The Covid-19 pandemic put a stop to thousands of jobs and livelihoods, but it also revealed a huge opportunity for those who crave a career in healthcare. As the world comes to terms with the pandemic, jobs in the medical field are needed now more than ever. A career in medical technology could prove to be one of the most rewarding you’ll ever have because of the variety of opportunities it offers.
What Will You Do?
The Covid-19 pandemic temporarily halted most routine medical procedures, so healthcare workers had plenty of time to study to qualify as medical technologists. With a surge in the number of jobs available, now is the perfect time to enter this rewarding field. What will you do if you’re a medical technologist? Your job description may vary from hospital to hospital, but generally speaking your duties will include handling medical instruments, testing bodily fluids for pathogens, and performing various other procedures that are necessary for healthcare. According to the American Association of Medical Technologists (A.A.M.T.), the Covid pandemic “…created a highly visible need for trained individuals to work in the lab during the pandemic. This need will likely continue for some time after the pandemic.”
Since the world is now aware of the need for healthcare workers, many hospitals and healthcare providers are now actively looking for new staff. Depending on the jurisdiction, you may be required to undergo some form of training before you can officially start working. For example, in the United States, you’ll need to complete an accredited technologist program before you can be eligible for employment in a hospital or health clinic. However, with so many hospitals and healthcare providers struggling to find more staff, there may be opportunities for you to get training and then find employment without having to spend all that time completing your formal education. If you’re interested in a career in healthcare, consider exploring the many opportunities that are now available to you.
Why Choose a Career in Healthcare?
The demand for healthcare workers is at an all-time high, so if you’re looking for a rewarding career that also provides you with excellent employment opportunities, join the thousands who have already recognized the value that healthcare offers. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, healthcare jobs are currently available, but due to the high demand and long hours, many candidates who are interested may have to look for employment externally.
The global pandemic has impacted every aspect of our lives, including the healthcare field. The number of medical personnel needed is at an all-time high, and with the emergence of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the need for healthcare workers has drastically increased.
The A.A.M.T. notes that the demand for medical technologists is likely to continue to rise because of the temporary closure of hospitals as a result of the pandemic, as well as an increase in elective procedures once the world returns to some form of normality. The association adds that even after the pandemic, “many hospitals and clinics will still have to maintain a critical level of service, and there will continue to be a need for trained technicians to maintain, operate, and service medical equipment.”
Medical Technology Job Description
While the job description for a Medical Technologist may vary from hospital to hospital, most healthcare workers will be responsible for one or more of the following activities:
- performing physical examinations, such as blood pressure tests and heart rate monitors
- taking blood samples for diagnostic tests, such as blood cells and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)
- managing the storage and use of medical equipment, such as electrocardiogram (EKG) machines and imaging equipment, including CT scanners and MRI machines
- handling and operating various medical devices, such as endotracheal (ET) tubes and central catheters
- administering medications, such as anesthesia and painkillers, as directed by a physician
- monitoring a patient’s vital signs, such as blood pressure and heart rate, and taking proper medical histories
- preparing hospital patients for surgery
- conducting surgery (such as removing a tumor or other types of major surgery)
- handling specimens, such as stool samples and urine samples, for diagnostic tests
- attending to and cleaning up after patients who have had surgery
- participating in conferences and seminars to stay informed of the latest trends and technologies in healthcare
Since the start of this year, many healthcare facilities have been struggling to find staff, especially since the majority of jobs are now located in the healthcare industry. But, with the emergence of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the need for healthcare workers has risen sharply. If you’re interested in a career in healthcare, consider exploring the many opportunities that are now available to you.