What Is a Medical Laboratory Technician? And How to Become One

Medical laboratory technicians play a vital role in effectively diagnosing and treating patients. In this role, you will collect samples and perform tests to support doctors and other medical professionals as they detect diseases and treat patients. 

The Government of Canada Job Bank anticipates more health care jobs, including medical laboratory technician and health care aide positions, than health care workers through 2031 [1]. As a result, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to pursue a career in health care, especially one that allows you to work in a laboratory supporting cutting-edge research.

Learn more about what medical lab technicians do and how you can start your career.

Medical laboratory technician responsibilities

Laboratory technicians have a broad range of responsibilities that might vary depending on their particular laboratory setting. These day-to-day tasks may include: 

• Collecting samples of blood and other substances  

• Performing lab tests on samples and analyzing results

• Ensuring quality control of samples

• Adhering to a laboratory’s standards and policies 

• Preparing samples and processing them as needed 

• Operating lab equipment, such as microscopes and cell counters

• Logging test data into patients’ medical records

Why pursue a career as a laboratory technician?

A career as a laboratory technician can be rewarding and meaningful because you get to help physicians and surgeons determine a patient's diagnosis. It can be an exciting challenge for anyone who enjoys solving problems. Clinical laboratory technicians act as investigators, finding clues and uncovering answers that can help patients receive better diagnoses and treatment. 

Medical laboratory technicians work behind the scenes on vital research for advancements in the medical field to help others. Few other careers let you work within the medical community in this way. Laboratory work is very hands-on, so no day is ever dull.

It’s possible to get an entry-level role as a laboratory technician without a four-year degree, making it an appealing option for those looking to enter the workforce quickly and affordably.

Additionally, the position can also offer solid earning potential. The Government of Canada Job Bank reports that medical laboratory technicians earn a median hourly wage of $26.00 CAD [2]. 

How to become a laboratory technician

Education and experience are often the cornerstone of a career as a medical laboratory technician. Consider the following steps to begin your professional journey: 

1. Enrol in a degree program.

To become a medical laboratory technician, you'll need a certificate or bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science. This type of degree includes chemistry, biology, and pathology courses and will prepare you for an entry-level job.

2. Earn your degree.

In this degree program, you'll take science and math courses and learn about tests and samples and how they treat patients. You'll learn hematology and microbiology, too. Throughout the two- to four-year program, you'll understand what type of lab work interests you as a potential specialization.

You might want to consider choosing a school that offers learners job placement assistance and career counseling. Some programs emphasize clinical work experience to enhance your skill set so that you can secure a job quickly.

3. Get certified.

In addition to your degree, some provinces may require certifications or licenses. Check your province's board of licensing or the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science to see if you need a certificate. Even if your province does not require one, some employers only hire certified lab technicians.

Take the exam while your studies are fresh in your mind. Earning a certification can set you up for success in your future career endeavors.

Related jobs in a medical laboratory

Laboratory technicians might have specific job roles within the medical lab. They may also interest you as you decide whether a career as a lab technician is right for you.

• Clinical pathologists study the causes and nature of diseases.  

• Cytotechnologists study cells and cell anomalies by analyzing cellular patterns under a microscope and identifying diseases.

• Phlebotomists draw blood and help people feel comfortable with the process.

Begin your medical laboratory technician career on Coursera

Consider a career as a medical laboratory technician if you want to work in the health care field. Begin your career journey by bolstering your foundational knowledge and skills. For example, you might take Blood Film Morphology – A Practical Guide by the University of Western Australia on Coursera. In this course, you’ll learn about diagnosing infectious diseases using blood films, giving you a glimpse into a career as a medical laboratory technician.