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They administer vaccines, check your blood and urine samples, and any material from your body. Medical technologists are experts in analyzing fluid and tissue samples from animals and the human body. Med techs are often seen in their laboratory coat, peering into microscopes and operating expensive laboratory equipment such as a blood counter.

OTHER RELATED/SIMILAR ROLES

• Phlebotomist

• Blank bank specialist

• Dialysis Technician

• Laboratory technician

• Assistant laboratory technician

• Clinical technician

• Phlebotomy technician

• Forensic or crime laboratories

• Research facilities

• Medical laboratory technologist

• Clinical laboratory technologist

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Administer vaccines to patients

• Draw blood samples for analysis to determine health conditions or if there are underlying infections.

• Analyse urine samples for these factors such as uric acid level, creatinine level, specific gravity, red & white blood cells, and bacteria to determine the health or medical conditions of the kidney, bladder, and other organs or parts of the body that may affect urine. Med techs may also check urine for drug substances for pre-employment or documentary purposes.

• Wear protective clothing, such as gloves and goggles.

• Check the specimen’s validity immediately after receiving the specimen.

• Label and organise specimens and tests for easy retrieval.

• Compiles data of specimens.

• Verify test results and make sure that they match correctly with the specimen.

• Observe safety measures such as proper handling and disposing of biohazard specimens - blood sample, urine, stool, and used syringes.

• Operate professional machines and diagnostic equipment such as blood gas analysers, chemistry analyzers, dialysis machines, haematology analyzers, microscopes, syringes, and ultracentrifuges.

WORKPLACE - WHERE DO THEY WORK?

• Hospitals

• Clinics

• Blood banks

• University or school laboratory

• At schools as teachers

• Public health facilities

SKILLS NEEDED

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

You need to finish a 4-year degree in Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology from a Commission on Higher Education (CHED) accredited university or college (Philippines). To be licensed, you need to pass the licensure exam administered by the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC). You may also need to undergo on-the-job training/internships in clinics or hospitals. You can also benefit from joining a professional association such as the Philippine Association of Medical Technologists (PAMET).

Throughout the 4-year degree and hospital training, and depending on the college curriculum, Med techs will learn the following:

• Biochemistry

• Human anatomy and physiology

• Pathophysiology

• Analytical chemistry

• Inorganic and organic chemistry

• Biostatistics

• Epidemiology

• Microbiology

• Usage of professional measuring and diagnostic equipment

Data source: Salaryexpert.com

PAYSCALE

Data source: salaryexpert.com

According to salaryexpert.com, the average annual salary of med techs is around 344, 164 php, and 165.46 per hour. Payscale.com reports that the average salary of med techs is around 177,818 per year or 102.29  PHP per hour. 

Salary level depends on the following:

• Location - In the Philippines, the minimum wage is higher in the National Capital Region and large urban areas compared to provinces.

• Company size - Large and stable companies are more likely to offer higher salaries, perks, or benefits.

• Seniority - The length of years and months you’ve been working.

• Promotion - If you’re promoted, your salary will increase.

JOB MARKET OUTLOOK

Med techs will find a demand for their profession and skills because of the ageing population. As time goes by, the number of seniors or elders will double, and so will the demand for healthcare and diagnostics. Before the doctors and nurses can make decisions, they need the expertise of med techs. 

PROSPECTS FOR CAREER ADVANCEMENT

You can advance to a medical doctor by studying another medical specialization. You can also be promoted to a laboratory manager or senior medical technologist.

RISKS OF BEING AUTOMATED OR REPLACED BY ROBOTS

Some sources on the internet speculate that AI and Robots could replace medical technologists or other related or similar roles. According to willrobottakemyjob.com, a 90% chance that machines could take the professionals’ jobs. Replacedbyrobot.info showed similar results at 90%.

The Possibility of AI and Robots Replacing Med Techs.

Computers and robots have become more advanced, leading to laboratory machines that can detect body fluids and tissues with little to no human intervention.

Why AI and robots can never replace med techs?

AI and robots have no emotions and consciousness, unlike humans. Machines that can diagnose your blood, urine, or stool sample could be around in the coming years or decades, but humans have the ultimate oversight and control of medical diagnostics. Tech advances will augment med tech jobs.

PROS AND CONS

Pros

• A rewarding career that lets you explore medical science and discover a cure for the betterment of humanity.

• If you would like to become a medical doctor, being a med tech is a stepping stone.

• You’ll get paid more if you get licensed.

Cons

• You’ll face the risk of being exposed to biohazards from blood, saliva, urine, and tissue samples.

• There could be fewer job opportunities for med techs compared to nurses.
   

INDUSTRY/PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

The Philippine Association of Medical Technologists, Inc. (PAMET) is the leading and only accredited professional organization for medical technologists in the Philippines. Established on September 15, 1963, PAMET is dedicated to advancing the medical laboratory science profession by promoting professional values, enhancing competencies, and fostering collaboration among healthcare stakeholders. It organizes conventions, training programs, and scholarships to support its members' growth and development. PAMET also upholds core values such as integrity, professionalism, commitment, excellence, and unity.