To become a laboratory technician, one may need certification or licensing, which varies by location. Generally, completing a certificate or associate degree program and passing a certification exam is required. Some organizations may accept candidates with at least 60 credit hours in medical or laboratory-related courses or who have graduated from accredited professional schools. Lab experience is also necessary. After meeting eligibility requirements, one must apply for certification, provide proof of education, and pass a multiple-choice exam.
A laboratory technician is a person trained to work with laboratory equipment to test and analyze samples of blood, body tissue and fluids. In some places, laboratory technicians need to seek certification or licensing to work in the field. Even in locations where certification or licensure is not required, some employers may prefer candidates who have earned laboratory technician certification. If you’re looking to get certified in this field, it’s a good idea to check the regulations in your jurisdiction for certification requirements, as they often vary from place to place. Generally, however, you may need to complete a laboratory technician certificate or associated degree program and pass a certification exam to earn your credential.
Typically, you’ll need to earn a high school diploma if you want to earn lab technician certification, but you may be able to earn a general educational development (GED) diploma if you didn’t graduate from high school. Once you earn one of these credentials, you will need to meet educational requirements set forth by the organization through which you plan to earn your credential. For example, you may have to earn an associate’s degree in a related course, such as medical or laboratory technology, which may involve about two years at a community college.
Some certification organizations may also accept laboratory technician certification candidates who have not earned a degree in this field but who have received at least 60 credit hours in education, with a significant number of credits in a course related to medical technology or laboratory. If so, you may also need significant lab experience.
Laboratory technician certification organizations may also accept candidates who have graduated from accredited professional schools that offer certificates. For example, you can complete a lab technician program that lasts just over a year and ends with a certificate. These programs can vary in length, however. Typically, you will need to gain lab experience through a program to qualify for certification. If your training program does not include a significant amount of laboratory experience, you may need to gain experience elsewhere before applying for certification.
After meeting the eligibility requirements for certification, you will generally need to apply for certification and pay a fee to begin the certification process. You may need to provide proof of your education, such as official transcripts and other supporting documents. Lastly, you’ll usually need to pass a multiple-choice exam to earn certification in the field.
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