Education experience of a laboratory technician

Since laboratory technologists have more advanced responsibilities than technicians, most of these positions require more advanced education. A bachelor’s degree in medical technology is most common, but some choose a degree in one or more of the life sciences. These degrees require coursework in the following subjects:

• Chemistry
• Biological sciences
• Microbiology
• Mathematics
• Statistics
• Management
• Business
• Computer applications

Many laboratory technicians find excellent job opportunities with an associate degree from a community or junior college, or a certificate from a hospital training program, vocational-technical school or the Armed Forces. There are about 470 training programs in the United States that have been awarded accreditation by the National Agency for Clinical Laboratory Services (NAACLS).

Employers value laboratory employees who have a solid education, but they also prefer that their technologists and technicians earn certification from a professional organization. There are several organizations in the country that award certification. These include the Board Registry of the American Society for Clinical Pathology, American Medical Technologists, the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel and the Board Registry of the American Association of Bioanalysts. Each organization has its own requirements for certification.

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