Rural Alberta is an exciting place to begin a career in healthcare. Whether you’re interested in becoming a doctor, nurse, or one of many other healthcare professions, or still exploring your options for the future, our resource library is a great way to find out what a day in the life looks like for rural Alberta’s healthcare heroes.
Combined Laboratory and X-Ray Technologist
- Combined laboratory and X-Ray technologists are versatile healthcare professionals commonly found in rural Alberta who get to do a bit of everything in the world of medical testing and imaging. If you like science and technology, this could be a fascinating career path. In rural areas, these technologists play a key role, often handling both lab work and X-rays, making them essential to the healthcare team. They work closely with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment for patients.
- As the required scope of practice for any rural healthcare worker is vast, this profession hits multiple markers and skills required for one site or community that is generally sought after in rural vs urban centres, who are more specific in scope and needs due to population size.
A Day in the Life of a Rural Diagnostic Technologist
- Responsibilities:
– Collecting, preparing, and analyzing patient samples, such as blood and bodily fluids, using specialized equipment like microscopes and analyzers
– Performing diagnostic imaging procedures, including positioning patients and operating X-ray equipment to obtain clear images
– Conducting electrocardiograms (ECGs) and ensuring the accuracy of ECG tracings, as well as identifying abnormal or critical results in lab tests, X-rays, and ECGs
– Following strict lab and radiation safety protocols and performing quality assurance checks to ensure reliable test results
– Explaining procedures to patients, responding to their questions, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care
– Maintaining and calibrating both laboratory and X-ray equipment to ensure it functions properly and safely