What Are the Significant Differences Between a Laboratory Assistant & a Laboratory Technician?
When doctors and other healthcare professionals order clinical tests to diagnose or treat patients, laboratory staff plays a key role in ensuring that accurate results are provided in an efficient and professional manner. Most clinical laboratories employ both laboratory assistants, also known as lab technologists, and laboratory technicians, who both assist with laboratory procedures that are used to study and analyze bodily fluids. However, there are significant differences between the positions, and individuals interested in a clinical laboratory staff employment should consider several factors when choosing between the two careers.
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Education
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Laboratory assistants typically require a bachelor's degree in medical technology or a life science. Medical technology programs are offered at colleges, universities and hospitals and are typically four years in length. Students in bachelor's degree programs usually take courses in biological sciences, chemistry, microbiology, math and clinical lab work. Some programs also include classes in computer skills and business management. Laboratory technicians usually require only an associate degree from a community college or a certificate from a vocational school or hospital. Laboratory technician students take classes in bacteriology, medical technology and clinical chemistry. Some technicians have only a high school diploma and learn the necessary skills on the job.
Duties
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Laboratory assistants are responsible for running complex tests, including bacteriological, microscopic, chemical, hematological, biological and immunological tests. They study blood and other bodily fluids under microscopes, and create cultures from fluid and tissue samples to check for parasites, bacteria and other microorganisms. They also type and match blood samples for use in transfusions, and examine samples for chemical content or compound concentration such as cholesterol or blood glucose levels. Laboratory assistants also analyze test results to ensure that they are accurate. Laboratory assistants are responsible for more basic laboratory procedures. They ready specimens for tests and operate automated lab equipment. In some cases, they may perform manual tests under the supervision of laboratory managers or laboratory assistants.
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Licensure
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In some states, laboratory assistants must be licensed in order to work. This usually requires a bachelor's degree and the successful completion of a licensing exam. Laboratory technicians are not typically required to be licensed because the work that they perform is less complex.
Salary
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Laboratory assistants generally earn higher salaries than laboratory technicians. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wages for laboratory assistants were $53,500 as of May 2008. The highest 10 percent were paid more than $74,680, while the lowest 10 percent were paid less than $36,180. The middle 50 percent were paid between $44,560 and $63,420. Median annual wages for laboratory assistants were $35,380 as of May 2008. The highest 10 percent were paid more than $53,520, while the lowest 10 percent were paid less than $23,480. The middle 50 percent earned between $28,420 and $44,310.
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References
- Photo Credit laboratory equipment image by Canakris from Fotolia.com
