Medical Lab Jobs

Medical laboratory technicians collect and analyze samples for doctors, insurance companies, and healthcare providers. This helps doctors diagnose patients so they can choose appropriate treatment options. It can also help companies make effective pharmaceuticals and other medical products.

Medical Laboratory Technician Job Education Requirements

Medical lab technicians do not necessarily need to meet specific education requirements. Some employers, however, may prefer hiring medical lab technicians who have associate or bachelor's degrees. Some positions also require certifications earned by passing exams. While this does not technically require a college education, completing a degree is often the best way to prepare for these tests.

People interested in healthcare jobs may want to explore opportunities working as nursing assistants before attending college. This type of job should help high school graduates decide whether they want to devote the time and money it takes to become a healthcare professional.

Medical Laboratory Technician Medical Investigator Job Market

The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the job market for medical laboratory technicians to grow by about 22 percent between 2012 and 2022. Since some states have larger job markets than others, technicians may want to explore opportunities outside of their current cities. The country's largest job markets for medical laboratory technicians are in California, Texas, and Pennsylvania.

Medical Laboratory Technician Medical Investigator Job Salary Information

The mean annual wage for a medical laboratory technician was $40, 750 ($19.59 per hour) in May 2014. Some industries, however, tend to pay higher wages than others. Technicians working for companies that manufacture pharmaceuticals, for instance, can expect to earn about $52, 960 per year ($25.46 an hour). Those working for dentistry offices make about $52, 420 per year ($25.20 an hour).