Healthcare technicians are skilled professionals who assist doctors, nurses, and other medical staff in diagnosing and treating patients. They typically work in a clinical or laboratory setting and play a critical support role on any medical team. Many technician jobs require only an associate’s degree or certificate, making them an accessible and appealing option for those eager to kickstart their career in the healthcare field.
If this sounds like you, read on to explore responsibilities, what you can expect to earn, and how to get started.
What Does a Healthcare Technician Do?
Healthcare technicians contribute to the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions, though their responsibilities vary widely depending on their specialization. Lab-based technicians, like histotechnicians (who prepare tissue samples) or phlebotomists (who process blood samples), assist with preparing and analyzing medical tests. Clinical technicians, such as surgical technicians or X-ray technicians, often work directly with patients, assisting with procedures and the proper sterilization and use of equipment.
While the day-to-day varies different by specialization, med techs are typically responsible for:
- Maintaining the lab environment, including equipment, supplies, and samples
- Assisting physicians, nurses, or technologists with diagnostic tests and procedures
- Operating specialized machinery to perform tests or collect samples
- Supporting the care team to deliver high-quality patient care
How much do healthcare technicians make?
There are many factors that affect potential salaries, including education, certifications, specialization, geographical location, and setting (e.g. hospital, labs, or clinics). For detailed salary information, check out our guide to the types of healthcare technicians and their salaries.
How to Become a Healthcare Technician
Complete Your Education
Most healthcare technician roles require an associate’s degree or certificate from an accredited institution. Some specializations like sterile processing may only require a high school diploma or GED, while advanced technologist positions typically require a bachelor’s degree. Regardless of specialization, employers often look for candidates with an educational background in healthcare or a related field.
Pursue Certification
Depending on your specialization, certification isn’t always mandatory to land a job as a healthcare technician, but it is highly valued by employers. There are many organizations that offer training and certification programs for med techs, such as the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) for X-ray technicians or the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) for sterile processing technicians. Certification can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few years, depending on your chosen field.
Start Your Job Search
Healthcare technicians work in a number of diverse environments, including hospitals, clinics, labs, surgery centers, and more. Do your research to understand which setting best matches your specialization and work style, then get started applying for jobs. Or better yet, let us make it easy for you:
- Sign up for Incredible Health’s AI-powered healthcare marketplace to get matched with jobs tailored to your goals, interests, and education.
- Review our resume guide to help you stand out from the crowd.
- Utilize our interview guide to prepare for interviews so you can show up with confidence.
