High School

To be hired as a medical laboratory technician, you must have a high school diploma and one or two years of postsecondary training. In general, courses in health, biology, chemistry, mathematics, English, and computer science will be most helpful in a career as a medical laboratory technician.

Postsecondary Training

After high school, prospective technicians enroll in one or two-year training programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools, or the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences. One-year programs include both classroom work and practical laboratory training, and focus on areas such as medical ethics and conduct, medical terminology, basic laboratory solutions and media, manipulation of cytological and histological specimens, blood collecting techniques, and introductions to basic hematology, serology, blood banking, and urinalysis.

To earn an associate's degree, you must complete a two-year post-high school program. Like certificate programs, associate's degree programs include classroom instruction and practical training. Courses are taught both on campus and in local hospitals or other health care settings. On-campus courses focus on general knowledge and basic skills in laboratory testing associated with hematology, serology, chemistry, microbiology, and other pertinent biological and medical areas. The clinical training program focuses on basic principles and skills required in medical diagnostic laboratory testing.

Prospective medical laboratory technicians who think they might want to specialize in cytology or blood bank technology should definitely consider earning an associate's degree, which will best prepare them for the additional education they may need later.

Other Education or Training

Keeping up with industry trends is key to being a successful medical laboratory technician, and many associations require the completion of continuing education (CE) credits as a condition of re-certification. Many associations provide some form of CE, such as webinars, conference workshops, and seminars. For example, the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science offers clinical lab investigation case studies, online courses such as "Basic Quality Control Practices" and "Challenging Cases in Hematology," and a Leadership Academy. The American Association of Bioanalysts, American Medical Technologists, American Society for Clinical Pathology, and the Clinical Laboratory Management Association also provide these opportunities. Contact these organizations for more information.

Certification or Licensing

Students who have earned an associate's degree are eligible for certification from several different agencies, including the Board of Certification of the American Society for Clinical Pathology, the American Medical Technologists, and the Board of Registry of the American Association of Bioanalysts.

In addition to voluntary certification, prospective technicians need to pass an examination after graduation to receive certification. In some states, this certificate is all that is required for employment. In other states, state licensure is also required. School officials are the best source of information regarding state requirements.

Hands-on laboratory experience is recommended for aspiring lab professionals. You can obtain this experience through laboratory classes in high school and college, and by participating in internships at medical laboratories.

Besides fulfilling the academic requirements, medical laboratory technicians must have good manual dexterity, the ability to work as a member of a team, a detail-oriented personality, good organizational skills, normal color vision, the ability to follow instructions, and a tolerance for working under pressure.