What Can You Do with a Medical Technology Degree?

Once you acquire a degree, the list of career possibilities in medical technology is endless. The mesh of knowledge in medicine and technology can set you apart from other practitioners. With the increase in the need to streamline medical services, professionals with this degree are an essential link between patients and healthcare services. 

If you have a medical technology degree but aren’t sure what to do with it, take a look at this guide. We include the best jobs for associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and master’s degrees. Read below to learn more about the best jobs for medical technology majors. 

What Is a Medical Technology Major?

A medical technology major is a field where students delve deeper into chemistry, biology, and other related disciplines. Medical technology students can pursue careers in academic research, public health, and the pharmaceutical industry. 

Medical technologists contribute to the diagnosis of diseases and the advancements of complex instruments. To achieve this balance, most medical technology students go through three years of classwork and one year of clinical work experience. 

How to Become a Medical Technologist: Medical Technology Education Options 

Medical technology has been booming, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. This comprehensive guide can help students and professionals in the field forge their way into promising careers. Thie guide’s curated list of medical technology education options will address your questions and help you find the job you want.

Medical Technology Associate Degree 

You can easily start a two-year degree program from an accredited institution to launch your career. The best medical technology associate degree programs will equip you with the experience necessary for a career in medical technology. In addition, these degree programs are excellent for accumulating credit hours for a bachelor’s program later on. 

Best Associate Degree Programs in Medical Technology 

• Associate Degree in Medical Laboratory Technician – Northcentral Technical College
• Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology – Ivy Tech Community College 
• Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology – Davenport University 
• Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology – Idaho State University
• Associate of Science in Medical Laboratory Technician – Keiser University 

Medical Technology Bachelor’s Degree

As much as associate degree programs can land you a job in medical technology, most hiring companies require bachelor’s degree graduates. Below, you will find the best medical technology bachelor degree programs that will prepare you through clinical experience and classroom instruction for a career in medical technology. 

Best Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Medical Technology 

• Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology – Roosevelt University 
• Bachelor of Health Informatics and Information Management – University of Southern Indiana
• Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management – Arkansas Tech University
• Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology – Texas Woman’s University 
• Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology – University of South Florida 

Medical Technology Master’s Degree 

To advance your career in medical technology, you will need to attend one of the best master’s degree programs. These programs can last between one and four years and give you advanced knowledge in a specified topic. Below is a curated list of some of the best graduate degree programs to develop your knowledge and expertise in medical technology.

Best Master’s Degree Programs in Medical Technology 

• Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering – The George Washington University
• Master of Science in Health Care Informatics – University of San Diego
• Master of Science in Healthcare Policy & Research, Health Informatics – Weill Cornell Medicine Graduate School of Medical Sciences
• Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering – Florida Institute of Technology
• Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering – The University of Texas at Dallas

Medical Technology Career Overview: Is a Medical Technology Career Worth It?

Medical Technology Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the medical technology job outlook for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians is 11 percent. This estimated job growth of over 29,500 new jobs will happen between 2020 and 2030. This growth is above average when compared to all other occupations, which makes this field a good one to enter.

The BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic impacted technology and, more so, the medical sector. Due to the pandemic, health care support occupations had the highest demand. Home care health services, nursing care facilities, and surgical hospitals had thousands of open positions to meet the needs of patients.

Medical Technology Salaries

According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary of health technology jobs is $58,422 per year. However, the pay can go as high as $150,500 and as low as $29,500. It is important to note that your medical technology salary can vary according to your career path, employer, education level, experience, and location. 

Best Jobs for Medical Technology Majors: What Can You Do with a Medical Technology Degree?

There are numerous jobs available to those with a medical technology degree. Whether you choose an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s medical technology degree, you can get a job as a physician, health information technician, radiation therapist, or even surgical technologist. Find out more potential career paths below.

Best Jobs for Medical Technology Associate Degree Majors

Radiation Therapist 

• Average Salary: $86,850
• Job Outlook: 9%

Radiation therapists are in charge of administering radiation to patients who have cancer. The professionals work in conjunction with oncologists to come up with the best treatment plans. To come up with the best solution, radiation therapists input detailed reports of the patient’s health. 

Some employers require a Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy. However, an associate degree is a basic requirement. The degree program consists of clinical experiences that will shape your career as a radiation therapist. You should also consider getting registered with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. 

Nuclear Medicine Technologist 

• Average Salary: $79,590
• Job Outlook: 8%

These professionals are responsible for preparing and administering radioactive drugs to patients for imaging. They rely on imaging equipment to record the radiopharmaceutical in a patient’s body. Through this information, physicians draw valid concerns to diagnose the disease. 

Acquiring an associate degree from an accredited institution can launch your career as a nuclear medicine technologist. Some employers also require professionals to have certifications from the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). 

Respiratory Therapist

• Average Salary: $62,810
• Job Outlook: 23%

Respiratory therapists evaluate and treat patients’ lungs. They often deal with patients suffering from bronchitis, asthma, or another respiratory problem. Respiratory therapists have extensive knowledge in biomedical engineering, cardiopulmonary physiology, and pathophysiology. 

To start your career as a respiratory therapist, pursue an associate degree accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Respiratory Care to ensure proper education to practice in any hospital or private medical practice. You should also consider earning a certification from the National Board for Respiratory Care. 

Surgical Technologist 

• Average Salary: $49,710
• Job Outlook: 9%

Often referred to as operating room technicians, surgical technologists are responsible for sterilizing and organizing the surgical environment. The professional’s responsibilities are vital for preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative stages. In this role, you can work in cardiology, orthopedic, or even cosmetic surgery.

To become a surgical technologist, you should consider attending a community college program, vocational school training, or a university degree program. Often employers only require the professionals to have an associate degree. In addition, some need technologists to have a certification from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.

Veterinary Technician

• Average Salary: $36,260
• Job Outlook: 15%

The field of medical technology is quite vast. Veterinary technicians help veterinary doctors in the diagnosis and treatment of sick animals. They investigate samples from animals, administer vaccines, and sometimes prepare animals for surgery. 

To become a veterinary technician, you will need to pursue an associate degree from an accredited institution by American Veterinary Medicine Association. You should also sit for the Veterinary Technician National Examinations to obtain your licensure. Bear in mind that the licenses differ depending on the state you will practice.

Best Jobs for Medical Technology Bachelor’s Degree Majors

Medical Scientist

• Average Salary: $91,510
• Job Outlook: 17%

Medical scientists are professionals responsible for investigating human diseases and researching prevention and treatment measures. Often, medical scientists choose one area of specialization in their careers. From designing studies, conducting clinical trials, and developing experiments, these professionals establish the best hypotheses informing medical issues. 

To become a medical scientist, you will need to acquire a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Chemistry, or a related field. It is also essential to pursue courses that will enhance communication skills since you’ll be writing reports for research findings. 

Medical Laboratory Scientist 

• Average Salary: $75,712
• Job Outlook: 11%*

Medical laboratory scientists, also called clinical laboratory technicians, conduct medical tests on patient samples for diseases detection. For example, they test patients’ fluids and tissues and provide information to the relevant physician for diagnosis. At times, the professionals develop different methods of testing, depending on the skill level. 

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To handle this level of responsibility, a medical scientist needs to have a bachelor’s degree accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences. After completing the four-year program, the medical scientist can acquire a certification from the American Society of Clinical Pathology.

Diagnostic Technician

• Average Salary: $70,380
• Job Outlook: 14%

Diagnostic technicians are responsible for helping doctors diagnose medical problems. The professionals have sufficient knowledge of COR, ECG, and radiology to carry out their job duties. To land this job, you must have a Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Engineering or equivalent, and having a master’s degree can help you land a higher-paying salary. 

MRI Tech 

• Average Salary: $63,710
• Job Outlook: 9%

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologists are responsible for preparing and taking patients through the MRI process. MRI is an improved medical imaging technology that reduces radiation exposure to patients. The professionals, MRI technologists, carry out the procedures to determine ailments or diseases of patients with the help of physicians. 

Most MRI technicians have an MRI degree. Some have an associate degree, but a four-year degree is best suited if you want to earn higher pay. Other professionals acquire a certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, which is the gold standard for becoming an MRI tech.

Cardiovascular Technologist

• Average Salary: $87,045
• Job Outlook: 11%

Cardiovascular technologists work in conjunction with physicians to identify, diagnose, and treat cardiovascular diseases. The professionals can specialize in invasive cardiology, cardiac sonography, or vascular technology, all of which require the completion of a four-year degree program. 

It’s important to check if the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs accredits your program to ensure that it reflects national practice standards. You can also get your license from the American Association of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Different states require different licenses to practice, so check the standards in your area. 

*Job outlook information for this position was sourced from BLS information on clinical laboratory technologists and technicians.

Best Jobs for Medical Technology Master’s Degree Majors

Nurse Anesthetist 

• Average Salary: $117,670
• Job Outlook: 45%

Nurse anesthetists are responsible for administering anesthesia to patients. They conduct a background check on the patient’s medical history before administering the anesthesia to determine the appropriate type and amount of anesthesia. They often work in conjunction with nursing directors, anesthesiologists, and surgeons. 

To become a nurse anesthetist, you must attend a four-year degree in nursing. Once you complete your degree program, you can take the NCLEX-RN exams to acquire your license. You can also follow up with a Critical-Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) certification. Then you should get a master’s degree and advance your practice to become a nurse anesthetist.

Physician Assistant

• Average Salary: $115,390
• Job Outlook: 31%

Physical assistants are often confused with medical assistants. However, the two professionals are relatively different. Physical assistants work under physicians to provide care for patients. They assist with patient examination, diagnosis, and prescriptions. To land the job position, you must pass 95 percent of the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam. 

Physical assistant duties vary depending on their specialization. They can work as an anesthesiologist assistant, radiology technician assistants, or surgical physician assistant. To launch your career, you must pursue a medical degree or equivalent. You should also have a master’s degree from an accredited institution. 

Speech-Language Pathologist 

• Average Salary: $80,480
• Job Outlook: 29%

Speech sounds, language, social communication, and fluency are some of the specialties of a speech-language pathologist. These professionals help patients develop their communication skills and often work in hospitals, private practice, or rehabilitation centers. If you enjoy working with others, this is a good job for you.

To become a speech-language pathologist, you must attend a university program accredited by Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. It is also a requirement for you to earn a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology. 

Occupational Therapist

• Average Salary: $86,280
• Job Outlook: 17%

Often referred to as OTs, occupational therapists help treat patients’ pain, illnesses, or injuries. They offer individual attention to help patients perform their duties at work or school. The professionals often work with seniors, people with specific disabilities, or premature babies. 

You will find many occupational therapists working in hospitals, rehab centers, outpatient clinics, and schools. Occupational therapists often have a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science and a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy. In the United States, occupational therapists go through the National Board of Certification of Occupational Therapy exams to start practicing.

Orthotist

• Average Salary: $70,190
• Job Outlook: 18%

Orthotists are responsible for designing and manufacturing artificial medical devices. These artificial devices, referred to as orthoses, help in correcting the neuromuscular system of a patient. The medical practitioners prescribe them for lumbar support, especially during disease or injury. They rely on rehabilitation braces, functional braces, and prophylactic braces. 

Most hiring managers require orthotics to have a master’s degree. However, there are no particular graduate programs in orthotics. Instead, you can choose to specialize in different parts of the body, such as the back, arms, or legs. You must ensure that the program selected is accredited by the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education. 

Three Final Tips to Get a Job in Medical Technology 

1. Join an association. Joining a medical-based association will help you stay up to date with developments in medical technology and engage with other professionals. You should consider joining associations like AdvaMed, American Medical Technologists (AMT), or American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
2. Get certified or licensed. American Medical Technologists issues a certification exam to validate the professional standard of practice in the medical field. The examinations are only available for four-year graduate professionals. It’s an excellent opportunity to validate your skills in the medical arena.
3. Gain experience. Aside from the internship opportunity medical professionals receive during the four-year study, it is vital to look for job opportunities. You can easily gain experience from apprenticeship programs or volunteer opportunities.

Starting a career in medical technology might seem difficult, but it can be pretty straightforward if you follow the right educational path. With this guide to medical careers, you will have an easier time starting your dream job. Take advantage of the best programs and learn in-demand knowledge and skills to help you navigate the medical technology arena.