Lab technicians are those unnamed people who sample, test, analyze and record lab results in their field, be it chemistry, biology, biochemistry or other life sciences. There are two different names for lab technicians, clinical lab technicians and medical lab technicians but they both have the same job. It is really just a change in the nomenclature and clinical laboratory technician is the most correct term. This is an interesting job that helps providers in the medical field in both diagnosis and treatment.
If you are interested in becoming a lab technician here are the steps to follow.
- Job Description. Lab technicians carry out simple tests on samples that are brought to the laboratory and work under the supervision of a laboratory technologist or a physician. They may also be trained to draw blood samples for testing and assist physicians in retrieving specimens such as bone marrow samples. They also handle all sorts of bodily fluids so they must be well trained in proper precautions to prevent illness in themselves as well as prevent the spread of infection from infectious agents in the lab. A typical day in a small lab may include collecting and testing for flu, strep throat, urinary tract infections, blood in stool samples, and analyzing blood samples for body chemistry and complete blood count. Additionally, samples may need to be collected for more complex testing that will be sent to an outside reference lab for further testing. All of this must be done accurately to prevent the patient from having to return to give another sample. The results must also be reported accurately so the patient receives the proper diagnosis and treatment. Lab technicians may also be in charge of ordering supplies, stocking, record keeping, making sure lab results are sent to the physicians and nurses as well as making sure laboratory machines are calibrated and ready to run the samples for the next 24 hours.
- Education. Most lab technicians are required to have an associate’s degree in laboratory technology. Some programs may be earned online, although they typically also have a clinical component. The associate’s degree takes two years of full time study to complete and is the best path to take if you ever want to go back for a more advanced degree. Make sure your program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) or another accepted organization. It is also possible to get a diploma for a medical technician and that program generally takes 15 months. A few hospitals do on-the-job training, but that is not the norm.
- Certification. While certification is not mandated, many employers do prefer lab technicians who are certified. Some states also require licensing so be sure to check your state’s requirements to practice. Several organizations offer certification.
- Salary. The median salary is $36,500 with a range of $24,000 to $56,000. Generally salaries are higher in hospitals than in physician’s offices. Geographic location, experience, and certification all have an impact on salary as well as any areas of specialization.
- Job Outlook. The growth rate is expected to be around 13% in the next 10 years. This is about an average growth rate for jobs in the United States.
If you enjoy the sciences and like to pay close attention to detail, this may be the perfect job for you. The working conditions are generally very good and there is potential for advancement through additional education. This is a great starting position, or a great place for an entire career.