A medical technician is a person who assists medical professionals with care-related tasks; operating diagnostic and treatment-related machinery; and performing tests. A person in this field may also prepare patients for medical procedures. If you want to work in this field or are already employed as a medical technician, certification may help you stand out among other job applicants, secure higher pay, or even advance in your position. In some jurisdictions, certification may even be required for holding certain jobs. The steps you’ll have to take to earn medical technician certification may depend on the requirements of the certifying organization, but typically include education or experience; a monetary fee; and a passing score on an exam.
Before you get started on earning medical technician certification, you may do well to research the certification organizations in your area. You can then compile a list of the organizations that offer the credential you seek and determine which requirements may be easiest for you to meet. You may also consider certification organizations based on reputation and costs. If prospective employers seem to have a preference for medical techs who have received certification from one organization over another other, you may find choosing the preferred organization advantageous. Likewise, you may prefer to choose the organization that is least expensive if you will be seeking certification on a tight budget.
Often, certifying organizations require applicants to secure related education before they test for certification. The level and type of education you will need may depend not only on the organization in question, but also on the type of medical technician certification you are seeking. In many cases, you may be required to earn a two-year degree in a related science or health care major or complete a diploma or certificate program; experience gained in the military may count for certification eligibility as well. No matter what level of higher education a certification organization requires, holding a high school diploma or an equivalent credential is typically required. Sometimes, certifying organizations require a minimum level of experience, and some may allow you to take the exam after earning a specific number of credits, even if you have not earned a credential.
After choosing a certifying organization and making sure you meet its requirements, you’ll typically have to pay a fee to complete the application and take the required exam. Usually, the application includes the submission of paperwork, such as proof that you earned a credential from an accredited educational program. You may then take the exam, and if you pass, earn medical technician certification.