How to Be a Lab Tech

Several exams are performed at this laboratory workstation.

"Lab tech" is short for laboratory technologist or technician. A laboratory technologist has more of an educational background and the ability to be promoted to laboratory manager or supervisor. The laboratory technician usually works under the supervision of the technologist, performing tests and exams on fluids and specimens. Clinical laboratory testing is vital in detecting, diagnosing and treating illnesses and diseases. The lab tech analyzes blood and cells taken from a patient, testing for drugs, parasites, bacteria and other pathogens before, during and after prescribed treatments are administered.

Instructions

1. Take the necessary courses for national certification. The prerequisite needed for the laboratory technologist position is a bachelor's degree in medical technology or human sciences. The laboratory technician should have at least an associate degree or certificate from a school accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).

2. A candidate interested should apply to one of the certifications boards for registry in the area as a lab tech or one of the other careers in the medical technology field. It's an important step toward a good job placement and competitive salary. The American Medical Technologists (AMT) offer credentialing for a variety of medical laboratory careers.

3. A laboratory technologist performs tests of a more complex and analytic nature. She monitors programs and intricate procedures, and oversees daily lab quality assurance. With experience and further education the lab technologist could earn a promotion to laboratory director, a position for which she'll need to acquire a master's degree. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) the median annual salary for the lab technologist was $53,500 as of May 2008.

4. Work toward a promotion after gaining experience as a laboratory technician by getting a bachelor’s degree in life science or medical technology. The median annual salary for a certified lab technician as of May 2008 was $35,380 according to the BLS.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians
• American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science
• National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences

Resources

• American Medical Technologists
• Guide to Healthcare Schools: Laboratory Technician