What is MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY and why I chose it?

As I graduated from high school, I was really firm with my plan of choosing Information Technology course in a well-known university. It was a neat plan to start building my future career until suddenly.... fate have shifted its direction...it changed my life...and the next thing I knew, I found myself in a medical school taking this course I'm not so familiar with... the Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology. 

Let me introduce to you my chosen profession... 

What is Medical Technology? 

BS Medical Technology is a four year degree program that equips students with knowledge and skills in laboratory tests used in the detection, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases (finduniversity.ph).  Medical technologists also known as medical laboratory scientists work in hospitals or free standing laboratories to collect and analyze/process patient's blood samples and other body fluids. They are trained to operate the machines used in each sections. They are the key players in patient diagnosis by providing accurate results to the physician. 

They are well-trained in the areas of:

• clinical chemistry- where tests like lipid panel (cholesterol, triglycerides), fasting blood sugar, creatinine are performed
• hematology - CBC
• microbiology - identifying isolated bacteria, fungi, viruses in cultures
• immunology -  performing Hepatitis panel, HIV Test, Thyroid panel
• immunohematology (blood bank) - crossmatching, preparation of blood units, operating the platelet apheresis machine
•  urinalysis and body fluids - stool exam, semen analysis

Why did I choose this course?

My father wanted me to become a doctor and he told me that this is the best pre-med course to take. Also, I've always loved science and it made me realize that the course is not so common as compared to information technology. Because of that, I defied the odds and choose this interesting course.

About my college life...

Choosing medical technology was very challenging yet interesting. To add, I had a scholarship to maintain. There were times when I don't know what subject to prioritize. All of them are difficult but then I had friends who made medtech life fun for me. I learned that it's not just always memorization on terms but also you should be able to understand its concepts. This was the time I was not that good in phlebotomy but I got better as internship came. It was a balanced learning actually, as we were fed with lots of theories during lower years and immersed with its application during the internship

Am I using what I learned in college?

Yes. During school and internship, I was able to apply everything I learned.  In school, I learned the manual method in the microscopic examination of urine as well as manual differential counts already. The identification of each cells made easier because of the morphology our instructors taught us. It made me appreciate more  the concepts that I learned in books in the actual practice. 

How long did it take to find a job after graduation?

Since most of the laboratories prefer licensed medtechs, I spent 4 months of preparing for the licensure exam. After I passed the boards, it took me only one week to find my first job. I worked as a all-around medical technologist in a secondary primary laboratory with a good chief medtech that served as one of my mentors.

My current job?

I'm now working as a registered medical technologist in one of the private hospitals here in Cebu.

Do I recommend studying Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology?

Of course. The Philippines needs more medical technologists. Aside from being considered as the best course if you're going to pursue medicine, being medical technologist has a lot to offer.  This profession provides you a continuing education. The pursuit of learning new techniques regarding new clinical advancements are endless and so are the employment opportunities. 

Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course?

Be in mind that this course is a survival to the fittest. If you're already in it, you have to finish what you've started. Medical Technology entails sacrifice, dedication and confidence in your part, may it be while you're still studying or in a working scenario already. You have to possess a positive attitude that you will pass. Focus in your studies and learn to know the subject matter by heart. Theory and application should come together. The microscope is your friend so expect for practical tests on identification on various organisms. A licensed/registered medical technologist gets higher salary compared to those who are not so it is better if you pass the board exam.

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I hope this blog will enlighten your mind on choosing the right course. Good luck!

SURVIVING MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY: How hard is MedTech to fail a many?

I and my bff Gerardine♥

MANY ARE CALLED BUT FEW ARE CHOSEN

As I was walking along the wide and well-lit corridors of the Medical Technology building, there I saw a flight of interns. They were wearing the very enticing blue scrub suits already, the color that shows they were now interns. As I watched them passing by, as a neophyte, a sudden thought hit upon me, ‘Wow, I wish I could be like them someday.’ but then a follow-up question burst in a split second, ‘but HOW am I going to be like them anyway?’ 

Well, we can not deny the fact that medical professions are one of the in-demand jobs of today. And because of that, schools that are offering medical courses are opening its doors wider to the increasing number of students who want to enter the field of medicine especially in medical technology. 

It is sad to reminisce that we were once a big happy family in our block. I’ve got my circle of friends then, had enjoyed studying as well as working with them no matter how hard the circumstances were. I thought we will be just the same brood of med tech aspirants who will continue for the next journey when suddenly I have seen changes after every semester. The changes of not just having new load of subjects to study but the considerable amount of students who yielded for their ambitions. I was left with curiosity when I found out that one of my friends could no longer proceed to the course for a reason yet unknown. 

As I’ve noticed, as the year level gets higher, the number of students tends to decline. Let’s say last year, 100 students were enrolled for the second semester then it happened that by the end of the said semester, only 90 students survived, feeling persistent that they should keep the fire burning while others took rest. 

There are a handful of reasons why some who took the course relinquished. First, it is because of the financial security. Tuition fee increases yearly due to the requirement of having laboratory subjects and books as reference materials. Second is the lack of interest, some were just forced by their parents to take up the course without asking their thoughts about it. It is also when other carefree students prioritize things other than their studies. The major problem of having ‘terror teachers’ and ‘nosebleeding subjects’ is a nerve wrecking to all of us because it gives us heaps of chapters to study. Notions that third and fourth years are the crucial stages for the lives of each med tech students are true for this is the time we are getting closer to the reality and must be hands-on to the profession. What made medical technology a course to be pondered upon is that it requires a lot of familiarization and a keen sense of understanding to things within a scope. Take note, we juggle 9 major subjects! Time to time, we can’t expect reposing ourselves but keep on spending sleepless nights and think endless possibilities of failing because the pressure keeps up. A single failure might pulls us down and it might lead to resignation, letting fate take its course after failing an exam. 

studying the structure of the heart..
it is not easy during moving
exams

These observations are appalling knowing that some were discouraged, crestfallen, and doubtful if they are still on the right track. 

Then here goes my realization about this dilemma: Medical Technology is not as easy as ‘peanuts’. It needs hardwork and not to be taken for granted. Hence, we must explore beyond its depths and be more passionate about it. That is why I was able to relate this with the bible verse that says 'Many are called but few are chosen' because we see good students right at the beginning, feeling so sure of themselves but as time passes by, only those ‘survivor’ Med Tech students came out to be the victors of the bloodshed. We want to be registered Med Techs someday but the problem is, are we competent enough to surpass the test of time? 

This course challenges us to be more responsible and be persistent to our focus no matter what happens. Getting involved with this field of study requires much of our interest, skill, and diligence to heed what is being asked on time because it involves diagnosis to various illnesses found in the human body. I’m writing this not to dissuade people but I want to plant an infinitesimal yet a germinating seed to the minds of each Med Tech students to fight against the odds. We must fuel our minds with positivity amidst of the trials hindering our way and should have an incessant faith to the Providence that by the end of this strife, we will find ourselves grasping the sweet scent of our diploma and the opportunity of serving the masses using our high caliber skills our dedicated teachers instilled into us. I hope that we’ll be able to keep on making footprints on our way to the zenith of success because together, by believing in ourselves and to God’s will, we can do it. Believe and you'll be RMT someday...Kudos to everyone!