Pulmonary laboratory technicians work with physicians and patients to diagnose and manage lung disorders. They require a degree in cardiopulmonary studies and may work in hospitals, private practices, or specialized groups. Pay depends on education, experience, and location. Continuing education is essential.
A pulmonary laboratory technician, or laboratory technician, works closely with physicians and patients to help diagnose, treat, and manage conditions that are pulmonary in nature. Breathing problems, lung disease, and problems with the pulmonary arteries are all considered lung disorders. A pulmonary laboratory technician may work with patients to learn healthy breathing techniques and the maintenance of already diagnosed illnesses, or he may work directly with physicians to diagnose problems with a patient. Generally, to become a pulmonary lab technician, you need to learn how to run tests on a patient that help doctors diagnose cardiopulmonary problems or disease.
To become a pulmonary laboratory technician, students are advised to pursue a two- or four-year course of study at an accredited school or university, following a medical path. Degrees and licensing to become a Registered Nurse, Lung Function Technologist or Respiratory Therapist are most desired. The degree of training required to work as a lab technician varies depending on the job and location, as is the case with most medical jobs. After completing an accredited course in cardiopulmonary studies, licensure and certification may be required, again depending on the desired job and location.
Pulmonary laboratory technicians may work in the cardiopulmonary ward of hospitals, in private practices, or in special groups specializing in cardiopulmonary disease or simply lung disease. Pulmonary laboratory technicians can begin their medical careers by doing billing or other office work, while performing lung function tests such as spirometry, measuring respiration, or measuring gas in the pulmonary arteries. Many employers are looking for prospective employees with strong math and computer skills, as well as organizational and, occasionally, customer service skills.
Those considering the path to becoming a pulmonary laboratory technician should realize that the rate of pay depends largely on hours worked, location of practice, previous experience in the field, and amount of education and licensing. Generally, after completing a two- or four-year course in medical studies and completing all necessary licensing tests for the location in which the student intends to practice, continuing education is a must. Any education in the field of medicine will increase the chances of finding a job for those who want to become a pulmonary laboratory technician.
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