There are many different types of lab technicians. There are medical lab technicians, chemical lab technicians, and many, many more.
We’ll be focusing on medical or clinical laboratory technicians—what the job is all about, what it takes to get the position, how to make your resume shine, and what you can expect to earn as a clinical lab technician.
Lab Technician Job Description
Lab technicians work under the supervision of a medical technologist or physician and typically work in hospitals. Lab technicians can also find work in diagnostic labs, private medical offices, and academic establishments. They have a variety of responsibilities including.
- Sterilizing instruments
- Preparing bodily fluids and organs for tests
- Administering tests of blood, bodily fluids, or tissue in order to help doctors reach a diagnosis
- Examining samples for parasites, bacteria, and other organisms
- Matching blood types for transfusion
- Testing blood for chemical and drug levels
- Keeping accurate records of all tests performed
What it Takes to Get the Job as a Lab Technician
At the very minimum, you must have a high school diploma to become a lab technician. Beyond that, there is some training that must be performed prior to a person becoming a lab technician.
Most organizations require that their lab technicians have an associates degree from a junior college or other school in math, microbiology, or another related field or a certificate from a vocational or technical school or a hospital.
If a laboratory technician wishes to advance, he or she will need to go back to school and acquire a four-year degree in biology, medical technology, or another related field.
Some states in the USA require lab technicians to have proper certification and be licensed to practice. Before deciding to become a lab technician, become familiar with your state’s requirements. And even if your state doesn’t require certification, know that being certified can greatly enhance your chances of finding a position.
Put Your Best Face Forward
While your school placement office can help you to find a position somewhere as a lab technician, you want to ensure that your resume is in tip-top shape so that you can put your best face forward. Here are some tips to keep in mind when writing your lab technician resume:
- Proofread! Double-check to ensure that your resume has no spelling or grammar errors.
- Be specific and show how you have helped to improve various situations, where in a workplace or at school.
- Include qualities and skills that will help you to stand out from the pack. Shy away from stating obvious skills that are the bare minimum requirements for the job.
What You’ll Earn As A Lab Technician
So, now that we’ve covered the basics, you’re probably wondering: What kind of salary to lab technicians make, on average? According to Salary.com, the average lab technician working in the USA in 2019 earned an annual salary of $52,897.
If you enjoy working in the scientific/health industry and want to be part of a career that helps people, think about studying to become a laboratory technician.