Lab technicians are a critical part of the health care industry. These medical technicians are responsible for the study of tissue and fluid samples in order to aid in the detection and diagnosis of various diseases. Before you look for medical laboratory technician jobs, you should learn the lab tech training and educational requirements—for example, you can get the lab tech training you’ll need from an online university.
Use these tips to help you prepare for lab technician careers.
- Responsibilities. A lab technician usually works under the supervision of a lab technologist. Lab technicians are usually expected to perform routine tests and do technical support functions. These functions include logging in specimens, preparing specimens for analysis, and running automated tests on samples. They may also be tasked with compiling reports on the findings, and doing some analytical work based on these findings. Other tasks may include preparing mediums for testing purposes, cleaning equipment, and ordering supplies. The kinds of testing actually done by the technician are usually mandated by the size of the lab where the work is being done. In small laboratory settings the technician may do more actual testing of samples than in larger laboratories with more lab technologists present. To become effective as a medical lab technician, it is important for one to be very observant, precise and detail oriented. Lab technicians are good in science and in handling specialized equipment and have good practical and technical skills.
- Educational requirements. Before becoming a lab technician, you’ll need to complete a one- to two-year associate’s degree program or certificate program. Make sure that this is an accredited medical lab tech program. Accreditation is granted by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) and going to an accredited program ensures that your degree or certification is recognized wherever you practice. The coursework for such a program includes microscopy, immunology, microbiology, chemistry and laboratory mathematics and procedures. Classes can be taken at vocational schools, community colleges and in the university setting. Some prerequisite classes may even be taken online.
- Certification. Many employers require that their lab technicians not only have an associate’s degree, but be certified for the profession as well. Some of the national certifying bodies for lab techs include the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB) and the American Medical Technologist (AMT). The usual certification for lab technician is Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT). The AAB offers certifications in six different disciplines for the MLT. These include: microbiology, chemistry, hematology, immunology, immunohematology and molecular diagnostics.
- Work setting. Most lab techs work at hospitals, clinics, private laboratories and at the research department of private industries, such as at pharmaceutical companies. It depends on the particular employer as to what the hours will be, but typically, large companies offer medical lab tech jobs with regular shifts, either in the morning or night. Smaller laboratories may have fewer employees and might require their lab techs to sometimes work double shifts. In some cases, lab techs may be required to work in the field.
- Salary. The median salary is $36,000. Smaller facilities generally pay less, while larger facilities will pay substantially more. Experience, certifications and location all play a factor in salary.
- Job outlook. U.S. News lists laboratory technicians in there top 50 jobs. Job growth is expected to be about 16% in the next 10 years. Private diagnostic labs are leading the way in hiring at this time.
- Advancement potential. Experience and performance are very important for the career advancement of lab technicians. To further your career advancement, you could also look into the possibility of advancing your lab tech training to obtain the title of lab technologist. Check out online training options as well as long-distance or part-time training to obtain the bachelor’s degree that is a necessary educational component for the technologist.
If you want to embark on a meaningful career as an allied health professional that will possibly help save lives, and help you enjoy a stable profession as well, being a lab technician just might be the best option for you. This job offers several different options for specialization and a clear path for career advancement. In tough economic times, it is very reassuring to have a job that is in high demand.