How to become A Health Technician

Every successful medical procedure has its beneficiaries extolling the doctors and nurses who are visible benefactors. Behind the scenes, however, is an allied healthcare professional who provides direct care to patients. Healthcare Technicians collate all the patient information physicians need to make the correct diagnosis and restore the patient’s health.

• Medical Technician
• Healthcare Technician
• Public Health Technician

What do Health Technicians do?

A Health Technician would typically need to:

• Undertake basic medical and administrative tasks in collaboration with the rest of the medical staff
• Perform administrative tasks such as checking patients in and out, answering phones, scheduling appointments and adding notes to patient files
• Regularly monitor the patient’s vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate and temperature during medical procedures; notify the medical staff in case of any irregularities
• Assist physicians with patient examinations; maintain a detailed report of the patient’s history and personal information; maintain patient confidentiality as per law and protocol
• Provide patients with medications and injections as directed by physicians and as permitted by state law; monitor the stock and put in a requisition for replacements
• Check and update patients’ medical records to ensure they are up to date, complete and accurate; notify healthcare providers of record deficiencies and resolve discrepancies
• Collect samples from patients to be tested in the laboratory after briefing them on the kind of specimens needed and providing them with containers to collect the sample
• Assist psychiatric patients, observing their every move to prevent them from causing harm to themselves and people around them
• Assist patients with their hygiene needs by carrying out tasks such as bathing, grooming and changing bedpans; help move the patient to required areas throughout the hospital
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions and established procedures to keep equipment operational; clean and sanitise all medical equipment

Health Technicians spend the better part of their day with patients either in an office or in the wards. They work within the medical facility and do not need to travel to perform their duties. They would need to be familiar with operating computers and the medical equipment necessary for patient care. 

Health Technicians work full time in shifts. If the medical facility that employs them is open 24/7/365, they must be prepared to work nights, weekends and holidays. Part-time work may also be possible.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Health Technicians can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting employers directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Health Technicians are generally employed by:

• Hospitals
• Doctor’s Offices
• Outpatient Centres
• Speciality Clinics
• Rehabilitation Centres
• Laboratory Collection Facilities

Professional associations and organisations such as the International Society for Quality in Health Care are crucial for a Health Technician interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation.

Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• A lack of balance between personal and professional life due to long working hours; susceptibility to frustration and burnouts with too little time for self-care
• Risks involved in the leakage of confidential patient health information
• Exposure to infectious diseases and hazards while being in direct contact with patients
• Work delays caused by a disruption in technology; lack of training and knowledge in using these systems
• High risk of skin damage and the risk of respiratory problems due to contact with cleaning, disinfecting and sterilising agents
• Fatigue and attendant health issues due to extended periods on one’s feet

Any academic program that Healthcare Technicians take up usually involves supervised experience, such as an internship. In addition, seize any opportunity for paid/voluntary work in clinical or non-clinical settings so you can build on essential skills such as communication, reliability and attention to detail. 

Some teaching hospitals also offer work experience in their medical physics, medical engineering or medical departments, specifically for high school students interested in a career as a Health Technician. It can be a helpful way to gain insight. Contact local hospitals and visit their websites for more information on work experience opportunities.

Read about the various areas in this field to better understand where you wish to specialise. Talk with your high school coun­selor and interview/shadow experts working in healthcare for further clarity on how you want to gain work experience and prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.

Typically, there are no formal education requirements to practice as a Health Technician beyond adequate theoretical and practical knowledge of anatomy and medical terminology.

However, employers prefer candidates who have completed a one-year certificate or diploma program from accredited community colleges, vocational schools, technical schools and universities. Some community colleges offer 2-year programs that lead to an associate’s degree.

Some employers offer entry-level trainee clinical technologist jobs to candidates with a bachelor’s degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND) in physics or engineering. The job entails a training period by the end of which you will qualify as a Health Technician.

You can also avail of a training scheme that begins with obtaining a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in healthcare science. If you opt for the BSc exclusive of the training scheme, note that you will need adequate work experience to qualify for the role.

Aspiring Health Technicians with a high school diploma or equivalent may also apply for entry-level jobs inclusive of on-the-job training. Their academic curriculum should ideally focus on biology, chemistry, anatomy, mathematics, business and computers.

Certification demonstrates a Health Technician’s competence in a specific skillset, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. 

You may choose to earn accredited certification in phlebotomy, coding, pharmacy, front office administration, clinical care and administration, behaviour management and patient care based on your area of interest.

Although not mandatory, certification from an objective and reputed organisation can help you stand out in a competitive job market and obtain a significant salary premium of up to 18 percent. Graduates of accredited programs with adequate work experience are eligible to apply, provided they are 18 years of age.

Health Technicians with significant experience can specialise and move into managerial positions. Those who choose to pursue higher studies may move into more skilled healthcare professions such as Registered Nurse, Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner. Promotion may involve regular supervision of the student and junior Health Technicians.

Health Technicians certified in health technology and are familiar with electronic health records (EHRs) have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) is essential in the healthcare sector for public wellbeing and career progression. It embraces several new learning objectives, educational methodologies, and novel technological developments, especially in education, management, and IT. They may also receive training on how to handle new equipment and implement new techniques.

Health Technicians who enter the profession with a high school diploma expand their knowledge about medical terminology, the names of instruments, the performance of regular tasks and interaction with patients on the job. Physicians or senior colleagues may conduct the training.

Learning how to code paper and electronic health records (EHRs) and record patient information are essential skills that all Health Technicians need to acquire for several months after they are recruited.

CPD is also necessary to ensure the regular renewal of certifications. 

Dress to Create the Right First Impression

Nowhere does a person’s appearance and impact on the people they interact with matter so much as in the healthcare sector. And Health Technicians are no exception to this rule. Most employers prescribe a standard dress code that highlights professionalism and hygiene, so patients feel confident and secure.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Health Technicians have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time Health Technician has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

The need for Health Technicians arose in the aftermath of World War II with the realisation that hospitals could not be the only answer to the increasing demand for healthcare.

Anyone who has even tried to figure out the nuts and bolts of a healthcare operation - from the time a patient first approaches a medical facility to the time they are done with the treatment - will agree it is mind-boggling. Healthcare Technicians who maintain a sturdy organisational framework help ease the strain on the patient and other healthcare providers.

Commitment and compassion are essential to thrive as a Health Technician. You must hone your interpersonal skills to create a supportive environment that facilitates the recovery of the ill and injured.