Industry Outlook for Medical Jobs

Medical jobs such as medical secretaries, lab technicians and radiologists all perform key functions necessary for an effective health care system …

Medical Secretary

The medical secretary field is anticipated to grow more slowly through the coming years than it has in the past.

This is primarily due to the fact that medical assistants and physicians assistants are increasingly taking over duties that were once performed by medical secretaries.

Medical and physicians assistants generally tend to have a broader scope of education and can therefore perform an increased number of complex tasks and duties.

A medical secretary performs the following duties:

• Transcribes dictation
• Prepares correspondence
• Records medical histories
• Order supplies
• Handles billing operations
• Procedures including insurance claims

A medical secretary may or may not work a full work week depending on the employer and their preferences. Some medical secretaries perform work for several physicians and physicians’ groups. Medical secretaries typically utilize very specialized computer software programs developed for the medical industry.

Medical Laboratory Technicians

It is expected that there will be excellent employment opportunities for medical lab technicians in the coming years.

This is primarily due to the fact that there continues to be more job openings each year than qualified candidates.

A medical lab technician …

• Prepares specimens for testing
• Assists phlebotomists and pathologists with collecting samples for testing

Depending on the location of the employer, a medical lab technician may be required to work irregular hours and evening shifts. This is typically more common in hospitals than in doctor offices.

Emergency Medical Technicians

Employment for emergency medical technicians is expected to remain strong through the next several years.

Emergency medical technicians generally work with police officers and fire and rescue workers in a variety of emergency related medical situations.

This may include tending and treating:

• Victims of crime
• Burn victims
• Persons injured in car accidents
• Emergency childbirth
• Heart attack, stroke and other life threatening situations

Emergency medical technicians typically work at least forty hours per work, often more. Work for this position generally tends to involve irregular work hours, including evenings, nights, weekends and holidays.

Radiologists & Radiologic Technicians

Employment opportunities within the field of radiologic technology are expected to be quite good throughout the next five to ten years. In some areas there continue to be more open positions than qualified candidates.

Individuals involved in this occupation typically work an average forty hour work week, however; in hospital they may be required to be on call or work irregular hours.

Employment Prospects For Medical Jobs

Medical secretary positions can be found in doctor offices, physician groups and practices, hospitals and clinics.

Medical lab technician positions can be found in hospitals, labs, blood and organ banks as well as doctor offices.

Emergency medical technician positions can be found with private ambulance services, public ambulance services, fire departments and hospitals.

Radiologic technologist and technician positions can be found in hospitals, doctor offices and diagnostic imaging centers.

Job Search for Medical Jobs

Medical secretary, lab technician, EMT and radiologist positions can be found through a broad range of means.

Networking has also proven to be beneficial in obtaining these types of positions. Interested individuals may also find it advantageous to check with the placement office of their college or university.

Resumes for Medical Jobs

A chronological resume is the best type of resume to use when applying for any of these medical jobs because it focuses strongly on education and experience, which are critically important in all of these fields.

Cover Letters for Medical Jobs

A job seeker applying for any of these medical jobs should use a cover letter that stresses their commitment to quality patient care and attention to detail. The cover letter should mention how the applicant learned of the position and stress any experience or achievements that would set them apart from other job seekers.

Training & Qualifications for Medical Jobs

Medical Secretaries

While at one time secretaries were able to find employment after high school with some typing and business related courses during their high school education, the complex and advanced nature of the medical industry now requires that a medical secretary have at least a certificate from a medical secretary training program.

Employers may also prefer at least two to three years of experience or advanced education such as an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree.

Medical Lab Technician

A minimum of an associate’s degree is generally required to become a medical lab technician. Individuals who obtain advanced education and experience may advance within this field to a supervisory or management position.

Medical lab technicians are required to keep up with changes and advancements within the industry by attending seminars and studying trade journals.

Emergency Medical Technicians

Depending on their designation, emergency medical technicians may become employed with varying levels of education and training.

At a minimum, an EMT will need basic first aid training and emergency medical training.

In addition to specific education and training, EMT’s are required to be licensed. Every State has certification requirements for becoming a licensed emergency medical technician; the process usually involves taking a written exam. EMT’s are generally required to update their licenses every two years.

Individuals involved in this occupation generally must take refresher courses through continuing education.

Radiologic Technologist

Individuals involved in radiologic technologist and technician positions are usually required to obtain anywhere between one and four years of post-secondary education.

On average most people employed in this occupation possess at least an associate’s degree. Supervisory, administrative and instructional positions require at least a master’s degree.

This involves passing a written examination and successful completion of an accredited program.

Individuals working in states with licensure or certification requirements are usually also required to undergo a minimum of continuing education classes each year in order to maintain their license or certification.

As technology continues to improve and change, the need for staying on top of changes within the industry will continue to be important and provide a basis for keen competition for medical jobs.