Medical technology is the use of science, engineering, and technology to make tools, products, and systems that can be used to diagnose, treat, and prevent a wide range of medical conditions. Diagnostic tools, medical imaging tools, surgical implements, prostheses, and medical implants are just a few examples of the enormous variety of goods and apparatus that fall under the umbrella of medical technology.
Some examples of medical technology are
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines use a magnetic field and radio waves to make images of the body’s internal structures.
- Pacemakers are devices that are put in the body to help control the rhythm of the heart.
- Robotic surgical systems provide surgeons with more control and precision while carrying out minimally invasive treatments.
- Artificial limbs and prosthetic devices can enable those who have lost a limb or have a physical disability to regain mobility.
- Blood glucose monitors and insulin pumps can help people with diabetes better take care of their condition.
Medical technology devices
- Ultrasound machines are used to take pictures of organs and tissues inside the body and to check on the development of the fetus during pregnancy.
- X-ray machines are used to take pictures of bones and other hard parts of the body.
- CT scanners are used to get detailed pictures of organs, bones, and tissues inside the body.
- MRI machines are used to get detailed pictures of soft tissues like the brain and spinal cord.
- ECG machines are used to keep an eye on how the heart’s electrical system works.
- Blood glucose meters are used to check the amount of sugar in the blood of people with diabetes.
- Insulin pumps are used to give insulin to diabetics.
- Ventilators are used to help people who have trouble breathing breathe on their own.
- Artificial hearts are used to replace a damaged or failing heart temporarily or permanently.
- Cochlear implants are used to help people with severe hearing loss hear again.
- Pacemakers are used to change the rhythm of the heart.
- Prosthetic limbs are used to replace limbs that are missing or hurt.
- Surgical robots are used to do less-invasive surgeries with more accuracy and control.
- Continuous glucose monitoring systems are used to keep track of how much sugar is in the blood of people with diabetes.
- Intraocular lenses are used in cataract surgery to replace the eyes’ natural lenses.
- Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) – are used to treat sudden cardiac arrest by delivering an electric shock to the heart.
- Hemodialysis machines are used to remove waste and extra fluids from the blood of people with kidney failure.
- Endoscopes are used to look at organs and tissues inside the body during diagnosis and surgery.
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines are used to treat sleep apnea by delivering pressurized air to keep the airways open.
- Infusion pumps are used to put fluids, nutrients, and medicines directly into the bloodstream.
- Radiation therapy machines send high-energy radiation to specific areas of the body to treat cancer.
- Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) send electric shocks to the heart to treat people with irregular heartbeats.
Medical technology Jobs and their salary
Depending on their precise job title, level of education, and years of experience, people with medical technology degrees can earn different amounts of money. Here are some common jobs in this field and how much they pay on average.
Medical Laboratory Technologist
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a medical laboratory technologist in the United States is about $56,000 per year (BLS).
Medical Imaging Technologist
According to the BLS, the average salary for a medical imaging technologist (like a radiologic technologist, CT technologist, or MRI technologist) is around $64,000 per year.
Medical Device Sales Representative
According to Glassdoor, the average annual salary for a medical device sales representative is around $80,000.
Biomedical Engineer
According to BLS a biomedical engineer makes an average of $91,000 per year.
Medical Science Liaison
According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a medical science liaison is around $122,000 per year. A medical science liaison acts as a link between pharmaceutical companies and medical professionals.
Manager of Medical and Health Services
Managers of medical and health services are in charge of places like hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes that provide medical care. The BLS says that the average salary for this job is around $104,000 per year.
Medical Records and Health Information Technician
People who work in this field organize and take care of data about health. The BLS says that the average salary for this job is about $44,000 per year.
Clinical Research Coordinator
Clinical research coordinators are in charge of running clinical trials and making sure they are done according to rules and protocols. Glassdoor says that the average salary for this job is about $54,000 per year.
Healthcare IT Specialist
Healthcare IT specialists plan, set up, and take care of information systems for healthcare. Glassdoor says that the average salary for this job is around $80,000 per year.
Medical Writer
A medical writer writes content for medical journals, drug companies, and healthcare websites. Glassdoor says that the average salary for this job is around $75,000 per year.
Health Informatics Specialist
The job of a health informatics specialist is to manage and analyze medical data in order to improve patient care. The average salary for this position is around $69,000 per year, according to Glassdoor.
Medical Coder
Medical coders look at patient records and assign codes to describe diagnoses and procedures for billing purposes. The BLS says that the average salary for this job is about $48,000 per year.
Clinical Laboratory Scientist
Clinical laboratory scientists use blood, tissue, and other bodily fluids to do complicated tests that help doctors diagnose and treat diseases. The BLS says that the average salary for this job is about $68,000 per year.
Healthcare Consultant
Healthcare consultants work with healthcare organizations to make them more efficient and effective. Glassdoor says that the average salary for this job is around $81,000 per year.
Medical Device Engineer
Medical device engineers design and make things like artificial joints, pacemakers, and tools for surgery. Glassdoor says that the average salary for this job is about $85,000 per year.
Conclusion
Medical technology has changed the healthcare industry by giving doctors and nurses better ways to diagnose, treat, and care for their patients. From advanced imaging technologies to personalized medicine and telehealth, this technology helps doctors and nurses better understand, diagnose, and treat medical conditions. It gives patients better care and a better quality of life, and it gives doctors and nurses new ways to make a difference in their field. This technology has a lot of job opportunities for people who are interested in both health care and technology.
