Medical Technology Degrees with High Job Security and Earnings
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Even though it pays above average compared to other occupations, medical technology still often goes unnoticed. As a result, the shortage of medical technologists has reached critical levels. To tell you the truth, half of all labs in the United States are struggling to fill positions, and some areas face vacancy rates of up to 20%.
The average annual pay is $60,780, but with plenty of advancement opportunities, you can easily earn six digits as you gain experience. As more technological advancements are made, the demand for medical technologists is expected to grow 5% more over the decade.
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In this guide, we will help you jumpstart a career in medical technology by giving you a list of the best medical technology degrees in 2025. But before that, let us help you understand medical technology.
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What Is Medical Technology?
Medical Technology is a vast field that combines technology and medical interventions to enhance patient care. It is an extensive discipline that utilizes technologies, services, devices, products, and solutions for patient care, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring.
However, despite its importance, not many people are applying for the vacant positions. Do you wonder why? It’s because the field is highly competitive. As it requires knowledge from two big fields, it can be challenging for many to meet the qualifications.
According to the country’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be about 24,200 openings for medical technologists each year. There are various reasons for the increasing number of openings:
- Aging Workforce: Over 60% of med techs are nearing retirement, with an average age over 50.
- Limited Training Programs: Med tech training programs have dropped 15% in the past decade, and existing programs face faculty and clinical placement shortages.
- Rising Demand: An aging population and advanced treatments require more diagnostic tests, while COVID-19 has significantly increased testing volumes.
- New Technology: There is an increasing need for professionals who can use innovations like robotic surgery, AI-driven diagnostics, and telemedicine. These upcoming trends require skilled technicians to ensure they function properly and enhance patient care.
Key Factors for Job Security and Earnings in Medical Technology
Let’s talk more about what drives high-paying medical technology careers.
Medtech skills and knowledge are highly valued in hospitals, labs, and imaging centers. You perform laboratory tests that help other healthcare professionals, like doctors and nurses, diagnose and treat patients. Your expertise will also help with disease prevention, contributing to better patient outcomes.
Medtechs, as mentioned, earn higher than the average for all occupations. Plus, several avenues for career growth can help you earn even more. You can eventually venture out into the following industries using your Medtech skills:
- Research and development
- Quality assurance
- Clinical research
- Compliance
- Consulting
- Sales and marketing
To ensure that you can compete in these fields, you should be coming from a program recognized by the industry. This is why you must ensure that the degree you’re about to earn is accredited.
Apart from earning a degree, you must also possess a certification from a recognized organization. Two of the most notable Medtech certification providers are:
- American Society for Clinical Pathology
- American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
Yet, you should understand that changes in healthcare policies can impact employment opportunities. For instance, policy changes that prioritize preventative care or telemedicine could increase demand for certain diagnostics and imaging roles.
The best way to stay relevant is to stay informed about evolving healthcare regulations. Whether it be about patient privacy, safety standards, or electronic health records, always stay updated.
Top Medical Technology Degrees with High Job Security and Earnings
Here are the 10 best medical technology degrees.
1. Bachelor’s in Radiologic Technology
The Bachelor’s in Radiologic Technology is one of the best medical imaging degree programs. This is especially valuable if you want to focus on diagnostic imaging.
Average Salary: $88,991
Common Workplace: Hospitals and Outpatient Centers
Top Schools:
2. Bachelor’s in Medical Laboratory Science
Medical lab technology degrees are designed for students who want to delve into disease diagnosis and medical research. These programs focus on analyzing a variety of biological specimens.
Average Salary: $94,420
Common Workplace: Hospitals, Biotech Firms, and Diagnostic Labs
Top Schools:
3. Associate Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
If you’re looking for high job security healthcare degrees that are affordable and quick to earn, consider Associate in Diagnostic Medical Sonography degrees. You can also specialize in cardiovascular, obstetric, and musculoskeletal imaging.
Average Salary: $84,301
Common Workplace: Hospitals, Doctors’ Offices, and Medical Imaging Centers
Top Schools:
4. Bachelor’s in Nuclear Medicine Technology
A Bachelor’s in Nuclear Medicine Technology leads to some of the best healthcare technology jobs with good pay and plenty of job growth opportunities. Coursework for this degree program focuses on using radiopharmaceuticals for imaging.
Average Salary: $107,964
Common Workplace: Hospitals and Research Centers
Top Schools:
5. Bachelor’s in Biomedical Engineering Technology
If you want to pursue careers focused on developing and maintaining medical equipment and systems, then consider a Bachelor’s in Biomedical Engineering Technology. This is one of the best medical technology degrees. However, before pursuing this degree, ensure you are up for the challenge. It is known for being one of the most challenging programs.
Average Salary: $100,730
Common Workplace: Manufacturing, Research Facilities, and Hospital
Top Schools:
- New Jersey Institute of Technology
- Rochester Institute of Technology
- Michigan Technological University
6. Associate or Bachelor’s in Respiratory Therapy
Did you know that 3.2 million die from respiratory complications each year? And it’s significantly increasing as more people are using e-cigarettes. This makes an associate’s and a bachelor’s in respiratory therapy one of the top ways to access fast-growing medical tech careers.
Average Salary: $80,340
Common Workplace: Hospitals
Top Schools:
7. Bachelor’s in Cytotechnology
One of the most rewarding career paths is that involved in finding cures for cancer. Also, if you find analyzing cell samples under a microscope fascinating, think about accredited medical technology programs in Cytotechnology. In these programs, you will be trained to detect abnormalities in cell structures.
Average Salary: $94,140
Common Workplace: Hospital Labs, Universities, Private Labs, Cancer Centers
Top Schools:
8. Bachelor’s in Health Information Management
As more healthcare systems move to electronic health records (EHRs), the Bachelor’s in Health Information Management becomes even more in demand. This degree combines elements of technology, healthcare management, and data science to prepare you for different administrative roles in the healthcare industry.
Average Salary: $79,530
Common Workplace: Pathology Labs, Hospitals, and Cancer Centers
Top Schools:
9. Bachelor’s in Cardiovascular Technology
One of the best top-paying allied health degrees is a Bachelor’s in Cardiovascular Technology. Professionals in the field are known to earn six digits after five years of practice. With the rising incidence of cardiovascular diseases, this field offers high job security and ample opportunities for growth.
Average Salary: $125,564
Common Workplace: Hospitals, Cardiology Clinics, and Medical Imaging Centers
Top Schools:
10. Associate or Bachelor’s in Surgical Technology
Another challenging yet rewarding career path in medical technology is surgical technology. You will be trained to assist in everything from preparing the operating room to handling surgical instruments during procedures.
Average Salary: $97,880
Common Workplace: Hospitals, Outpatient Surgical Centers, Ambulatory Surgery Centers
Top Schools:
How to Choose the Right Medical Technology Degree
When choosing which of the ten medical technology careers with high demand to pursue, consider these factors:
- Job Outlook: Look at projected growth in healthcare areas fueled by technology, aging populations, and increasing demand.
- Salary Potential: Think about earning potential, as some specialties pay more than others.
- Work Environment: Decide between a hospital, lab, office, or research setting based on your interests.
- Accreditation & Certification: Look into the university’s history, accreditation, and how long the program has been around. It’s also wise to check if the school also offers certifications along with the degree.
- Degree Level: Compare the advantages of associate versus bachelor’s degrees—associate degrees provide faster entry, but bachelor’s degrees can generate more opportunities and better pay.
Conclusion
Medical tech has tons of job options with great pay, job security, and the chance to really make a difference in patient care. Just pick an accredited program, stay on top of certification, and keep your skills sharp.
With the growing need for med techs, it’s a great time to jump into the field!
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Aya Andrews
Editor-in-Chief
Aya Andrews is a passionate educator and mother of two, with a diverse background that has shaped her approach to teaching and learning. Born in Metro Manila, she now calls San Diego home and is proud to be a Filipino-American. Aya earned her Masters degree in Education from San Diego State University, where she focused on developing innovative teaching methods to engage and inspire students.
Prior to her work in education, Aya spent several years as a continuing education consultant for KPMG, where she honed her skills in project management and client relations. She brings this same level of professionalism and expertise to her work as an educator, where she is committed to helping each of her students achieve their full potential.
In addition to her work as an educator, Aya is a devoted mother who is passionate about creating a nurturing and supportive home environment for her children. She is an active member of her community, volunteering her time and resources to support local schools and organizations. Aya is also an avid traveler, and loves to explore new cultures and cuisines with her family.
With a deep commitment to education and a passion for helping others succeed, Aya is a true inspiration to those around her. Her dedication to her craft, her community, and her family is a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence in all aspects of her life.