Growing Opportunities for Laboratory Technicians
By Karen Lawson
karen.lawson@careerschooldirectory.com
Career School Directory Columnist
Hospitals, physicians, clinical and research laboratories, and private labs are experiencing an increasing demand for trained laboratory technicians. As technology advances and populations grow, laboratories strive to meet the needs of healthcare providers and independent clients. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that opportunities for laboratory technicians will continue to grow faster than average through 2014.
Detective Work with a Microscope
Laboratory technicians frequently do detective work on a microscopic level. They analyze body fluid and cell samples in order to determine the presence of harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Lab technicians may also perform a variety of blood tests to determine:
- Compatibility and suitability of blood used for transfusion
- Levels of certain compounds useful in diagnosing disease or physiological dysfunction
- Presence of illegal drugs (Pre-employment drug screening)
- Measure presence and synthesis of drugs used in clinical treatment of disease
If you are interested in a great career in healthcare, you can get a laboratory technician job in many healthcare venues.
Education is Key to Finding a Laboratory Technician Job
Laboratory technicians usually hold Bachelor's degrees in fields such as medical terminology, biology, or biochemistry. Increased use of sophisticated computerized equipment in labs generally requires training in computer applications. Your state may require licensing, and you can choose from more than 400 clinical programs, with more than 50 programs available in phlebotomy and clinical assisting. If you're interested in a laboratory technician job, career opportunities should be plentiful.
Source
About the Author
Karen Lawson is a freelance writer whose interests include healthcare ethics and medical humanities. She holds a Master's degree in English from the University of Nevada, Reno.
Posted on April 16, 2007 at 2:00 PM
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