Medical Technologist/Clinical Technologist
Medical or Clinical Technologists are a group of healthcare scientists responsible for providing the underpinning technological support in medical physics and clinical engineering. Their work ranges from operating diagnostic imaging equipment in services such as nuclear medicine to maintaining and servicing the complex, specialised equipment used to diagnose and treat patients.
Hospitals use a wide range of cutting edge technology in a wide variety of areas, such as radiotherapy, bioengineering, nuclear medicine, operating theatres etc., and so there is an increasing demand for people with the specialised medical physics knowledge to ensure that the equipment is working correctly and safely and to deal with technical problems.
Most Medical Technologists are trained and then based in medical physics departments but they may work in almost any other part of the hospital. For example, if a patient is having kidney dialysis at home, the Medical Technologist will have to visit them there.
There is a demand for technologists with expertise in electronic or mechanical engineering. Their work will involve calibration, servicing and maintenance of specialised clinical equipment and the development and construction of equipment.
Other Technologists will work in clinical areas with close patient contact, such as nuclear medicine where they inject radioactive tracers and scan patients using complex diagnostic imaging equipment. In radiation protection, the Technologist's duties include monitoring the radiation doses to staff and patients, checking the safety of radiological equipment, carrying out quality assurance tests, and safe disposal of radioactive waste.
Entry Requirements
There are currently no minimum entry requirements for trainees but employers usually expect a minimum of four Standard Grades (1-3) including Science and preference may be given to those with Highers. Many hospitals prefer trainees to be at least 18. BSc, HND or equivalent qualification in an appropriate discipline is required for entry at higher level. Mature applicants are welcome.
Training
Some Medical Technologists are trained on the job and study on a part-time basis towards a relevant qualification e.g. day release courses. Many technologists now enrol on university based training courses leading to a Degree or a Diploma in Higher Education. Accredited departments can offer an in house training scheme towards a vocational degree for Clinical Technologists.
State Registration
In the future it will be mandatory for all Technologists to be State Registered. This means that all staff who have the potential to cause harm to patients must demonstrate that they have been trained fit for purpose, be regulated through a professional code of conduct and be entered on a register of professionals who are eligible to practice in a specific area of activity.
Career Prospects
Medical Technologists' positions are graded according to seniority. Higher-grade posts involve more decision-making and responsibility for managing and training others. Progression through the grades is not always automatic but may be gained by applying for higher-grade vacancies.
How to apply
Click here to search for NHS Scotland vacancies for Medical Technologists.
Vacancies are often advertised in job centres and local papers.
Higher-grade jobs are increasingly advertised nationally, for example through the Jobs Online service offered by the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine.
Further Information
For more information on a career as a Medical Technologist, please contact your local medical physics department or the
Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine
