UNIT GROUP 3112 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 (ANZSCO Skill Level 2)

In New Zealand:
NZ Register Diploma (ANZSCO Skill Level 2)

At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. 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.

The occupation Pathology Collector (Aus) / Phlebotomist (NZ) has 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 (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

In New Zealand:
NZ Register Level 4 qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. 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, 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

Occupations:
311211 Anaesthetic Technician
311212 Cardiac Technician
311213 Medical Laboratory Technician
311214 Operating Theatre Technician
311215 Pharmacy Technician
311216 Pathology Collector (Aus) / Phlebotomist (NZ)
311299 Medical Technicians nec

Prepares and maintains anaesthetic equipment for operating theatres or clinics, and assists Anaesthetists during anaesthetic procedures.

Skill Level: 2

Conducts tests on patients to record heart activity using specialised equipment, recording devices and laboratory instruments in support of Cardiologists and other Medical Practitioners engaged in diagnosing, monitoring and treating heart disease.

Skill Level: 2

Specialisations:

Cardiac Technologist
Electrocardiographic Technician

Alternative Title:
Medical Laboratory Technical Officer

Performs routine medical laboratory tests and operates diagnostic laboratory equipment under the supervision of Medical Laboratory Scientists and Pathologists. Registration or licensing may be required.

Skill Level: 2

Prepares and maintains an operating theatre and its equipment, assists the surgical team during operations and provides support to patients in the recovery room.

Skill Level: 2

Alternative Title:
Dispensary Technician

Fills and labels patients' prescriptions under the supervision of a Pharmacist. May record details of, place orders for, take stock of, and store medications and medical supplies and deliver them to patients.

Skill Level: 2

Alternative Title:
Specimen Collector

Extracts, collects, labels and preserves blood and other specimens from patients for laboratory analysis.

Skill Level: 3

Specialisation:

Blood Collector

This occupation group covers Medical Technicians not elsewhere classified.

Skill Level: 2

Occupations in this group include:

Audiometrist
Dialysis Technician
Electroencephalographic Technician
Mortuary Technician
Neurophysiological Technician
Ophthalmic Technician
Respiratory Technician
Orthotic and Prosthetic Technician
Perfusionist
Renal Technician
Sleep Technician