What Does a Biomedical Technologist Do?

A biomedical technologist generally provides information about tests and procedures to medical doctors. The definition of this job role is somewhat complicated by the similar term “biomedical technician.” While a biomedical technician often works with biomedical equipment, the role is sometimes more broadly applied, where the professional deals with more analytical information that doctors will use in diagnosis or other aspects of a practice.

In some of the more defined job roles for a biomedical technologist, the information that professionals primarily handle is used to diagnose various conditions in patients. One of main areas of focus is blood, where these professionals may be useful in hematology or related disciplines. This technologist may also be a key part of an oncology department. The issue of using applied technology for pathology is something that might lead a health care provider to hire a dedicated team of biomedical technologists who will be the “gatekeepers” for these initiatives, and the "go-to people" for problems with the technology or questions about the data that pathology systems generate.

Working with specific machines that provide radiology services is a very common role for the biomedical technologist. In other cases, this class of professional deals extensively with physical specimens. In both cases, a biomedical technologist is often required to keep error-free data on hand to assist doctors with the practical diagnosis. Archiving and storing data is often an important element of what one of these professionals accomplishes within a medical office.

As highly skilled medical workers, biomedical technologists may have their own specialty areas of focus. This depends on the specific degrees that these professionals have held, as well as their past clinical training in a specific field or practice area. These technologists also need to have a rational grasp of the medical terminology that is relevant to their field. They need to understand how medical writers communicate about the various kinds of equipment and research tools that they use on a regular basis.

In some cases, the technologist may be part of a research department. Here, these professionals can work on the forefront of various initiatives that probe further into the cutting edge of applied medicine. There are generally a wide range of job roles that use the terms “biomedical technologist” or “biomedical technology.” These vary somewhat according to the particular needs of the institution or health care provider that is employing the professional.