Conference offers insight into Oklahoma's medical tech careers

And at One Voice, a continuing education conference Friday at Integris Baptist Conference Center, meeting members of the Oklahoma State Society of American Technologists and the Oklahoma Chapter of American Society of Clinical Laboratory Science could be the first step for anyone interested in learning about jobs in those fields.

Members will hear speakers and discuss trends in the industry, but students from across the state also will be attending.

"This is a great time for those already in the profession to meet, exchange ideas and talk about the issues facing our profession,” said Mary Burden, operations manager of Regional Medical Laboratories in Oklahoma City. Trained workers do everything from draw blood for testing to working in laboratories doing highly sophisticated analysis and medical testing. Medial technologists and technicians analyze body fluids and cells to determine the cause of disease or monitor the treatment.

At Regional Medical Laboratories, Burden said the lab can always use more med techs.

"As our business continues to grow, we need that fresh stream of new techs,” Burden said.

"This is a great career, and even starting out, the pay scale can range from $14 to $25 an hour,” she said. "The more experience and certifications you have, the higher your pay scale.”

Anna Seals, president of the Oklahoma State Society of American Technologists and a medical technician with the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs in Clinton, said a technician shortage now is going to worsen in the future as employees leave the work force.

"Right now, the average age of a med tech nationwide is mid-50s, and Oklahoma is following that trend,” Seals said.

Seals said students, and anyone considering a career change should attend attend to come to the conference, listen to the speakers and ask questions of those in training or already working the field.

Medical technician "is not a high-profile job,” she said, and med techs are not as visible as other medical professionals. But the job is rewarding, she said, as doctors rely on accurate laboratory information to treat patients.

At Rose State College, which offers an accredited program to train laboratory professionals, Evelyn Paxton is program director of clinical laboratory technology and phlebotomy.

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