Medical Technicians

Medical Technicians operate anaesthetic, cardiac, operating theatre and medical testing equipment, perform and assist with laboratory tests, and fill prescriptions in support of Health Professionals.

**Indicative skill level:**

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.

#### In Australia:

- AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma, or at least three years of experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 2)

#### In New Zealand:

- NZQF Diploma, or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 2)

In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

The occupations Pathology Collector / Phlebotomist and Operating Theatre Technician have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.

#### In Australia:

- AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, or AQF Certificate IV or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

#### In New Zealand:

- NZQF Level 4 qualification, or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Registration or licensing may be required.

**Tasks include:**

- operating equipment used in diagnosing and monitoring disorders of the heart, lungs, kidneys, nervous system and hearing, and in anaesthesia - undertaking and assisting with medical analytical procedures and assisting Anaesthetists and surgical teams - recording the electrical activity of the heart, from which the heart rate is measured, and pattern and rhythm interpreted - taking, collecting and labelling blood, urine and other samples from patients - preparing and staining slides and tissue sections for blood and histological examination - performing diagnostic tests on tissues and body fluids and analysing the chemical constituents of blood, urine, faeces and tissues - testing for diseases by looking for the presence of antibodies and the products of immune response in samples - setting up, checking and maintaining operating theatres, anaesthetic workstations, life support machines and associated equipment - referring prescriptions to Pharmacists and assisting in preparing medications - operating and maintaining  equipment used in diagnosing and monitoring of breathing or sleep disorders