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Are you interested in becoming a lab tech? It’s a great career choice! Here are five easy steps to get you started:
1. Get a degree in medical laboratory science.
2. Complete an accredited lab tech program.
3. Pass the certification exam.
4. Start working in a lab.
5. Keep up with continuing education requirements.
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Introduction
Becoming a lab tech is a great way to enter the medical field and help others. Lab techs play an important role in healthcare, conducting tests and providing critical information to doctors and patients. If you’re interested in becoming a lab tech, follow these five easy steps:
1. Complete a high school education or equivalent. To become a lab tech, you will need to complete a high school education or equivalent. You may also want to take courses in biology and chemistry, which can be helpful for your career.
2. Enroll in an accredited laboratory technician program. After completing your high school education or equivalent, you will need to enroll in an accredited laboratory technician program. These programs typically last two years and include classroom instruction as well as hands-on training.
3. Obtain certification. Once you have completed an accredited laboratory technician program, you will need to obtain certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). To be eligible for certification, you must pass the ASCP’s Board of Certification exam.
4. Get licensed. In some states, lab techs are required to be licensed by the state medical board. requirements vary by state, so be sure to check with your state medical board for specific requirements in your area.
5. Find a job! After completing steps 1-4, you’re ready to start your career as a lab tech! You can search for open positions at hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic laboratories near you
Step One: Determine If You Meet The Basic Requirements
The basic requirements to become a lab tech are not difficult to obtain. Most employers will require that you have a high school diploma or equivalent, although some may prefer that you have some college education as well. You will also need to be able to pass a criminal background check, as you will be working with sensitive materials. In addition, some employers may require that you have certification from a professional organization such as the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS).
Step Two: Complete an Accredited Program
Once you have determined that you meet the basic requirements to become a lab tech, the next step is to complete an accredited program. There are many accredited programs available, both online and offline. You can find a list of accredited programs on the ASCLS website. Once you have completed an accredited program, you will be eligible to take the Certification Examination for Medical Laboratory Technicians (CET).
Step Three: Take and Pass the CET
The CET is a national examination administered by the American medical technologists (AMT). To be eligible to take the examination, you must either hold an associate’s degree in medical laboratory technology or complete 60 semester hours of coursework at an accredited institution. Once you have met these requirements, you can then register for the examination. The CET is offered twice per year, in April and October.
Step Four: Become Certified
Once you have passed the CET, you will then need to apply for certification with the AMT. The AMT offers two levels of certification: Registered Medical Laboratory Technician (RMLT) and Certified Medical Laboratory Technician (CMLT). To be eligible for RMLT certification, you must have completed an accredited program and passed the CET. To be eligible for CMLTL certification, in addition to meeting the above requirements, you must also have at least one year of full-time work experience as a medical laboratory technician.
Step Five: Maintain Your Certification
Once you have obtained your certification, it is important to maintain it in order to keep your skills up-to-date and stay employed. Certification must be renewed every three years and can be done by taking continuing education courses or by retaking the CET. In addition, many employers require that their employees maintain their certification in order to remain employed.
Step Two: Complete an accredited training program
An accredited training program is the best way to prepare for the certification exam and to become a certified lab tech. Many community colleges and technical schools offer accredited programs, which typically last two years. These programs include both classroom and clinical instruction. During clinical rotations, students gain hands-on experience working in hospital laboratories.
Step Three: Become certified
The American Medical Technologists (AMT) and the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) both offer certification for clinical laboratory technicians. In order to become certified, you must complete an accredited educational program and pass a national examination. Once you are certified, you will need to renew your certification every three years by completing continuing education credits and paying a fee.
Step Four: Start your career as a lab tech
As a lab tech, you will be responsible for running tests and experiments, as well as analyzing data. You will need to have a strong background in science and be able to work well under pressure. If you are interested in becoming a lab tech, follow these five easy steps:
Step One: Get a degree in science.
You will need to have at least a bachelor’s degree in order to become a lab tech. A degree in biology or chemistry is preferred.
Step Two: Complete an internship.
Many schools offer internships in order to give students practical experience in the field. This is an important step in becoming a lab tech, as it will give you the chance to learn about the day-to-day duties of the job and decide if it is the right career for you.
Step Three: Pass the required exams.
In order to become a licensed lab tech, you will need to pass both the Clinical Laboratory Technician Certification Exam (CLT) and the Medical Laboratory Technician Certification Exam (MLT). These exams are offered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT) and the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA), respectively.
Step Four: Start your career as a lab tech.
Once you have met all of the above requirements, you can begin your career as a lab tech. You can find employment in hospitals, clinics, private labs, and research facilities.
Step Five: Consider further education. While not required, pursuing a master’s degree or doctorate may make you more competitive in the job market and open up additional career opportunities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, becoming a lab tech is a great career choice for those interested in the medical field. It is a highly technical position that requires precision and accuracy. The 5 steps to becoming a lab tech are: (1) completing high school or equivalent, (2) completing an accredited training program, (3) passing the certification exam, (4) working in a clinical setting for at least one year, and (5) renewing certification every three years.
