How to Be Infectious Disease Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 23, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Infectious disease technicians play a vital role in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. They work closely with medical professionals to diagnose and treat patients who have been exposed to or infected with contagious illnesses. They use their knowledge of microbiology, immunology, and preventive medicine to identify potential disease threats and provide appropriate treatment.

By taking preventative measures, infectious disease technicians help limit the spread of contagious diseases, which can cause serious harm to individuals and communities. Furthermore, their work is essential in monitoring public health trends and developing effective strategies for disease prevention.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or Equivalent. To become an infectious disease technician, you must first earn a high school diploma or equivalent.
Consider Taking Additional Classes. You may want to consider taking additional classes in medical terminology, biology and chemistry to help prepare you for a career in the field.
Research Programs and Degrees. Research programs offered by colleges and universities related to infectious disease technology, such as a bachelor's degree in public health, medical technology or health science.
Earn Your Degree. Enroll in and complete an approved program to become an infectious disease technician.
Obtain Certification. After completing your degree, obtain certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
Obtain Licensure. Depending on the state you live in, you may need to obtain licensure as an infectious disease technician.
Pursue Continuing Education. To remain certified, you must complete continuing education courses on a regular basis.

Regularly keeping up with the latest advances in infectious disease technology is essential for staying efficient and informed. Staying abreast of new methods, treatments, and technologies helps professionals in the field to be prepared to handle any situation that might arise. One way to do this is through attending conferences and seminars.

These events provide a platform to share information, network with other professionals, and learn about the newest advancements in the field. taking advantage of online resources such as journals, websites, and social media can help technicians stay updated on the latest trends and discoveries related to infectious disease technology. By actively participating in these activities, technicians can ensure they are able to provide the best care possible for their patients.

You may want to check Infectious Disease Control Officer, Infectious Disease Surveillance Coordinator, and Infectious Disease Prevention Coordinator for alternative.

Job Description

Monitor and document patient health status and response to treatment
Collect and process laboratory specimens for testing
Perform laboratory tests to detect and identify infectious agents
Counsel patients on preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection
Administer vaccines or immunizations as directed
Educate patients and families on infectious diseases and treatment plans
Maintain patient records and reports
Monitor infection control measures in healthcare facilities
Coordinate with other healthcare personnel and providers
Participate in research on infectious diseases

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of infectious diseases and their causes, transmission, and treatment.
Ability to properly identify, label, and store samples according to safety protocols.
Proficiency in laboratory procedures, including sample collection, analysis, and interpretation.
Strong understanding of infection control principles, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Excellent communication skills to explain results and provide recommendations to physicians and patients.
Ability to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to ensure patient safety.
Ability to assess patient needs and develop appropriate treatment plans.
Proficiency in computer systems and software applications used in clinical settings.
Familiarity with government regulations and standards related to healthcare and infectious disease management.
Ability to maintain accurate records and data for reporting purposes.

Having a strong understanding of infectious diseases and their spread is essential for an Infectious Disease Technician. This knowledge is necessary in order to appropriately identify, diagnose, and treat patients with infectious diseases. In order to stay up to date on the latest developments in the field, Infectious Disease Technicians must have excellent research and analytical skills to effectively evaluate new information and treatments.

excellent communication skills are important in order to effectively communicate with both patients and physicians. Lastly, a high level of interpersonal skills is necessary in order to build relationships with patients and provide them with the necessary support they need throughout the treatment process. These skills combined enable Infectious Disease Technicians to accurately diagnose and treat patients with infectious diseases, thus reducing the spread of these diseases and helping to keep our population healthy.

Infectious Disease Medical Technologist, Infectious Disease Data Analyst, and Infectious Disease Quality Assurance Officer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the field of infectious disease control?
How would you respond to a patient displaying signs of an infectious disease?
What techniques do you use to collect accurate data when conducting infectious disease research?
How do you stay up to date on new developments in the field of infectious diseases?
What challenges have you faced when working with infectious diseases?
How do you ensure that your work environment is clean and safe from infectious diseases?
Describe a time when you identified and addressed a potential infection source.
What protocols do you follow when collecting samples for infectious disease testing?
How do you handle the sensitive and confidential information associated with infectious diseases?
What strategies do you use to effectively communicate your findings to medical teams and the public?

Common Tools in Industry

Microscope. Used to magnify and analyze samples for the presence of infectious microorganisms. (e. g. Stereo Microscope)
Autoclave. A device used to sterilize medical equipment, supplies, and other materials. (e. g. Autoclave Sterilizer)
Culture Media. Substances used to cultivate and grow microorganisms. (e. g. Nutrient Agar)
Pipette. A device used to accurately measure and transfer small volumes of liquid. (e. g. Variable Pipette)
PCR Machine. A machine used to amplify DNA or RNA samples for analysis. (e. g. Real-Time PCR System)
Computer. Used to record, store, and analyze data from samples collected. (e. g. Desktop Computer)
Safety Gear. Protective clothing and equipment used to ensure safety while handling infectious samples. (e. g. Lab Coat, Gloves, Goggles)

Professional Organizations to Know

Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO)
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA)
American Society for Microbiology (ASM)
American Public Health Association (APHA)
World Health Organization (WHO)
International Society for Infectious Diseases (ISID)
Global Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology Network (GIDEON)

Common Important Terms

Bacteria. Microscopic organisms, some of which can cause disease.
Viruses. Microscopic agents that invade living cells and reproduce, causing illness.
Microbiology. The study of microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses.
Immunology. The study of the body's immune system and how it responds to foreign substances.
Pathology. The study of the causes and effects of diseases.
Diagnosis. The process of identifying a medical condition through signs, symptoms, and test results.
Disinfection. The process of destroying or removing pathogens from surfaces or objects.
Antibiotics. Drugs used to treat bacterial infections.
Antivirals. Drugs used to treat viral infections.
Quarantine. The isolation of people who have been exposed to an infectious disease in order to prevent its spread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is an Infectious Disease Technician? A1: An Infectious Disease Technician is a health care professional who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infectious diseases. They work in a variety of settings including hospitals, clinics, and public health departments. Q2: What duties does an Infectious Disease Technician perform? A2: An Infectious Disease Technician may perform a variety of duties such as collecting and analyzing specimens, conducting laboratory tests, creating reports and interpreting test results, and educating patients about infectious disease prevention. Q3: What qualifications are required for an Infectious Disease Technician? A3: To become an Infectious Disease Technician, individuals must typically have at least a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as biology or public health, and complete specialized training in infectious diseases. In some cases, certification may also be required. Q4: How much do Infectious Disease Technicians earn? A4: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for Infectious Disease Technicians was $42,180 in 2019. Q5: What is the job outlook for an Infectious Disease Technician? A5: The job outlook for Infectious Disease Technicians is expected to be positive, with employment projected to grow 10 percent from 2019 to 2029. This growth is largely due to the increasing prevalence of infectious diseases and the need for skilled professionals to diagnose and treat them.