How Do You Become A Laboratory Technician?
When doctors collect blood or bodily fluids to examine them for diseases or infections, they send the specimen to a medical lab for testing. One of the job positions in the lab is that of a laboratory technician, whose responsibility it is to prepare the sample for testing and analysis. Much of the actual testing and analysis of test results is done by technologists who have more training and experience. While you can work your way up to the position of a technologist, it’s fairly easy to get your start in the medical field by becoming a laboratory technician. Step 1 Find a degree program. You can find accredited medical lab technician programs at colleges and technical schools by visiting the website of the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (see Resources). Attending an accredited program is important later when obtaining your license as a lab tech. Step 2 Earn your degree. After finding an accredited program, follow the admission steps for becoming a studen
Are you interested in becoming a laboratory technician, but don’t know where to begin? You’re on the right track, simply by choosing this field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, laboratory science is one of the fastest-growing fields out there. Education Another advantage to becoming a laboratory technician is that it doesn’t take long to get into the field. This position requires either a certificate or an Associate’s degree. Certificate programs can be completed in the military, or at hospitals, technical schools, or vocational schools, and usually take one year. You can get your Associate’s degree to become a laboratory technician at most community colleges in two years. Occasionally, technicians are able to train on the job, but this is rare. Accredited Schools There are nearly 500 accredited programs in the U.S. for lab technicians and technologists. The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences maintains a list of accredited schools at
