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Clinical & research
Lab Technician
Precision work behind the results everyone reads.
Typical pay
$40k-$75k
How you get in
2-4 year degree plus certification
Outlook
Steady with clinical demand
Lab techs run samples, maintain instruments and record results. Clinical labs run around the clock; research labs follow the project.
A day in the life
- 7:00aCalibrate instruments and run controls
- 8:30aProcess the morning sample batch
- 11:00aTroubleshoot an analyzer flag
- 1:00pQuality control documentation
- 3:00pSecond batch and reagent prep
- 4:30pLog results and hand off
How to get in
Associate degree in medical laboratory technology
Duration
2 years
Cost
$8,000-$25,000
Credential
ASCP MLT certification
- Enroll in an accredited MLT program
- Complete coursework plus a clinical rotation in a working lab
- Pass the ASCP MLT board exam
- Enter a hospital or reference lab, often on nights to start
Bachelor's in medical laboratory science
Duration
4 years
Cost
$40,000-$120,000
Credential
ASCP MLS certification
- Complete an MLS program, or a biology degree plus a post-baccalaureate clinical year
- Finish the clinical rotations
- Pass the ASCP MLS board exam
- Higher ceiling — supervisory and specialist roles the MLT route cannot reach
Research lab, on the job
Duration
Months
Cost
$0
Credential
None — clinical certification is not required outside clinical labs
- Get hired as a research technician with a biology or chemistry degree
- Learn the protocols specific to that lab
- Build technique on the bench
- Note that this path does not transfer to clinical labs without certification
What people love
- · Structured, focused work
- · Shift options including nights
- · Path to specialist certifications
What wears people down
- · Repetitive protocols
- · Little patient or public contact
- · Pay plateaus without more school