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

Sep 29, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The rise in demand for Physiology Technicians is a direct result of the rapidly advancing medical technology. As medical imaging and monitoring equipment become increasingly sophisticated, the need for highly trained technicians to operate and maintain these machines grows. Physiology Technicians are required to have extensive knowledge of the anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of the human body, as well as the principles of medical instrumentation and safety.

As a result, they must understand the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of various medical equipment such as ultrasound machines, X-ray machines, and electrocardiography (ECG) machines. To meet this demand, many universities and technical schools offer specialized courses in physiology technology. In addition, many employers provide on-the-job training and continuing education courses.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or Equivalent. The first step to becoming a Physiology Technician is to earn a high school diploma or equivalent.
Pursue a Degree in Physiology. To become a Physiology Technician, you should pursue a degree in physiology. This degree could be an Associate's Degree in Applied Science, a Bachelor's Degree in Physiology, or a Master's Degree in Physiology.
Gain Work Experience. After completing your degree, you should gain some experience in the field of physiology. This could include working as a laboratory assistant, research assistant, or medical assistant in a physiology lab.
Obtain Required Certifications. Depending on the state, you may need to obtain certifications before you can practice as a Physiology Technician. These certifications may include the American Society for Clinical Pathology certification and the American Association for Clinical Pathology certification.
Take Continuing Education Courses. To stay up-to-date on the latest techniques and advances in physiology, you should take continuing education courses. This will help you stay abreast of the latest developments in the field and make sure you are able to provide the best care possible to your patients.
Become Licensed. Depending on the state, you may need to become licensed before you can practice as a Physiology Technician. Licensing requirements vary by state, so make sure you check with your local licensing board to ensure you meet all requirements.

The role of a physiology technician is to monitor, maintain, repair and troubleshoot a variety of physiological equipment. This involves a deep understanding of how the body works and requires a vast array of knowledge about the physiology and anatomy of the human body. Good technical skills are essential for this job, as well as strong problem solving abilities and excellent communication skills.

By having these skills, a physiology technician can ensure that the equipment is functioning properly and that the health of the patient is not compromised. Furthermore, they often work with other medical professionals and must be able to collaborate effectively in order to provide the best outcomes for their patients. a skilled and capable physiology technician is essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of patients as well as providing accurate measurements and diagnoses.

You may want to check Comparative Physiologist, Cardiovascular Physiologist, and Anatomical Physiologist for alternative.

Job Description

Assist physicians and medical staff in performing medical examinations, tests, and procedures.
Assist with the preparation of patients for examination and treatment.
Set up and maintain medical equipment and supplies.
Perform basic laboratory tests such as urinalysis, hematocrits, and blood glucose levels.
Collect and prepare specimens for analysis.
Monitor vital signs such as blood pressure, respiratory rate, and pulse.
Administer medications as directed by a physician or other health care professional.
Document patient histories and results of tests and treatments in medical records.
Educate patients about treatments and medications.
Ensure patient safety by adhering to safety protocols.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of human anatomy and physiology
Knowledge of medical terminology
Ability to operate and maintain medical equipment
Ability to read and interpret medical documents
Ability to perform laboratory tests
Ability to troubleshoot and repair medical equipment
Knowledge of safety protocols and first aid
Ability to accurately record and document results
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently and in a team environment

Having a strong background in physiology is essential to performing the duties of a Physiology Technician. Being able to identify and understand the body's functions and processes is key in order to effectively carry out the job responsibilities. Understanding the anatomy of the body, its systems, organs, and tissues allows the technician to be better equipped to handle any issues that may arise.

being able to analyze data and draw conclusions from it is also an important ability to have. Furthermore, being familiar with medical terminology and procedures enables the technician to effectively communicate with medical staff and patients when necessary. Without these skills, it can be difficult for a Physiology Technician to effectively perform their job duties, leading to potential complications and delays in patient care.

Pulmonary Physiologist, Physiologist, and Clinical Physiologist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the physiology field?
How familiar are you with the medical equipment used in physiology labs?
What challenges have you faced in previous physiology technician roles?
How do you ensure accuracy and precision in your work?
What methods do you use to keep up to date with the latest developments in physiology?
How do you handle a difficult or challenging situation when faced with one?
What techniques do you use to maintain patient safety and comfort during physiology tests?
Describe a time when you had to troubleshoot an issue with physiology equipment.
How do you organize and prioritize tasks to ensure that all deadlines are met?
What methods do you use to communicate effectively with laboratory personnel and physicians?

Common Tools in Industry

Lab Equipment. Used to measure, mix, and test various samples in the lab (eg: centrifuge).
Microscope. Used to observe and magnify small objects (eg: cells).
Computer Software. Used to record and analyze data (eg: Microsoft Excel).
Digital Imaging System. Used to capture images of samples for analysis (eg: digital camera).
Autoclave. Used to sterilize instruments and equipment (eg: pressure cooker).
Incubator. Used to maintain optimal temperature for cell cultures (eg: thermostat).
Refrigerator/Freezer. Used to store samples at specific temperatures (eg: upright freezer).
Analytical Balances. Used to measure weight of samples (eg: scales).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Physiology Technicians (ASPT)
International Federation of Physiological Technology (IFPT)
Association of Surgical Physiologist Technicians (ASPT)
National Association of Cardiovascular Physiologist Technicians (NACPT)
American Association of Medical Physiology (AAMP)
American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
International Society for Clinical Laboratory Technology (ISCLT)
American Medical Technologists (AMT)
National Society for Histotechnology (NSH)
National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry (NACB)

We also have Sports Physiologist, Biomechanics Physiologist, and Behavioral Physiologist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Anatomy. The study of the structure and organization of the body and its parts.
Physiology. The study of the functions and processes of living organisms and their parts.
Pathology. The study of the cause, origin, and nature of a disease or disorder.
Radiology. The use of X-ray imaging to diagnose and treat diseases or injuries.
Medical Imaging. The use of various imaging technologies to diagnose, monitor, and treat medical conditions.
Ultrasound. The use of sound waves to create images of structures inside the body.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The use of powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of organs and tissues.
Computed Tomography (CT). The use of X-ray beams to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body.
Endoscopy. The use of thin, flexible instruments to view and treat areas inside the body.
Cytology. The study of cells and their structure, function, and development.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of a Physiology Technician?

A Physiology Technician is responsible for assisting physicians and healthcare professionals in performing and monitoring physiological tests, such as electrocardiograms (ECGs), stress tests and pulmonary function tests, to help diagnose and treat medical conditions.

What qualifications are needed to become a Physiology Technician?

To become a Physiology Technician, individuals typically need to have a 2-year associates degree in a medical field such as cardiology technology or respiratory care, or a certification from an accredited organization such as the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

What type of environment does a Physiology Technician work in?

Physiology Technicians typically work in clinical or hospital settings where they assist healthcare professionals in performing various medical tests.

What are some of the duties of a Physiology Technician?

The duties of a Physiology Technician include operating and monitoring physiological equipment, recording test results, assisting physicians with patient preparation and care, and providing patient education and instruction on the use of medical equipment.