what is lab technician course

by Samanta Hane 7 min read

This course explores health career options and the fundamental principles and procedures performed in the clinical laboratory. You will utilize medical terminology and basic laboratory equipment. You will follow required safety and infection control procedures and perform simple laboratory tests.

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What qualifications do you need to be a lab technician?

What Qualifications Do You Need to Be a Lab Technician?

  • Qualities of a Lab Technician. The qualities that a lab technician needs to succeed reveal themselves even before they graduate from high school.
  • Typical Education for Lab Technicians. ...
  • Licensing and Certification for Lab Techs. ...
  • Laboratory Technician Jobs. ...

How do I become a certified lab technician?

  • Important Facts about Certified Lab Technicians
  • Educational Requirements. People interested in becoming a certified laboratory technician must complete an associate's degree or certification program from a community college or vocational school.
  • Certification and Licensing. ...

What makes a good lab technician?

Three best things about working as a lab technician

  • Career security. Some posts are temporary and linked to Research Council grants, but many lab technician positions are permanent - with salaries of more than £28,000 not uncommon.
  • Learning new skills and being at the forefront of research. ...
  • Flexibility. ...
  • Find out more. ...

How to become a lab technician?

Lab technician requirements

  • Education. Lab technicians need at minimum a high school diploma or equivalent to work. ...
  • Training. The type of training lab technicians receive depends on the field. ...
  • Certifications. Some lab technicians need to obtain certifications to work. ...
  • Skills. Depending on the type and nature of the company, lab technicians will need a diverse set of skills.

Which course is best for lab technician?

To become a Lab Technician, the most popular courses to pursue after the 12th is a Bachelor's degree (BSc) or a Diploma certification in Medical Lab Technology (MLT). Both the courses offer a promising career and a great opportunity for growth.

What is the work of a lab technician?

A lab technician is a scientific and technical worker who assists scientists in laboratories. This often involves work with complex systems to help the functioning of scientific processes and projects, to record the results appropriately, and to aid in the routine procedures that take place in a laboratory.

How many years is a lab course?

Lab technician Course after 12th - Diploma in Medical Lab Technology (DMLT) DMLT is a 2 year long programme including 6 months of internship period.

What is basic lab tech?

Setting up, maintaining, calibrating, cleaning and testing the sterility of lab equipment. Preparing solutions or reagents to be combined with samples. Collecting blood, tissue or other samples from patients.

What is a lab technician called?

Medical Lab Technician (MLT)

What skills does a lab technician need?

Key skills for laboratory techniciansIndependence.Meticulous attention to detail.Excellent written and oral communication skills.Good teamworking skills.Analytical skills.Time management.

Which course is best after 12th?

Below mentioned are the best courses after 12th science which a student can choose from depending on their aptitude and interests.Medicine/ MBBS. ... Engineering. ... BBA. ... LLB (Bachelor of Law) ... Bachelor in Statistics. ... Bachelor in Computer Application. ... Bachelor of Science in Hotel Management. ... B.Sc in IT and Software.More items...•

Can I do DMLT after 12th arts?

DMLT Course after 12th Arts The program is open for every stream and is generally approved by Indian Medical Association. So, it doesn't matter whether you are from arts or any other field, you are free to apply for this program.

What to study to work in a lab?

Typically, to work as a medical laboratory scientist, an individual must complete a four-year bachelor's degree at an accredited institution. Ideally, the degree should be in a relevant field, such as clinical or medical laboratory science, biomedical science, or a life science program such as biology or biochemistry.

Is lab technician a good course?

Medical Lab technology is a productive and challenging field. The initial salary package for a medical lab technology/ technician ranges from Rs 10,000 - Rs 20,000 per month in hospitals and in clinics. One can also earn a good amount as a freelancer. The pay packages gradually increase with years of experience.

How many subjects are there in lab technician?

They have completed their class 12 board examination with core subjects as Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Mathematics is mandatory for Medical Laboratory Technology courses).

Where do laboratory technicians work?

Lab techs work in diverse settings which include health care, industry, research, and educational institutions. Lab techs may work in a wide variety of fields such as medicine, biology, chemistry, electronics, geology and the environment.

What does a medical laboratory technician do?

Laboratory technicians have a wide range of responsibilities that might vary depending on their particular laboratory setting. These day-to-day tasks may include:

Why pursue a career as a laboratory technician?

A career as a laboratory technician can be quite rewarding and meaningful work. It can also be an exciting challenge for anyone who enjoys solving problems. Clinical laboratory technicians are trained to act as investigators, finding clues and uncovering answers to help patients receive better diagnoses and treatment.

How to become a laboratory technician?

You will typically need an associate degree program from a clinical laboratory setting or a bachelor’s degree in laboratory sciences or a related field to become a laboratory technician. Prior work experience isn’t always necessary for entry-level roles. Some states may require additional certifications or licensure.

Get started with Coursera

Explore whether a career in health care might be a good fit for you by taking a beginner-friendly course, like Introduction to Healthcare from Stanford University or the Science of Health Care Delivery from Arizona State University.

What is a lab technician?

A lab technician is a medical professional who conducts lab tests on specimens and records and reports the results. Learn more about what lab technicians do and how to become one.

How to become a lab tech?

To become a lab technician, you need an associate degree or a certificate from a hospital, vocational school, or the Armed Forces. You may also want to obtain certification. Lab technicians are different from lab technologists, who need a minimum of a bachelor's degree and often have supervisory roles in a lab.

What is the job outlook for lab techs?

The job outlook for lab technicians and lab technologists is bright, with an 11% growth expected from 2018 to 2028. 1 . Employers may include hospitals, medical and diagnostic laboratories, and physicians' offices. Most jobs are full-time and, depending on the employer, may include weekends, evenings, and holidays.

What are the skills required to become a lab technician?

You will acquire the hard skills that allow you to do your job through your formal training, but lab technicians also need certain soft skills, which are harder to quantify. They include: 1 Active listening: The ability to understand the instructions of lab technicians, doctors, and other medical personnel is essential. 2 Reading comprehension: Lab technicians must be able to read and understand instructions. 3 Written and verbal communication: Writing reports and explaining results are a critical aspect of being a lab technician. 4 Critical thinking: Lab techs must be able to compare the benefits of different solutions to problems before choosing the best one. 5 Organization: Juggling multiple tasks and priorities requires excellent organization and time management skills.

How does a lab technician work?

Lab technicians have a variety of responsibilities, including: Lab technicians come into contact with infectious specimens and toxic chemicals, so they must take the proper precautions, including wearing protective clothing and eyewear, to decrease their exposure to these dangerous substances .

What do lab techs need to know?

Reading comprehension: Lab technicians must be able to read and understand instructions. Written and verbal communication: Writing reports and explaining results are a critical aspect of being a lab technician. Critical thinking: Lab techs must be able to compare the benefits of different solutions to problems before choosing the best one.

What degree do you need to become a medical laboratory tech?

However, educational preparation and duties differ considerably for these two jobs. Technologists must earn a bachelor's degree and have more extensive training and theoretical knowledge than technicians, who only need an associate degree.

How to become a lab tech?

To initiate your career as a lab technician, you should have a high school diploma and take the GED test. While not necessarily required, it would be ideal to have a one-year lab experience and have a good grasp of chemistry, biology, and mathematics.

What degree do you need to become a laboratory technician?

A bachelor’s or a master’s degree in chemical, biological, or medical/clinical laboratory science or healthcare administration will increase your advancement opportunities and seek promotions for higher-level roles. Combining additional education with experience will further serve as proof of increased expertise and that you are ready to undertake additional responsibilities essential to the successful performance assigned to the position.

What is the role of a lab technician?

Lab technicians play an essential role in assisting physicians provide good healthcare within reach to all patients. A typical routine of a lab technician includes designing and executing lab tests on the basis of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) while assuring optimal patient outcomes.

How many credits do you need to become a lab technician?

However, the minimum requirement to be a certified lab technician is completing an associate’s degree which is a 64 Credit program and typically lasts about 2 years full-time. Courses for this program focus on major areas of laboratory sciences and give you a better insight into the basics of lab skills.

Why do lab technicians perform experiments?

Every now and then, laboratory technicians are assigned to perform experiments in order to verify or reject a given hypothesis using scientific methods provided by their task manager.

How to increase the likelihood of getting a lab position that requires additional specialties?

In order to increase the likelihood of getting a lab position that requires additional specialties, you need to start plugging away at furthering your education. You might be asking yourself “what academic qualification I need to obtain in order to be a lab technician?”

What classes do lab technicians take?

Medical lab technician programs will consist of a general education core, as is typical for associate's degree programs, in addition to the courses required for the major. Science courses are a heavy focus, requiring classes on subjects like microbiology, chemistry, and psychology. Math also plays a role, with courses like algebra and trigonometry. The bulk of coursework focuses on medicine specifically, with classes such as immunology, hematology, urinalysis, and medical terminology. Programs can require anywhere from 66 credit hours to as much as 76, with the variance often made up with an increase in clinical practice time. Most classes are three credit hours, with labs as an additional one credit hour. Practical training can take up to 15 weeks, with seven to eight hours of on-site training at hospitals or clinical facilities each week, on average.

What is a medical lab technician?

Medical lab technicians, or MLTs, perform tests on blood and cell samples in clinical laboratory settings. They share the results with doctors in order to help diagnose patients. Technician jobs in the medical field often involve the use of complex, high-tech machines that require special training. This training is typically acquired through associate's degree programs that are certified by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Scienc (NAACLS).

What is the certification for a medical lab technician?

A Medical Laboratory Technician certification from the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) is the nationally recognized certification for this career. In order to take the exam, an NAACLS approved degree program must be completed, consisting of at least 60 credit hours, within the five years before testing. Passage of the ASCP's MLT exam grants the certification, and allows one to apply for a license to practice within the state as a medical lab technician. Other qualifications to take the test are available for former military or experienced workers, but the exam always requires an associate's degree of some sort.

How long does it take to become a medical lab technician?

Medical lab technician programs are almost exclusively associate's degree programs, as this fits best with the NAACLS accreditation requirements, and as such need two years to complete. MLT programs often include internship components, offering students a chance to acquire real-world experience before entering the job market. Most programs are designed to enable a student to pass the required certification exams after graduation.

Do you need a lab technician certification to be a medical technician?

Some schools may ask for prior certification, such as the certification for phlebotomists. Most programs use criminal background checks, regular drug screenings and medical checks before students perform their clinical rotations. Reliable transportation is also important as work at affiliated hospitals and clinics is nearly always part of the program.

What Do Lab Technicians Do?

Lab technicians play an essential role in the study and treatment of diseases. They are responsible for assisting physicians in hospitals and doctor’s offices by collecting samples and performing tests on tissues, blood, and other body fluids.

What Are the Requirements to Become a Lab Technician?

The most important requirement for a lab technician is to be certified by an accredited program. To achieve this, most technicians attend a school to prepare for the exam. Some states also require additional licensure.

What Is a Medical Laboratory Certification?

To become a medical lab technician, candidates must have a medical laboratory certification. This shows they have demonstrated the ability and knowledge needed to work in a lab setting.

What Is Lab Technician Training?

Accredited schools will often have partnerships with hospitals which allow students in their programs to receive practical training. While coursework covers laboratory skills, safety procedures, and lab management, training in a real-world clinical environment can provide essential practical skills.

Lab Technician Job Description Sample

With this Lab Technician job description sample, you can get a good idea of what employers are looking for when hiring for this position. Remember, every employer is different and each will have unique qualifications when they hire for a Lab Technician role.

What is a certified lab technician?

Certified lab technicians are specialists who have obtained a credential demonstrating their knowledge and competence to provide lab services, primarily in support of the work of medical professionals. Certified lab technicians perform a variety of lab-related functions that involve testing bodily samples for diseases.

What is the job description of a laboratory technician?

Analyze bodily fluids and cell tissues, Identify disease-carrying organisms and diseased or damaged cells, Record test results and maintain records, Maintain lab equipment. Licensure/Certification. Licensure required by some states, Certification is not required but may enhance employment prospects.

What are the two organizations that offer a medical lab technician credential?

Two industry organizations that offer a Medical Lab Technician credential are the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) and the American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB).

How long does it take to get an ASCP certification?

ASCP Certification. ASCP certification requires an associate's degree and either three years of experience or completion of a 50-week military lab tech training program ( www.ascp.org ). To receive this certification you must pass an exam testing your knowledge of chemistry, hematology, immunology and microbiology.

What degree do you need to become a veterinary technician?

To work as a chemical or veterinary technician, you'll need to obtain an associate's degree, while a bachelor's degree is needed to become a biological technician. Chemical technicians work primarily with chemists developing and studying chemicals and their reactions. Biological technicians assist biologists in biology-specific lab procedures. Veterinary technicians work in animal clinics or hospitals under the supervision of a veterinarian and are responsible for testing and handling samples that come from animals.

What is a biological technician?

Biological technicians assist biologists in biology-specific lab procedures. Veterinary technicians work in animal clinics or hospitals under the supervision of a veterinarian and are responsible for testing and handling samples that come from animals.

Do lab technicians need certification?

Some states require lab technicians to be certified, while in other areas it may be the preference of the lab rather than a requirement by the state. General certifications are available, as well as specialized certifications that focus on a particular field, such as cytotechnology or medical biology.

What does a lab tech do?

They work under the supervision of physicians, lab managers or lab technologists to conduct lab tests on specimens. The work they do behind-the-scenes helps doctors detect diseases or illnesses and determine treatment options. Though you may not frequently come into contact with a medical lab tech as a patient, ...

How long does it take to become a medical lab tech?

1. The good news is that some medical lab tech programs can be completed in as few as 21 months. 3 This training will provide a well-rounded knowledge of the field.

What is a MLT in healthcare?

Becoming a medical laboratory technician (MLT) is one of those opportunities.

What training do lab techs need?

Training could include learning about particular methods, preparing reports and how to dispose of waste properly.

What are the responsibilities of a lab technician?

Lab technicians have the following responsibilities: Conducting experiments, gathering data and performing basic investigations. Adjusting, calibrating and ensuring the proper function of laboratory equipment and instruments.

Why do lab techs need time management?

Lab techs sometimes perform timed tests. They should be able to schedule their days so they can monitor each step of the process. Good time-management skills also help lab technicians complete a variety of concurrent tasks.

What do lab technicians need?

Lab technicians often have a mix of education, training, skills and certifications to perform their job effectively.

Why do lab techs need to analyze data?

Since lab techs often need to gather and analyze large amounts of data and information. They should be able to find connections in results by using analytical methods.

What does a lab tech do?

What does a lab technician do? A lab technician performs highly mechanical, technical, or diagnostic tests in a scientific laboratory. Lab techs may work independently or under the direction of a professional in a laboratory or field setting. They are responsible for a variety of tasks, including recording data, ...

How much does a lab technician make?

Depending on the type of work, location and size of the organization, a lab technician’s salary can vary. Typical salaries range from $7.25 to $41.30 per hour.

What is BSC in virtual lab?

This course enables learners to apply knowledge and practice setting up a biological safety cabinet (BSC) in a virtual laboratory. Future updates to this course will allow learners to go beyond setup to practice additional skills. Step into a virtual laboratory and learn how to work safely in the first-ever Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) virtual reality (VR) laboratory training course.

Why is safety important in a laboratory?

Safety is imperative when working with potentially harmful materials and other hazards in the laboratory. This course is designed to assist clinical and public health laboratory professionals with applying risk management strategies to identify hazards, assess risks, and select appropriate personal protective equipment options.

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