A laboratory assistant prepares samples, performs tests, and maintains equipment in medical, research, and private laboratories. To become one, a high school diploma is required, followed by an associate or bachelor’s degree in science. Job requirements vary, with some employers providing training and others requiring certification or a license.
A laboratory assistant or laboratory assistant is an individual who provides assistance in a laboratory. In general, laboratory assistants prepare samples for testing, perform specialized tests, and supervise the maintenance of various types of laboratory equipment. There are different types of lab assistants. The assistant’s duties may change according to his specialty. Laboratory assistants are often employed by medical laboratories in hospitals and physicians’ offices, schools and research organizations, and private laboratories.
To become a lab assistant, an individual will need to complete high school. Obtaining a high school diploma is often the first step in entering this oft-selected career path. After high school graduation, the next step is to enter a degree program. While some people can find an entry-level lab job with a high school diploma, most employers generally ask for a more substantial education. Individuals interested in this career field usually earn an associate degree and some go on to a bachelor’s degree program.
Typically, individuals interested in becoming a laboratory assistant will choose a major in science. Some of the most frequent courses are: chemistry, microbiology, biology and hematology. In addition, a degree program in medical technology or a closely related subject can also be pursued. Many community and technical colleges offer two-year degree programs for training laboratory assistants. Some people choose to attend a larger college or university and instead acquire a bachelor’s degree.
An individual interested in becoming a laboratory assistant will additionally need to determine the type of assistant he or she wants to be. A medical laboratory assistant typically works in a physician’s office or hospital. These types of assistants often spend their day analyzing blood tests, urine tests, and other types of medical tests. Some people may choose to become a research laboratory assistant, who usually work under the direct supervision of a research scientist. Individuals working in this field may maintain large data records, preserve and test tissue samples, perform dissections, and write research summary reports.
To find employment as a laboratory assistant in the medical field, it can be beneficial to consult in hospitals, outpatient clinics and doctors’ offices. For a person interested in working as a research assistant in a laboratory, he or she may benefit from consulting directly with the research department of local colleges and universities. Different job sites typically have different prerequisites and requirements for a lab assistant. Some employers may hire a person with a high school diploma and provide lab assistant training, while most typically require at least an associate’s degree. In addition, certification or a license may also be required by certain employers.
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