How to Become a Medical Lab Technician

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Categories: How Tos

  • Interested in working as a medical laboratory technician? This is a good field to enter if you want to be a professional in the medical industry, but do not wish to be a nurse or spend four years in school. Read on to find out how to become a medical lab technician.


    Medical lab techs analyze samples from patients and determine diagnoses. Most work is found in hospitals, clinics or private laboratories. Average salaries run from $37,000 to $41,000 annually, according to the American Medical Association. http://www.allalliedhealthschools.com/faqs/medical_lab_tech

  • Tip

    • Before making a career choice, speak with someone already in the field to find out what the job is really like

  • Step 1: Think About It

    Is this career choice really for you? If you are queasy about germs, blood, urine, or other bodily secretions, you may not be comfortable in this job. Keep in mind that your workday will be spent handling infectious materials and looking at unsavory samples. This field is not for the faint of heart.

    • In addition, you will need to be prepared to work long hours, and possibly spend many of them on your feet. If you work for a hospital, there is a chance that you may also need to work at odd times of the day or night, including weekends or holidays.

  • Step 2: Enroll in School

    As soon as you have decided that this career is a good fit, it is time to get some education. Medical lab technicians generally complete either a certification course or an Associate's degree in the subject. Plan on spending 1-2 years in school. Upon completing your coursework, you will need to pass a test to become certified. While certification is not always a requirement, it will help you find more work.

  • Step 3: Find Work

    Once you have finished school and obtained your certificate, it is time to seek out employment. The vocational program or community college you attended should be able to help with job placement. You will likely find work in a hospital or lab, but there are several other options such as pharmaceutical companies and public heath organizations.

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