Laboratory Tech Careers

Laboratory Technician Career Overview

Laboratory technologists or technicians have a variety of different functions that often depend on the type of laboratory in which they work. They are typically responsible for tasks like maintenance and operation of laboratory equipment, setting up and monitoring experiments, and observing and recording results.

Lab technicians utilize the equipment and tools in their labs to run tests on bodily fluids and cells in order to determine the health or condition of a patient. Even though the process of running tests has become more and more automated, laboratory technologists are still an extremely important part of the testing process. They are responsible for:

• Using advanced equipment correctly
• Keeping patient information organized
• Sometimes analyzing results, depending on their level of education

Laboratory Technician Training & Education

Laboratory technologists and laboratory assistants can choose to complete a two-year or four-year degree in a general or specialist subject. Medical laboratory assistants can obtain a medical laboratory assistant or technician certificate or degree.

In all cases, people who opt for more advanced degrees will have the most extensive career opportunities. While some careers require only a certificate or a two-year degree, obtaining a more advanced degree is often advised, as higher qualifications will allow for higher salaries and increased employment opportunities.

In some states, laboratory technologists must be licensed. And even in states without licensing requirements, many labs prefer to hire applicants who have certifications that are recognized by professional associations, like the Board of Registry of the American Society for Clinical Pathology, the American Medical Technologists, the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel, or the Board of Registry of the American Association of Bioanalysts.

Laboratory Technician Career & Salary Outlook

Salaries for laboratory technologists, laboratory assistants and medical laboratory assistants vary depending on their specialization.

Physical science technicians generally earn slightly higher salaries. People in these fields can expect to earn between $25,000 and $35,000 per year in entry-level positions, with higher salaries possible depending on the level of experience of the individual.

Dental laboratory technologists typically earn between $25,000 and $45,000 per year depending on their level of experience. The average salary for a dental laboratory technologist is $30,000.

The outlook for the dental lab technician career is not quite as good as other clinical technician careers. This is due in part to the fluoridation of drinking water and an increased focus on preventative dental care creating a decline in the need for dental work.

Career Fields/Specializations

Laboratory Technologist Career

Laboratory technologists and technicians have a variety of different functions that often depend on the type of laboratory in which they work. They are typically responsible for tasks like the maintenance and operation of laboratory equipment, setting up and monitoring experiments, and observing and recording results.

Laboratory technologists specialize in particular areas of science, such as chemistry, biochemistry, or biological sciences. They may further specialize in fields, such as:

• Genetics
• Molecular biology
• Immunology
• Microbiology

Their particular duties will differ depending on the specialty they choose. For example, in a microbiology laboratory, the laboratory technologist may be responsible for growing and analyzing bacterial cultures, whereas in a chemistry laboratory they work with chemicals rather than living specimens.

Wherever they work, the laboratory technologist should have good manual dexterity skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work to a very high degree of accuracy. They should also have good written and verbal communication skills, organizational skills and be comfortable working in a technology-oriented environment where they may operate machinery and work with computers to prepare and analyze experimental procedures.

Dental Laboratory Technologist Career

Dental laboratory technologists design, build, and repair dental devices, including dentures, bridges, and crowns. They create these items based on the specifications they receive from a dentist.

When creating a prosthetic device, the dental laboratory technologist first creates a model of the patient's mouth, using a mold of the patient's teeth taken by the dentist. The lab tech examines the model to determine the correct size and shape of for the prosthetic device.

Dental laboratory technologists specialize in different areas of prosthetic creation, such as:

• Crowns and bridges
• Dentures
• Orthodontic appliances

Dental laboratory technologists must be manually dexterous, able to manipulate small and delicate objects, have excellent attention to detail, and be able to concentrate on detailed tasks for extended periods of time. They should have very good eyesight, particularly color perception.

Laboratory Assistant Career

The role of the laboratory assistant varies depending on the nature of the laboratory in which they work. Depending on their chosen specialization, they may have different types of duties to carry out. Specializations include:

• Molecular biology
• Chemistry
• Microbiology

In general, laboratory assistants are involved in maintaining and operating laboratory equipment and machinery, setting up and monitoring experimental procedures, and observing and recording the results of experiments. They may also be involved in administration tasks, such as monitoring supply levels, ordering new stocks, and organization and storage of specimens and supplies.

The laboratory assistant should have good manual dexterity, be able to work with a high degree of accuracy, and have good attention to detail. They should also be well-organized, and have a certain degree of mechanical aptitude and computer skills. They must also have good verbal and written communication skills.

Medical Laboratory Assistant Career

Medical laboratory assistants work with scientists and other medical staff to help diagnose and treat patients. They work in clinics and laboratories that may be located inside a hospital. Medical laboratory assistants often specialize in particular areas, such as histopathology (analysis of tissue samples), cytology (studying cells to screen for diseases), or hematology (analysis of blood samples).

The duties of a medical laboratory assistant include organizing and storing laboratory specimens, preparing tissue and fluid samples for analysis, operating machinery to analyze specimens, and inputting and analyzing data using computer programs. They also are often involved in routine tasks, such as sterilizing equipment, disposing of potentially hazardous waste materials, and maintaining stocks of laboratory supplies.

Medical laboratory assistants should have good manual dexterity, good problem-solving skills, be able to follow protocols and instructions correctly, and work to a high degree of accuracy. They should have good communication skills and be able to work well as a member of a team.