How to Become a Laboratory Technician
Editor & Writer
Editor & Writer
Editor & Writer
Editor & Writer
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- A two-year associate degree can prepare you for a job as a laboratory technician.
- Some states also require certification and licensure.
- Lab techs earn above-average salaries and play an important role in patient care.
Lab techs are the folks we'll all turn to for answers when the zombie apocalypse finally hits. It's their job to collect and analyze samples — like blood, tissue, and urine — in order to detect abnormalities, diseases, or infections. They play a crucial, behind-the-scenes role in the process of diagnosing and treating patients.
With the demand for skilled healthcare workers on the rise, now is the time to pursue your own career as a lab technician. Follow these steps for how to become a lab technician, and in no time you'll be the one saving the day in a white coat.
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3 Steps to Become a Lab Technician
As you explore how to become a lab technician, follow these key steps to kickstart your career.
Step 1: Obtain a High School Diploma or GED Certificate
Your journey to become a lab technician begins in high school. Consider enrolling in honors or AP classes in subjects like biology and chemistry to build a strong foundation in the field. AP courses can enhance your college application and may even earn you college credits, depending on your exam scores.
You should also consider subjects like anatomy, computer science, and statistics (if offered by your high school). These subjects will equip you for college-level studies in a medical laboratory technology program. Once you obtain your high school or GED diploma, you can take the next step and apply to an associate program.
Step 2: Earn an Associate Degree and Lab Experience
Next, you'll need to earn an associate degree in laboratory science from an accredited program. This degree typically takes two years to complete and covers core courses in clinical chemistry, microbiology, immunology, and hematology. You'll also gain practical experience through an internship or clinical rotations.
Most employers prefer candidates with formal training, making this degree essential for securing a job. During your studies, make sure to gain hands-on lab experience, either through coursework, lab sessions, or even an internship.
Step 3: Obtain Certification and Licensure
After earning your degree, you may need to obtain certification to become a lab technician. Even though most states do not require certification, many employers prefer certified candidates. And some employers, particularly healthcare employers, require medical lab technicians to be certified, regardless of state requirements.
Even if you're hired without certification, you can be asked to obtain certification after you start the job. The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) offers a lab technician credential. ASCP credentials are nationally recognized, so you won't need to get recertified if you move to another state.
Depending on your state's requirements, you may also need to get licensed. For example, California requires medical lab technicians to be licensed. Training requirements for licensure vary from state to state. Be sure to check your state's Department of Public Health for state-specific details about the requirements.
Step 4 (Optional): Advance Your Career With a Bachelor's Degree
If you have your sights set on becoming a clinical laboratory technologist, consider earning a bachelor's degree in medical laboratory technology or a closely related field. This degree will provide you with a deep understanding of laboratory methods and tools and equip you with the practical experience needed to secure the job.
A bachelor's degree can offer job security, stability, and growth as the demand for skilled lab technicians grows a projected 5% between 2022-2032, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). A bachelor's degree could also act as a launchpad for further studies and management opportunities.
What Does Lab Technician Training Look Like?
Training to become a lab technician involves both theoretical studies and hands-on lab experiences. The curriculum includes courses in anatomy & physiology, chemistry, computer literacy, job hunting skills, and an array of specialized lab methodologies.
You'll learn to form hypotheses, maintain medical records, determine pH values, weigh substances, sterilize lab equipment to prevent contamination, and follow lab safety procedures. A key part of your training will be an internship in a real-life clinical lab, where you'll get the chance to put your skills into practice.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Laboratory Technician?
It usually takes about two years to become a medical laboratory technician, assuming you're studying full-time in an associate degree program. However, your journey might be longer or shorter depending on whether you're studying part-time or if you can transfer credits from another institution.
The time it takes to secure licensure and certification will depend on your state's requirements and your ability to prepare for and pass the certification exam.
Which States Require Licensure?
There are currently 11 states that require lab technicians to be licensed. These include the following: California, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Montana, Nevada, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and West Virginia. Puerto Rico also requires licensure.
Some of these states, like Hawaii, also require certification. This is why it is essential that you check with your state's specific policies.
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Frequently Asked Questions About How to Become a Laboratory Technician
Is being a medical lab technician a stressful job?
Despite fairly high levels of job satisfaction among lab technicians, stress and burnout can still occur. According to an AACC survey of clinical lab technicians, over 85% of respondents reported feeling burnout at some point in their careers.
Overall, the job of a medical lab technician can be stressful due to high work demands, fast-paced environments, job insecurity, and the need to balance work and personal life. Stress levels may vary based on the workplace and current healthcare demands.
How much do lab techs make?
According to the BLS, clinical laboratory technologists and technicians earned a median annual wage of $57,380 as of May 2022. The top 10% of earners saw a median annual wage of nearly $85,000, while the lowest 10% of earners saw a median annual wage of $35,220.
There are also significant salary differences across industries. For example, lab technicians working in outpatient care centers earned the most money, with a median annual salary of $62,870. Meanwhile, lab technicians working in the medical and diagnostic laboratories earned a much lower median annual salary of $50,670.
Do you have to have an associate degree to become a lab technician?
In most cases, yes. However, there are two other pathways that can give you the training needed to become a medical lab technician. The Armed Forces and some technical schools offer programs sufficient for entry-level roles in the field. Like associate degree programs, these certificate programs typically include clinical and lab hours.
What's the difference between a lab technician and a lab technologist?
Primary differences between lab technicians and technologists center around education and on-the-job duties. Technicians work under the supervision of technologists or laboratory managers. They collect samples from patients and perform routine testing. They typically need only an associate degree in laboratory science or a related major.
Technologists often fill supervisory roles, perform more complicated research and testing, and interpret test results. They may choose to specialize in specific areas of practice. Technologists generally require a bachelor's degree in medical science or another life science major.
