Medical clinical technologists perform special examinations and assist with corrective treatment for patients. Their work brings them in direct and close contact with their patients.
Clinical technologists are concerned with the whole body and the functioning of the organs. They use specialized procedures and sophisticated apparatus for the diagnosis and treatment of disease as the result of physical malfunction. These procedures involve the operation of sophisticated electronic equipment as well as the interpretation of the results.
Clinical technologists usually work with a doctor or specialist. They can be employed in one of the following fields:
Cardiology is the study of the heart, including the heart vascular system. A clinical technologist uses specialized apparatus to diagnose different heart diseases.
Nephrology deals with the kidneys and their treatment. Here the technologist's basic function is to operate the "kidney machines". This process, called dialysis, involves the treatment of patients suffering from kidney failure. Here, the emphasis falls on therapy.
Neurophysiology involves the study of the nervous system. A technologist in neurophysiology is primarily concerned with diagnosing problems of the central and peripheral nervous systems. This includes the examination of patients with cerebral palsy, epilepsy or problems arising from head injuries, psychiatric disorders and various other neurological conditions.
Pulmonology is the study of the respiratory system and the functioning of the lungs. The technologist's main concern is to assist doctors in the diagnosis of lung diseases with the aid of sophisticated electronic equipment. The patient is subjected to tests. Clinical technologists diagnose conditions such as asthma, emphysema and post-operative complications.
Cardiovascular perfusion involves assisting in the operating theatre during open-heart surgery. In intensive care, the clinical technologist assists the anaesthetist and the critical care doctor with the safe use of life-saving equipment on patients in different critical care situations.
Reproductive biology is a service to infertile couples with a view to diagnosing their problem and suggesting treatment that may lead to pregnancy. There is a strong laboratory component involved, but it is important that there should be close cooperation between patient and the clinical technologist.
Clinical technologists work in clean, neat, modern, well-equipped laboratories, theatres and units. They may be required to work overtime, for instance when a patient needs treatment afterhours or when there is an emergency.
Critical Care: involves assisting the anaesthetist and critical care doctor with the use of sophisticated equipment on patients in different critical care situations.
Nephrology: involves the treatment of patients suffering from kidney failure by operating the dialysis machines.
Neurophysiology: involves the diagnosis of problems of the central and peripheral nervous system. Includes the examination of patients with cerebral palsy, epilepsy, head injuries, psychiatric disorders etc.
Pulmonology: involves assisting doctors in the diagnosis of lung diseases with the aid of sophisticated electronic equipment.
Reproductive Biology: involves the diagnosis of infertility problems and recommendations of treatment.
Satisfying Aspects
- being able to help people in need
- working with people
- having a challenging and interesting job
- interesting and varied work
- being in a specialist career that is also internationally recognized
Demanding aspects
- the heavy responsibility involved as lives depend on accuracy
- having to concentrate for long period
- having to do shift work and long hours
- dealing with patients who are terminally ill
Requirements
Clinical technologists should:
- have patience and determination;
- be emotionally strong (to be able to deal with patients who are terminally ill);
- have ability to work very accurately;
- be self-assertive;
- be able to work under stressful conditions;
- have ability to work in a team.
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting diploma requirements for a diploma course
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics, a science subject
Recommended Subjects: Life Sciences, Physical Sciences
Training
Diploma: N.Dip: Clinical Technology / Biomedical Science - CUT, DUT, TUT, VUT, UJ. MTech and DTech at TUT.
The duration of the course is four years. The course consists of theoretical training at a university of technology and in-service training at approved training units. After completing the first year, prospective candidates must obtain a permanent job, paid or unpaid, at a registered training unit before commencing the second year. The fourth year is a clinical internship year where-after the person can register at the HPCSA (Health Professions Council).
Employer
- clinical departments of academic and private hospitals
- with doctors / specialists in private practices
- private laboratories
- self-employment
Contact
South African Society of Clinical Technologists
Private Bag X 5
Red Cross Children’s Hospital
Rondebosch, 7700
Tel: (021) 658-5267
www.clinicaltechnology.co.za