Medical Technical Officer
What is the work like?
Medical technical officers (MTOs) use sophisticated scientific equipment to record and interpret samples and readings. The aim of the job role is to help clinical staff diagnose and treat patients.
As an MTO, you could be based mainly in a lab, but you are also likely to have lots of client contact. Your exact duties would vary depending on the specialist area you work in, which could include:
- clinical biochemistry, for example, specialising in diabetes
- respiratory physiology, sleep and ventilation
- oncology (the study and treatment of tumours)
- audiology and hearing therapy
- pathology (as an anatomical pathology technician)
- cardiology
- renal dialysis.
You could also be involved in maintaining the equipment used by healthcare professionals or scientists.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You are likely to need around five GCSEs (A-C) including English, maths and two sciences. Increasingly, you will need higher qualifications, such as A levels, a BTEC HNC or degree in a relevant engineering or life science subject. However, entry requirements can vary depending on the specific area you want to work in.
To get on to a degree, you will usually need five GCSEs (A-C) plus two A levels. Check with course providers for exact details because alternative qualifications such as an Access to science course may also be accepted.
You are likely to have an advantage if you also have experience of lab work, particularly in a hospital setting, and experience of dealing with the general public.
A number of specialist areas within this field are moving towards graduate entry and state registration, for example, cardiology, respiratory physiology and gastro-intestinal physiology. Check the professional bodies websites (listed below) for details.
What further training and development can I do?
You will usually receive on-the-job training from your employer. You may be encouraged to combine this with studying part-time for a relevant qualification such as a BTEC National Certificate in Applied Science, which includes medical physics and physiological investigations, or BTEC HNC in Medical Physics.
You could also study part-time for a degree or foundation degree in, for example, medical technology. It may benefit your career to work towards achieving the qualifications of the professional body relevant to your specialism.
Where can I go for more information?
Tel: 08000 150850Bristol
BS99 3EY
Tel: 0845 606 0655
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries for medical technical officers can be between £14,800 and £18,000 a year.
- With experience, this can rise to between £20,000 and £33,000 a year.
There are additional payments for overtime and on-call duty, and an additional London allowance is paid. Salaries in the private sector may be linked to NHS scales but could be higher.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would typically work 37.5 hours a week, which may involve shift work and on-call duties. Part-time hours may also be available.
Depending on your specialist area of work, you could be based in a workshop, clinic, on the wards, in an intensive care unit or operating theatre. You may occasionally visit patients at home.
You would use specialist equipment and computers, and work in clean and sometimes sterile conditions.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- an ability and interest in physical sciences, biology, engineering and electronics
- a desire to contribute to patient care and treatment
- the ability to follow detailed guidelines and instructions
- a mature and responsible attitude to work
- good communication skills
- accuracy and attention to detail
- a methodical and well organised approach
- the ability to concentrate for long periods of time
- good team working skills
- the ability to empathise with and reassure nervous patients.
What opportunities are there?
You will find most vacancies within the NHS and many jobs are advertised on the NHS Jobs website. You could also work in private sector hospitals. With experience you could apply for senior posts, which may involve running a clinic or teaching.
With further training and a degree, you could work towards becoming a clinical scientist.
If you specialise in electronics and engineering, you could work for manufacturers of medical equipment or firms specialising in servicing and repair.
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