Careers in Biomedical Technology

BMT Unit I

Laboratory Careers and Science

•Careers include:PathologistMedical Technologist (Clinical Laboratory Scientist)PhlebotomistMicrobiologistVirologistBiochemist

Clinical Laboratory Science

Pathologist – MD, examines specimens of body tissue, fluids, and secretions to diagnose

diseasesLaboratory Technologist (Clinical Lab

Scientist) – performs lab testing and analyzes the results using their judgment

Phlebotomist – obtain and process blood specimens to aid in he diagnosis and

treatment of disease

Clinical Laboratory Scientist at work in the lab

Life ScienceGeneral Information and Careers: - Life scientists or researchers study living

organisms and life processes, develop new drugs, methods of treatment, and new methods of environmental protection-Biochemist – analyzes effects of hormones, enzymes, serums, and food on tissue and organs.- Microbiologists/Virologist -Many opportunities in exist in Research &

Development in health care

Imaging Careers1. Radiography – making films of internal structures by passing radiographs or gamma rays through the body to make images on specially sensitized film 2. Radiologic Technologist (radiographers) – operators of radiographic machinery. Work under the direction of the physician, transfer and position pts and select the proper technique to ensure quality pictures.

-Responsibilities include equipment safety, dye administration, sterile technique, and pt record

maint.-Radiation exposure prevention – film badge, government restrictions.

Imaging Careers Cont:Radiologists – Physician, who specializes in testing and treatment using radiographic material, reads and interprets films and gives a final interpretation to the physician

Imaging Careers Cont:Nuclear medicine Technologists – specialization, using radioactive materials to make diagnostic evaluations and provide therapy. May image areas such as the brain, lungs, and bones.

Imaging Careers Cont:Ultrasound Technologists (Medical Sonographer) – produce two-dimensional images of internal organs, utilizing sound waves at high frequency

Related Careers to ImagingPhysicist – assist physician with care of patients and equipment selection using technical, financial, and diagnostic considerationMedical dosimetrist – work with physicist to calculate and plan radiation dosing for patients to treat cancerEchocardiography – using ultrasound to assess the action of the heart

Related Careers to ImagingElectrocardiograph Technician (EKG Tech) – attach electrodes to pt to monitor or test the action of the heart

Related Careers to ImagingElectroencephalograph technician (EEG tech) – measure the electrical activity of the brain to aide in diagnosis of disorders like seizures

Environmental CareersIncludes Nutrition Services, environmental engineers, and health and regulatory inspectors

Nutrition Services - DieticianProvide nutritional counselingSupervise food operations to meet patient’s needsProvide health promotion and disease management through diet

* Bachelor’s Degree Required

Nutrition Services – Dietary TechnicianPlan menus

Supervise production of food

Associate Degree Required

Nutrition Services – Weight Reduction SpecialistCounsel obese pts using dietary guidelines & activitiesSpecialization of dietician

Environmental Control - Environmental EngineeroModifies facilities for environmental protectionoMonitors pollutantsoMonitors insect and rodent populationsoSafe disposal of radioactive waste

Environmental Control – Health and Regulatory InspectorsoEnforce laws and regulations concerning employment hazards

SanitarianPlan, develop, and execute environmental health programsSet and enforce standards concerning food, sewage, and waste disposalEnvironmental health specialists

Biomedical equipment technician•Work with biomedical engineering staff to maintain and service the equipment of the facility

Other support service

Central Service TechnicianAssemble, clean, and store diagnostic and surgical equipment

Other support services

Environmental Resources and Hazards

Biosphere∞Part of the universe, including the air (atmosphere), earth, and water in which living organisms exist

Ecosystems (ecology)ΘChain of life ΘSunlight, H2O, O2, CO2, organic compounds and nutrients found in the ecosystem

EcosystemPlants or “producers” on land and in water convert CO2 and other nutrients through photosynthesis, releasing oxygen

EcosystemHerbivores, carnivores, and others feed on the producers and each other

EcosystemDecomposers, fungi, bacteria, and insects break down dead products and consumers and thereby return their compounds to the ecosystem for re-use

Environmenatal Protection Agency (EPA)Federal AgencyResponsible for setting and regulating the standards for the environment

Diseases & Conditions linked to environment1. Emphysema – can be caused and worsened by air pollution

2. Lead poisoning – results from gasoline additives and paint. Government regulations have reduced amount of lead in paint and gasoline

3. Carbon Monoxide poisoning – comes from car exhaust and can be link to heart disease

4. Lung Cancer – can result from exposure to asbestos fibers, which used to be used in insulation

Ozone layer?Thinning of the ozone layer is caused by: car exhaust, aerosol sprays, painting materials

THINK ABOUT IT!

Biotechnology careers and genetics

Biomedical Technology

BiotechnologistDevelopment of cloning and recombinant DNA techniques of gene manipulation (altering the cells of living things!)

What do you think about cloning?

Biotechnologist cont:Strict sterilizationLaminar flow hoods to vent and filter airCareful planning to ensure all microorganisms are harmless

All are safety guidelines established by the National Institutes of Health

Biotechnologist Cont:Biotechnology rapidly making complex advances

Biotechnologist Cont:There are over 1,000 biotech companies in the U.S., most working in diagnostics and therapeuticsAbout one third of those are in North Carolina!

Ethical issues in BiotechnologyCloningEugenics - (selective breeding) includes termination of pregnancy if faulty genes are present

Biotechnology fields of study:1. Medical biotechnologist – work with the

production of antibodies for diagnosis or treatment of disease

2. Research biotechnologist – supervise the work of associates and assistants in industry and health care to find better products and solutions to disorders

3. Forensics - scientific tests or techniques used in the investigation of crimes

4. Geneticist – study patterns of inheritance and develop methods to influence genetic information. May work as counselors for individuals with a family history of genetic abnormalities.

BiotechnologySupport personnel:oBiomedical engineer (bioengineers) – design, develop and help maintain instruments and machines that are used to monitor and treat in health care.oBiomedical equipment technician – inspect and adjust the equipment used in health care.

THE END