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Anyone looking to enter the medical field as a lab tech should follow these five easy steps. With the right training and certification, you can become a lab tech in no time!
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Introduction
Earning your lab tech certification can help you take your career in a new and exciting direction. If you enjoy working with sophisticated equipment and performing complex experiments, then becoming a lab tech could be the perfect career move for you.
In order to become a lab tech, you will need to complete a certified training program and pass a state-administered exam. Once you have earned your certification, you will be able to find work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, research laboratories, and pharmaceutical companies.
Here are 5 easy steps that you can follow to become a lab tech:
1. Complete a certified training program. In order to become a licensed lab tech, you will need to complete an accredited training program. There are many different programs to choose from, so be sure to research your options carefully before making a decision.
2. Pass the state-administered exam. Once you have completed your training program, you will need to pass the state-administered certification exam in order to earn your license.
3. Find employment in a hospital or research laboratory setting. Once you have been certified, you will be able to find work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, research laboratories, and pharmaceutical companies.
4. Perform complex experiments and maintain equipment properly. As a lab tech, it will be your responsibility to perform complex experiments and maintain all of the equipment in the laboratory properly.
5. Keep up with new developments in the field of medical science. As medical science evolves, it is important for lab techs to keep up with new developments in order to provide the best possible care for their patients.
Step One: Research
Becoming a lab tech is a five-step process that includes completing a accredited lab tech program, passing the required exams, and completing on-the-job training. Although some individuals may be able to find employment without completing all five steps, most employers prefer candidates who have met all the requirements.
Individuals interested in becoming a lab tech should research the field to determine if it is the right fit for them. It is important to make sure you are aware of the duties and responsibilities of the job as well as the necessary skills and qualifications. This research can be conducted by speaking with current lab techs, reading articles or books about the profession, or visiting websites dedicated to this career field.
Step One: Research
Step Two: Complete an Accredited Lab Tech Program
Step Three: Pass Required Exams
Step Four: Find Employment
Step Five: Complete On-The-Job Training
Step Two: Prerequisites
In order to become a lab tech, you will need to have completed high school or equivalent, as well as some college coursework in the sciences. After completing your prerequisites, you’ll be eligible to apply to a bachelor’s program in medical laboratory science.
Step Three: Certification
In order to work in most medical laboratories, you will need to earn certification from a professional organization such as the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS). To be eligible for certification, you must have completed an accredited lab tech program and passed an exam. You can usually take the ASCLS certification exam at the end of your lab tech program.
Once you have earned your certification, you will need to renew it every few years by completing continuing education credits. You can usually fulfill this requirement by taking classes or attending workshops offered by your employer or professional organizations such as ASCLS.
Step Four: Applying for a Job
Now that you have your certification, it’s time to start looking for a job. You can look online on job boards or contact local hospitals and clinics directly. Once you find a position that you’re interested in, be sure to tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific job. Include keywords from the job listing and highlight your relevant experience.
If you don’t have any previous healthcare experience, consider volunteering or completing an internship at a local clinic or hospital. This will give you the chance to gain valuable experience and make industry contacts that can help you in your job search.
Step Five: Continuing Education
Completing an accredited medical laboratory technology program is the fifth and final step to becoming a lab tech. These programs are typically two years in length, although some schools offer one-year certificate programs. Many community colleges, technical institutes, and some four-year colleges offer these programs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, becoming a lab tech is a great way to enter the medical field. It is a five-step process that includes completing an accredited program, passing the required exams, and becoming certified. With the right training and certification, you can become a lab tech and begin your career in the medical field.
