Laboratory technicians work in many different fields of science and medicine and work to detect, diagnose, and treat diseases in medicine while also researching and developing science and math theories to understand and manage scientific issues. Laboratory technicians are expected to operate, maintain, and install laboratory instruments as well as monitor experiments as they are performed within labs. Technicians are often hired to record observations and then calculate results before developing conclusions, and since these experiments are often needed by other scientists in the field, they must be able to keep accurate and detailed logs of all of their work.

The consistent advances in technology require technicians to stay informed and current on the equipment in their lab and within their field. Technicians should also be prepared to work with various forms of equipment, ranging from potentially hazardous chemicals to radiation, firearms, or body fluids.

There are many different fields for laboratory technicians, and while they all involve general research and technical skills, the chosen specialization can affect the education required. Specializations for laboratory technicians include clinical, agricultural, dental, medical, and scientific subject areas. Laboratory technicians should determine their specialization before pursuing certification, since different licenses for different specializations can have varying requirements. Some employers require a minimum of two years of postsecondary specialized training, while others can require a minimum of a bachelor's or master's degree if the technician is planning on pursuing leadership positions in a laboratory or if the technician is in a field that requires more education.

Career Specializations

• Food science technicians conduct research, develop, and test food and other agricultural products in order to find the healthiest modes of productions and processing.
• Biological technicians study living organisms while assisting with some forms of life and medical research, often manufacturing medicines or analyzing food sources.
• Chemical technicians develop and use chemicals and related products and either research in experimental laboratories or process in manufacturing plants.
• Forensic science technicians analyze and investigate crime scenes by recognizing, collecting, and analyzing physical evidence in laboratories and on site.

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Degree Levels

• Associate Degree: 2 years to complete
• Bachelor's Degree: 3 to 4 years to complete
• Master's Degree: 2 to 3 years to complete
• PhD Degree: 3 to 5 years to complete

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Education & Certification Requirements

The education requirements for a laboratory technician are varied and can range from an associate degree or certification to a bachelor's or potentially a master's degree. Different specializations of laboratory technicians require specific education levels, but most of the core requirements remain the same across field specializations. The general requirements for working as a trainee or entry-level technician are a high school diploma, and these trainees can normally work under the supervision of a technician before moving on to a more advanced program.

Training programs for laboratory technicians can be found through technical or training institutes, and these programs do not normally provide as much formal education and theory instruction as associate degrees from community colleges. These programs can last approximately one year, though the length of training does vary. These training schools can also offer valuable internships and cooperative education opportunities through local laboratories or workplaces.

An associate degree for a laboratory technician normally takes two years, and this degree should be focused on applied science or science-related technology. This type of degree can be found at technical and community colleges or at some postsecondary institutions, and these programs normally provide easy transference of credits to higher level bachelor's programs at four-year colleges or universities. Completion of these degrees allows graduates to begin work as entry-level technicians in some careers, while higher education is required for others.

Bachelor's degrees for laboratory technicians are required for some fields like biological, chemical, and forensic science technicians. Bachelor's degrees normally take two years if an associate degree has already been completed, but since laboratory technician programs can often take training programs or internships during formal educational programs, this length can vary. These degrees can be used to enter higher-level positions rather than starting as trainees or entry-level technicians with an associate degree. Many fields do only require an associate degree rather than a bachelor's degree, so students should confirm job specialization requirements.

Certification programs are available through many technical institutes, but there are varying certification and licensing requirements, again, depending upon specialization. For example, working as a medical or dental laboratory technician requires varying forms of health practitioner licensing through employers or national health boards. Some companies also require that technicians be certified operators of equipment, but these programs and licenses are normally available through the vendors of the equipment or through the employer themselves. (BLS)

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Salary Information

Salaries for laboratory technicians depend on specialization, and the recorded salaries reflect the earnings for technicians with a minimum of an associate degree in laboratory technician training. The median hourly wages of science laboratory technicians in May 2008 ranged from $15.39 to $32.64, depending on specialty. The highest earning specialization was nuclear technicians, while the lowest were forest and conservation technicians. As of May 2009, the annual salary in the federal government for biological science laboratory technicians was $55,527 while the salary for forestry technicians was $42,733. (BLS)

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Job Outlook

The employment for scientific laboratory technicians is expected to grow as fast as average for all occupations, but this growth rate does vary by specialty. Growth is driven by the increase of scientific and medical research, and the need for qualified technicians who can operate new equipment as well as develop emerging research and techniques will constantly drive employers to hire qualified technicians.

Some specializations like chemical technicians will experience little or no change, while environmental and biological laboratory technicians will see much faster than average growth rates. Those with qualifications like associate or bachelor's degrees and certifications see the best employment opportunities, while those with little to no training have difficulty finding employment outside of internships. (BLS)

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Related Careers

Laboratory physicians help diagnose and develop treatments for diseases and afllictions like Parkinson's, autism, epilepsy, and ADHD--among many others--which affect various parts of the body. Therefore, there are many other medical personnel that work closely with laboratory physicans and that may be of interest to perspective students.

Cardiovascular technicians perform diagnostic tests that allow researchers to examine the diagnosis, treatment, and follow ups of patients with forms of cardiovascular health problems. Cardiovascular technicians use the advanced medical equipment to diagnose and treat these diseases while serving as the link between a physician and a patient. Cardiovascular technicians will see faster than average growth rates, and they do require two- to four-year training programs before they are hired.

Clinical technicians work in laboratories in healthcare, medical, and scientific settings and are often involved in the operation and maintenance of equipment and machinery. These technicians need to be as prepared as other laboratory technicians to work with equipment and materials while also recording and observing data processed in the lab. Clinical technicians also receive associate degrees or certification from training programs, and can be required to receive more advanced degrees.

Radiological technicians use nonradioactive material with patients in order to take information to diagnose medical problems. Radiological technicians are expected to maintain the imaging departments while also working with equipment and compiling patient records. These technicians are expected to receive some medical training and education while also receiving hands-on training with supervisors and equipment.

Surgical technicians provide assistance to surgeons during operations while also preparing patients for surgery before the operation. Surgical technicians are required to operate equipment, assist in stressful situations, and satisfy specific physical requirements while also following protocol. Surgical technicians can receive training through accredited programs but must also pursue licensing or certification upon completion of this program.

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