Medical technician - overview

What does a medical technician do?

A role as a medical technician is a practical job, where you’ll use your background in physics or engineering to make sure medical equipment is safe and accurate. You’ll be based in a hospital, working on things like MRI scanners, hearing aids, x-rays, ultrasounds or dialysis machines.

Working within a team of medical staff, you’ll use your communication skills to make sure everyone knows how to use machines and equipment correctly. The job can be unpredictable, and like many healthcare careers at times busy and stressful, but your responsibility means you have a key part to play in making sure patients are looked after safely.

What will your days involve?

Day-to-day, your role as a medical technician will depend on where you work, and job descriptions can vary. Daily tasks might include:

• Testing and maintaining medical equipment
• Taking measurements and readings
• Keeping accurate records
• Taking samples for examination
• Measuring patients for devices like hearing aids or artificial limbs
• Operating diagnostic equipment, for example looking at the heart, brain, kidneys or lungs
• Working with a team of other technologists and medical staff to make sure equipment is used safely and accurately

FAQs

How much can you earn as a medical technician?

The average salary for a medical technician in the UK is £29,120.

Does a medical technician role involve travel in the UK or overseas?

As a medical technician, you might have to travel to different hospital departments and sites, or visit patients at home.

Can you work from home as a medical technician?

As this role involves working directly with patients and equipment, working from home is very rare.