Do you enjoy working with science and technology?
If science interests you and you are looking for a career in it you can consider laboratory technician jobs.
Lab technicians perform a range of tasks in laboratories. They often work with scientists, researchers and doctors and help them study aspects of biology, genetics, chemistry and physics. Technicians may conduct experiments that help to improve the quality of life or understanding of human health.
What does a lab technician do?
As a lab technician, your responsibilities in the laboratory include performing activities such as carrying out risk evaluations and identifying samples. You also need to maintain quality standards for all materials used, clean and disinfect equipment and workspaces, set up experiments and workflows, record crucial details, process data and coordinate with other technicians.
Besides the above mentioned tasks some of the other tasks performed by a lab technician includes:
- GCollecting data to conduct experiments and investigation
- Managing lab inventories
- Ensuring a proper workflow
- Storing and organizing the samples
- Ensuring proper documentation
- Gathering information and data about the experiment
- Performing the risk evaluation
- Documenting the experiment
What are the skills one requires to get a lab technician job?
If you are aspiring to become a lab technician, you must consider developing the following skills:
Problem-solving skills
Lab technicians are often called upon to make decisions quickly in an emergency environment. They need to be available when needed, decisive and resourceful. A good communicator with excellent problem-solving skills is a necessity for this role.
Analytical skills
Lab Technicians typically handle large volumes of data and can often use computer software to process and analyze this data before a supervisor or senior technician views it.
Organizational skills
Lab technicians benefit from being able to maintain well-organized records and workspaces. On demand, they can be required to browse samples, files, and enormous data volumes. Well-organized archives and workspaces can save them a lot of time and speed up lab processes.Concerns about safety also exist in a laboratory setting. A systematic arrangement for equipment, tools, samples and safety accessories will help keep the lab safe
Communication skills:
Lab technicians perform a variety of tasks in the laboratory, including testing samples and reagents and performing experiments. They also need good written and verbal communication skills since they interact with several people regularly. Lab technicians often work in isolation, so it’s important that they have good communication skills.
Time-management skills
Lab technicians are often required to perform a range of tasks at once. This requires them to be able to manage their time well, and they may also be required to handle multiple tasks in a short space of time.
It is beneficial for lab technicians to schedule routine tasks and adhere to fixed timetables. Lab technicians frequently perform timed tests where they have to watch the clock and perform actions without error. They should be able to manage their time well for crucial procedures.
Lab technicians can accomplish a range of duties at the same time when they have good time management abilities.
Attention to detail
Lab technicians should be extremely meticulous while capturing data and the specifics of studies. They can prevent mistakes and time wastage by attending to the intricacies of their work.
What is the educational requirement to become a lab technician?
The first step to becoming a lab tech is getting your associate’s degree—you’ll need it to apply to graduate school. Once you have your associate’s degree, you can begin taking classes at a community college or university that teaches clinical laboratory science. The coursework should cover anatomy and physiology; microbiology; chemistry; blood banking procedures; immunology; pathophysiology; laboratory techniques; general chemistry; hemoglobin electrophoresis and other tests used in the field of medicine; genetics and hematology (e.g., how genes affect the body); microscopy and cell culture techniques associated with medical technology like biochemistry labs and imaging machines used by doctors who specialize in radiological imaging procedures such as X-rays or CAT scans (also called CAT scans).
Once you’ve completed this coursework, you’ll be ready for a bachelor’s degree program in clinical laboratory science from a local college/university. This will give you the most advanced training available as well as experience working with real patients through clinical rotations.
Your degree is the key to your future. But it’s not the whole story. Your licenses and qualifications are equally vital.
Some states can also demand certificates or licenses in addition to your degree. If you’re unsure whether you need a certificate, check with the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science or your state’s licensing board. Even if it’s not necessary in your state, some firms will only hire lab technicians who are certified.
Is a laboratory technician a good job?
Medical laboratory technician jobs assist science enthusiasts to work in a field that interests them. Medical technicians play a crucial role in the diagnosis and treatment of different diseases. It is therefore a crucial part of medical procedures, and it is intrinsically tied to the development of the medical infrastructure in the country. As a result, this field has good career prospects and job security. Lab technician is also a developing discipline that evolves with technological advancements offering immense scope for specialization.
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