Job Hunting

So you’re a newly registered Med Tek! You just had your oath at Manila hotel and maybe you just went on an out of town celebration with your family or friends. Now you’re back to reality and it’s time to find a job. Before you do, let me give you some helpful tips that will surely go a long way. Here they are:

Tip #1 Think outside the box

Most people who passed the board exams would probably apply as a medical technologist. I'm not saying its wrong but that is not the only job for us Med Teks. Let's face it, medical technologists does not get paid
well in private or public hospitals, even in clinics. Not as much as other professionals, that is. So how do you think oustide the box? Be a call center agent! (Nah! I'm just kidding! Haha!) There are actually a few medically related jobs that offers a good pay. The infamous medical representative offers a competitive salary but requires you to have a good social skill. If you think you're good in PR, this job might be for you. There are also other jobs in the hospital that may offer higher salary in comparison to medical technologist. Nuclear medicine department needs a medical technologist. Some institution wants Med Teks to be their ECG techs. I also heard a job called "perfusionist", I think they work like OR techs during cardiac bypass operations. And from what I heard, the Med Teks that gains a lot of income is from the field of Research. Start out as a research assistant and make your way as research associate! Sounds cool! And if you like travelling, fix your resume already because this job might be waiting for you! (Disclaimer: This may not apply to all.)

Tip #2 Look for a higher income

So you want to stick to you profession, eh? Again, I believe Med Teks are in-demand. Unlike nurses, sorry to say, we are not overpopulated. So if you want to be a Med Tek working in a laboratory, look for a job that offers a good salary. You would probably be accepted at the first hospital you applied for, or maybe not. But the fact is, you have to choose which hospital or clinic will give you the highest salary. Even if you don't have much experience, you need to demand for a good pay.

Tip #3 Know you long term goals

Before applying, you need to know your long term goals. How do you see yourself in 2 years? 5 years? 10 years? I know, maybe you're just 21 or 22, but you need to plan ahead. Trust me, you need to invest in your career. For example, you want to work abroad after let's say two years. Apply in a hospital that has a 200+ bed capacity with a tertiary laboratory. This may not apply to all agencies but they would probably be more attracted to a Med Tek with this qualification in comparison to a Med tek who works at a free-standing clinic (No offense meant). If you see yourself working in the Philippines for 10 years or more, you might want to read tip #2 again. 

Tip #4 Expand your horizon

This tip is actually for those of you who already has a job. But for those who don't, this will still be helpful. Get one more job or should I say "Kumuha ka ng sideline". Let's face the truth. If you expect that being a Med Tek would make you rich, then you chose the wrong profession. This profession is very dedicated to healtcare, not profit. Kaya nga daw 'martyr' maging Med Tek. A sideline could be a business or a second job. Some Med Teks I know sell stuffs thru the internet, some do franchising and some do as little as selling cellphone loads. Don't let your PRC license blind you. Although some Med Teks do get paid well, sadly, most of us don't. So instead of complaining, do something about it!

So these are the tips I have. I hope it would be very helpful to you. Pick a job that you want, a job that satisfies you and makes you happy. Finish your resume and start your job hunting!

"Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life."

-Confucius

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