Clinical Tech Careers

Clinical Technician Career Overview

Clinical technicians most often work in medical and scientific laboratories, operating equipment and machinery to carry out diagnostic tests and scientific experiments. These are exciting, challenging, and rewarding careers that also provide valuable services in diagnostic and research laboratories across the country.

Clinical technician work often involves operating and maintaining equipment and machinery and carrying out experiments. People in these careers should have good manual dexterity, attention to detail, be able to concentrate for long periods of time, and work with a high degree of accuracy. They should also be able to work well both independently and as part of a team, and have good communication skills, as they may often be required to write reports or give verbal presentations to other team members.

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Clinical Technician Training & Education

Surgical technicians and operating room technicians must obtain a certificate or associate's degree, and must also be certified by an association such as the Liaison Council on Certification for the Surgical Technologist.

Veterinary technicians can undertake a two-year or four-year degree in veterinary technology, and must also pass an exam to become a registered veterinary technician. There are three different levels of accreditation, depending on the qualifications gained by the individual.

Laboratory technologists and laboratory assistants can choose to complete a two-year or four-year degree in a general or specialist subject. Medical laboratory assistants can obtain a medical laboratory assistant or technician certificate or degree.

In all cases, people who opt for more advanced degrees will have the most extensive career opportunities. While some careers require only a certificate or two-year degree, obtaining a more advanced degree is often advised, as higher qualifications will allow for higher salaries and increased employment opportunities.

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Clinical Technician Career & Salary Outlook

Surgical technicians and operating room technicians typically earn between $25,000 and $50,000 per year depending on their level of experience. Veterinary technicians can expect to earn an annual salary of $25,000 to $35,000 depending on their experience in the field. The outlook for these careers is good, with the U.S. Department of Labor predicting faster than average growth through 2014.

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Career Fields/Specializations

Surgical Technicians Career

Surgical technicians assist surgeons in operating rooms, and typically work under the supervision of a surgeon or surgical nurse. The surgical technician works with a team that includes a surgeon, anesthesiologist, and nurses. They provide assistance before, during, and after an operation.

Before the operation, the surgical technician assembles the required equipment, such as instruments, sterile drapes, and sterile fluids and solutions. They also check all of the equipment to ensure it works correctly. The surgical technician is also involved in preparing patients for surgery and transporting them to the operating room. During the surgery, they observe the patient's vital signs, ensure that each surgeon has the equipment he or she needs, provide other surgical assistance (such as cutting sutures and holding retractors to keep the incision site open), and help prepare laboratory specimens. After the operation, they clean equipment and restock supplies.

Surgical technicians should have good manual dexterity, be reliable and responsible, and must be able to follow surgical protocols to ensure that the operating room and equipment remains sterile. They should be able to cope well with the pressure and demands of working in an operating room.

Operating Room Technician Career

Operating room technicians provide preparation and assistance during all stages of surgical procedures, and work under the supervision of a surgeon or surgical nurse. During an operation they work with a team of people, including nurses, anesthesiologists, and surgeons.

Before a scheduled operation begins, the operating room technician must assemble both sterile and non-sterile instruments and equipment that might be required, and ensure all equipment is working correctly. They are also involved in preparing patients for surgery. During surgical procedures they may be responsible for monitoring the patient's vital signs, handing instruments and equipment to surgeons, perform minor surgical tasks (such as cutting sutures and holding retractors), and preparing specimens for laboratory testing. When the operation is over, they are responsible for ensuring all of the equipment is cleaned, and that supplies are restocked for the next scheduled operation.

Operating room technicians should have good manual dexterity, be responsible and reliable, and be able to follow strict surgical and preparation protocols at all times. The operating room environment is often stressful, and the operating room technician should be able to cope with this.

Veterinary Technician Career

The role of a veterinary technician can be likened to that of a nurse. In private practice, the veterinary technician works under the supervision of a veterinarian, and carries out tasks like taking blood and tissue samples, performing laboratory tests, caring for hospitalized animals, and recording patient medical histories.

Veterinary technicians may also be employed in research facilities that use animals, and will work closely with other laboratory personnel to ensure the animals are cared for during the course of research and experimental procedures. In this setting, they are responsible for caring for animals, preparing and administering medications and food, and monitoring the animals for signs of pain or distress.

Veterinary technicians should have a love of animals and a strong interest in promoting animal welfare, regardless of the setting in which they work. They should be able to work well with animals, and be able to remain calm when working with stressed animals that may be in pain, and may bite or scratch. Veterinary technicians should also be able to cope well with stress, as working in a veterinary practice they will often be exposed to animals that have been injured or mistreated.

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