Laboratory technician jobs: what are the job opportunities

Do you know what laboratory technician jobs entail? In this article you’ll discover all the details about this profession and the different job opportunities that are available today for laboratory technicians. Shall we start?

What do laboratory technician jobs entail? The types of test

As you probably already know, a clinical laboratory is the place where human biological samples are analyzed with the aim of helping in the processes of diagnosis, study, prevention, monitoring, treatment and investigation around all types of illnesses.

As such, the work of a clinical laboratory is key for medical practice, as it’s an essential tool for the diagnosis of many illnesses and disorders. Besides, it’s also necessary to verify treatment efficacies and, if necessary, to modify these in a safe and adequate manner.

There are many types of laboratories, both independent as well as linked to diverse organizations, all of which present their own specializations and fields of work. In any case, as a general rule, clinical laboratories are in charge of a huge variety of analysis, among which the following can be cited:

• Hematology and coagulation, that is, blood testing and the analysis of related tissues. As you may know, this is one of the most common and most effective testing for diagnosing a wide range of illnesses, determining risk factors and the different disorders related to blood coagulation.
• Biochemistry, where the analysis of parameters such as cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, uric acid, bilirubin, transaminases, etc, is undertaken.
• Microbiology, which includes a wide range of analysis such as bacteria, virus and fungi tests
• Parasitology, the study of parasites
• Immunology, studying immune systems and infection diagnosis (hepatitis tests, HIV, herpes, etc).

Laboratory technicians jobs: job opportunities related to this field

Work at a clinical laboratory can be developed across a wide range of fields, both independently as well as being part of the center where they’re located.

Without a doubt, the most common are diagnosis laboratories, located at medical clinics and public and private hospitals. However, we can also mention forensic laboratories, as well as those specialized in assisted reproduction, clinical tests, toxicology, etc. 

As such, the range of specialization is certainly wide, so that there is a significant demand for specialized analysts, laboratory technicians and clinical researchers that provide their services to fulfill the needs of different types of centers.

On the other hand, a successful training in clinical analysis can also open the door to other types of job positions which are not directly linked to laboratory work. This could be the case of sales representatives in the pharma sector or other management positions related to this industry. In this case, it’s advisable you complete your clinical education with training in the fields of marketing, sales, sales management and so on.

What do I have to study to access work at a clinical laboratory?

Given the huge variety of clinical laboratories and their different specializations, the type of professionals they require is also highly varied, going from medical staff to laboratory technicians and analysts, among others.

Thus, the required training for laboratory technician jobs is determined by the typology and responsibilities of each specific position.

However, seeing that the main specializations require biologists, biochemists, pharmacists or chemists, we can highlight three educational options to access laboratory technician jobs:

• Firstly, the National Diploma programs in the UK offer options such as the BTEC Level 1 Diploma in Applied Science, which may lead to Level 2 Certificate or Level 3 Diploma. In order to join this course, you must at least have completed 4 GCSEs at 1-2 (E-G) or above including Science, English and Maths, usually with functional skills at Entry Level 3.
• If you’ve followed a different educational path, or you’d rather expand your knowledge beyond these diplomas, a Master’s degree in laboratory science might be your best option. There’s a great variety of Master’s and postgraduate programs related to this field of knowledge, each of which offer their own characteristics, duration and access requirements.
• Another option to expand your previous knowledge is joining professional specialization courses related to laboratory technician jobs. Obviously, the contents, characteristics and duration of this type of courses will be highly varied, depending on each educational option. 

Whatever your training choice is and the type of education you decide to join, it’s very important for you to consider the following aspects: 

• Make sure both the study program and educational materials are well designed and respond to the industry’s current needs
• It’s advisable that the option includes professional practical experience in the form of an internship in clinical laboratories or other related companies. This will allow you to have a first real-life experience in laboratory technician jobs and, additionally, to report at least one beginner work experience when looking for future career opportunities.

What are the available specializations in laboratory technician jobs?

As we’ve seen above, jobs executed at clinical laboratories involve a great variety of tests (hematology, microbiology, biochemistry, etc.), each with their own characteristics and, to a certain degree, involve diverse proceedings.

As such, test types are directly linked to the different specializations that exist in the work of clinical laboratories and corresponding research. 

As an example, our Master’s degree in laboratory science will allow you to get specialized knowledge in different areas such as genetics, microbiology, parasitology, biochemistry, hematology, immunology and cytology.

Now that you know what laboratory technician jobs involve and what the related job opportunities typically look like, are you interested in completing your education to become a professional in this field? Without a doubt, a fascinating career filled with satisfaction awaits you.