Can I Do With a Medical Technology Degree?
Many medical technology graduates find jobs in hospitals, doctor offices and other health care facilities. After you earn a degree, you might pursue a career as an ultrasound technician, radiologist or clinical laboratory technologist. You could also start a career at a blood bank, research laboratory, forensic laboratory or public health department.
Are Online Medical Technology Programs Available?
Many schools offer online classes in medical technology, but you will probably need hands-on experience with some of the equipment before entering the workforce. Some schools have medical equipment that you can learn to use at their own facilities, but others give you the opportunity to intern at hospitals.
If you find that it is difficult to make the time to take classes, then you might be able to find a school that offers enough online classes to make it easier for you to finish your degree without rearranging your life.
How Long Are Medical Technology Programs?
The time-frame for completing a medical technology program depends on your status as a full-time or part-time student and the specific degree that you want to pursue. Most full-time undergraduate students finish the requirements for their bachelor's degrees in about four years. If you want to earn a certificate, then you can often complete the requirements in less that one year, but it depends on how many classes you take each term.
The Medical Technology Curriculum
The medical technology curriculum varies depending on the type of degree that you want to earn. Students pursuing bachelor's degrees typically study subjects like biology, chemistry, immunology, clinical microbiology, medical terminology, clinical hematology and junior clinical practice. Those who earn certificates for specific skills usually only take classes that are necessary for that skill.
