Career as Medical Technologist
Medical Technologists are behind the scene workers in the medical profession. They are trained to carry out investigations advised to patients by their doctors and report the results to the medical practitioner for follow up. The main specialist in the para-medical profession discussed here are the Medical Technologist, Radiographers and Optometrists.
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Job Profile
- Medical technologists
- Carry out investigations in cytology (cell study), hematology (blood sample study), serology (study of body fluid samples for locating antibodies), or histology (study of body tissue) or urine analysis, blood banking and microbiology. They work in pathology labs under the guidance of a Pathologist
- Prepare samples of tissue, blood, or other specimens and carry out chemical and biological analysis
- Perform laboratory tests essential for detection, diagnosis and treatment of specific diseases
- Prepare documents of routine medical tests which physicians may use in diagnosis and treatment
- Perform a range of pathological investigations from simple blood count smear to blood grouping, prepare vaccines, and examine tissue samples, body fluids and prepare samples
- Ensure the quality of laboratory tests are without error
- Are also trained to work with medical specialists and operate the electrocardiograms, conduct stress tests and monitor recordings
- Technicians working in Radiography, Radiation therapy, Sonography, and Nuclear medicine have specialized through training
- They work under the supervision of specialist physicians
- While their administrative tasks include maintaining patient records they conduct the investigations on the patient using highly advanced equipments
- Carry out the routine work taking X-rays, CT scans, Medical Resonance Imaging of patients. These are then seen by Radiologists for diagnostic purposes
- Radiographers assist Radiologists during complex and prolonged radiological investigations also
- Radiographers operate equipment which are intended to study images of the body tissues, bones and organs for diagnosis and therapy
- In the process of X-ray they may administer chemical mixtures for certain investigations
- Radiographers check correct positioning and shielding of body parts not to be exposed to x-rays. operate the controls of the machine for the x-ray exposure to produce pictures of the correct density, contrast and detail and subsequently develop the x-rays and prepare it to be seen by the radiologist for opinion
- Give radiation to cancer patients according to the advice of radiotherapists
- Carry out investigations to study human physiology like blood circulation and functioning of Heart, Kidney, Liver and Thyroid etc
Optometrists
- Check visual defects
- Check conditions of the eye
- Check visual system correctible by glasses, contact lenses
- Give vision therapy
- Prepare vision aids
- Optometrists use special devices for eye testing and can prescribe the use of eyeglasses and contact lenses
- Ophthalmic technicians or opticians
Video Clip on Medical Technologist
(Video sourced from YouTube.com - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sw2sXiNR7vc)
Clock work
- The day begins by collecting blood samples, setting up the samples for testing, carrying out the tests, recording results, preparing the findings for the doctor's report
- The day ends with clearing the equipment and resetting the work platforms and machines for use
Employment Opportunities
Recruiting Companies
Apollo 
Fortis 
Max How do I get there?
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Std XII
Stream:Sc PCB/M
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Graduation
BSc.MLT/Nursing &*
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Goal
MedicalLabTechnologist/Para...
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Std XII
Stream:Sc PCB/M
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Professional...
Diploma/Certificate***
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Goal
Medical Lab Assistant
*3 year BSc course in one of the following: Medical Technology,
Radiography, Medical Ophthalmic Technology, Medical Technology
Radiotherapy, and Medical Laboratory Technology
**There are several institutions which impart training in Medical
Technology in almost all the states. Some leading institutions
which take students on all India basis conduct written entrance
tests and interviews. In some state there is a common entrance test
for Nursing, Pharmacy and Lab Technology courses
***Graduates in any specialization can pursue a postgraduate
diploma course of one year duration
****Two year diploma in Medical Technology, Radiography, Medical
Ophthalmic Technology, Medical Technology Radiotherapy, and Medical
Laboratory Technology trains assistants.
AIIMS
BITS
CMC, VelloreFeatured Institutes in India
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Content on this page is by Career Expert Mrs. Kum Kum Tandon MA (Psychology), M.Ed, Diploma in Educational Psychology, Vocational Guidance & Counseling (NCERT, Delhi) | View Complete Profile |