After the pandemic and buoyed by technical innovations, there has been a great demand for healthcare technicians. Also known as healthcare workers, they provide support to other healthcare professionals in clinics, hospitals, and other related settings. They work directly under the supervision of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. The demand in healthcare for trained technicians is big and to cater to the surge in demand in healthcare careers, many reputed colleges, vocational schools, and universities offer programs in the healthcare technician domain.
The term "healthcare technician" includes a broad range of roles and responsibilities. The specific duties may vary depending on the healthcare setting and the technician's area of specialization. If you want to build a career as a healthcare technician, here's a breakdown of various specializations, the best places to pursue a course in the US, and the cost range of these healthcare technician programs.
1. Ultrasound Technician (Diagnostic medical sonographer)
This is one of the top choices in the healthcare technician careers. Ultrasound technicians perform ultrasound imaging examinations to diagnose medical conditions, operate ultrasound equipment, prepare patients for exams, and analyze images. As per recent BLS data, the average annual salary for ultrasound technologists is around $75,000 nationally.
The best places to pursue a course to become an ultrasound technician/ diagnostic medical sonographer include community colleges and vocational schools across the US. They offer ultrasound technician programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Some top-ranked programs are at the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences (Rochester, MN), Duke University School of Medicine (Durham, NC), and Emory University (Atlanta, GA).
The cost for an ultrasound technician course varies depending on the program and length (certificate vs. associate degree). Expect costs ranging from $10,000 to $30,000.
2. Radiology Technician
A radiology technician’s role is to operate X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and other imaging equipment. You position patients for exams, prepare and administer contrast materials, and ensure radiation safety. The average radiology technician salary in the United States is $66001.
The best places to study are many. Similar to ultrasound technicians, accredited programs are available at community colleges, vocational schools, and some universities. Notable programs include Northwestern Memorial Hospital School of Radiology Technology (Chicago, IL), Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions (Boston, MA), and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (Baltimore, MD).
The cost for a radiology technician is between $15,000 and $40,000, depending on the program and length (certificate vs. associate or bachelor's degree).
3. Surgical Technologist
The next promising career in the healthcare technician domain is here. The duties of a surgical assistant include assisting surgeons in operating rooms by preparing instruments, sterile supplies, and operating equipment. It also includes maintaining a sterile environment and supporting patient care during surgery. According to BLS, the average annual salary for surgical technologists is $57,500 per year.
If you want to become a surgical technologist, there are many accredited programs offered at hospitals, community colleges, and vocational schools. Highly regarded programs include the University of Washington School of Medicine (Seattle, WA), Vanderbilt University Medical Center (Nashville, TN), and Stanford Health Care School of Surgical Technology (Palo Alto, CA).
The cost of the program to become a surgical technologist ranges from $10,000 to $45,000. The actual cost varies depending on program length and the institution you choose.
4. Sterile Processing Technician
This is one of the rapidly growing career choices as a healthcare technician because of job availability and the high range of salaries available. A sterile processing technician career is very promising and in great demand in the healthcare sector. The role of a sterile processing technician is to disinfect and sterilize surgical instruments and equipment. The main goal of these duties is to prevent infections, maintain a sterile environment in the sterile processing department, and ensure equipment functionality. The average Sterile Processing Technician salary is $45,433/year in the United States.
The top places for sterile processing technicians are many. Associate degree programs are available at community colleges and vocational schools, while some offer certificate programs. The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (Lubbock, TX), Rush University College of Nursing (Chicago, IL), and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) offer notable programs.
Like other healthcare technician program costs, costs vary here too. They typically range from $5,000 to $20,000, depending on length and institution.
5. Medical Laboratory Technician
This is another highly promising healthcare technician role. The duties of a medical laboratory technician are to collect and analyze blood, tissue, and other bodily fluids to diagnose diseases. Some other important work is to operate laboratory equipment, perform tests like blood counts and blood typing, and maintain accurate records. As per the BLS report, the top 10% of medical and clinical laboratory technicians get a median annual salary of $84,670.
There are many best places to study to become a medical lab technician. Associate degree programs are widely available at community colleges and vocational schools. Some universities offer bachelor's degrees in medical laboratory science. Highly regarded programs include the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences, the University of Washington School of Medicine, and Baylor College of Medicine (Houston, TX).
The range of costs to become a medical lab technician is vast. The program costs typically range from $10,000 to $30,000, depending on the length of the program and institution you go for.
6. Veterinary Technician
Here’s an interesting career path for healthcare technician aspirants who want to try something different. Veterinary assistants are in huge demand these days. As a vet assistant, you assist veterinarians in providing care to animals, perform diagnostic tests, and administer medications. Some other duties include preparing animals for surgery, educating pet owners, and maintaining animal records. The base salary for a Veterinary Technician ranges from $32,909 to $46,462. The average base salary in this field is around $39,099.
The choice of places to pursue a course in the veterinary technician field is many. Associate degree programs accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) are offered at community colleges and vocational schools across the US. Top-ranked programs include Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine (West Lafayette, IN), Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (College Station, TX), and Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine (Ithaca, NY).
The cost to pursue a course in the veterinary technician domain is a bit higher than other healthcare technician options. The program costs typically range from $15,000 to $40,000, depending on the length of the course and the institution you decide to go to.
Sum up – Best courses in the healthcare technician field
Seeing the rise in demand for healthcare workers, pursuing a course in one of the fields is a good move. The cost might look higher for some but you recover it fast after you start working in a good setting. Landing a job in the healthcare technician field is easy as the demand is constantly going up and it’s set to continue like this for many years. These are just estimated costs, and actual costs may vary depending on factors like program type, location, financial aid, and living expenses.
If you wish to further explore one of the healthcare technician careers and find the best program, contact the schools directly. Talking to healthcare professionals in your area and attending career fairs or open houses is another wise move to get more knowledge in this field.
