Resources

• Know where medical lab technicians are employed. The United States Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics website is a valuable tool if you're looking to get hired. According to the website, the majority of medical lab technicians work in medical and surgical hospitals. Medical lab technicians also work in medical and diagnostic labs, doctor's offices, colleges and universities, and other health care facilities.
  
  

Education

• According to the Brain Track College and University Directory website, medical laboratory technicians begin their careers with a bachelor's degree in the life sciences (biology, chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, cell biology, etc.) with additional education in medical technology and terminology. The Health Careers Center website says you can begin your education with an associate's degree in a medical laboratory technician program. But you must pass an examination for certification as a medical laboratory technician as well.
  
  

Accreditation and Certification

• To get hired and advance your career, you'll need to be certified. The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) is the primary organization responsible for accreditation in the clinical laboratory sciences. Check the NAACLS website to ensure that you received your degree from an accredited institution. Certification is paramount to being hired as a medical laboratory technician, as it proves you have the education and skills needed to properly do your job.