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

Medical laboratory technicians play a vital role in the effective diagnosis and treatment of patients. You are expected to collect samples and perform diagnostic tests to support doctors and other medical professionals as they detect diseases and treat patients. 

The demand for healthcare professionals in India, including medical laboratory technicians, is expected to double by 2030 due to the increasing number of hospitals and the growing population of India [1]. 

Discover what medical lab technicians do, their salary and job outlook, and how you can start in this career.

Medical laboratory technician responsibilities

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

• Collecting samples of blood and other substances 

• Performing lab tests on samples and analysing 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 are trained to act as investigators, performing various tests and analyses on patient samples to help them receive better diagnoses and treatment. 

Medical laboratory technicians work behind the scenes on important 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.

Medical laboratory technician salary and job outlook

The average annual salary for a medical laboratory technician in India is ₹2,49,996, according to Glassdoor [2]. Additionally, according to IBEF, India’s hospital market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8 per cent from 2024 to 2032 [1]. Thus, the demand for medical laboratory technicians is projected to increase further in the coming years owing to the growth of the healthcare sector, which was one of India’s largest employers in 2024 [1].

How to become a laboratory technician

Medical laboratory technicians work in a wide range of places, such as hospitals, laboratories, research institutes, public health agencies, and biotech companies. This career typically requires a diploma or bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory technology. If a career as a medical laboratory technician sounds right for you, consider the following steps to begin your career in this field:

1. Complete your 10 + 2 studies.

The first step to becoming a lab technician is completing your 10 + 2 education in the science stream. Choose a subject like physics, chemistry, or biology as your focus. After completing your 10 + 2, you can choose whether you want to pursue a diploma or bachelor’s degree. 

2. Pursuing a diploma as a medical laboratory technician.

A diploma is a good choice for you if you want to try lab science as a career before committing to a full-form bachelor’s degree. A diploma course in medical laboratory technology involves two years of full-time study and often includes a hands-on component for job training. In a diploma course, you’ll learn the basics of pathology, laboratory techniques, blood banking, NABL quality control regulations, and more. You can choose to pursue a general Diploma in Laboratory Techniques, a Diploma in Clinical Laboratory Technology (DCLT), or a Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology (DMLT) to enter the field. 

3. Earn a bachelor’s degree.

If you want to gain additional skills after earning a diploma or want to pursue advanced studies in the future, undertaking a BSc in Medical Laboratory Technology is your next step. You can also go straight into a bachelor’s degree after completing your 10 + 2 science stream. This course typically takes three years to complete and gives you the skills necessary to work in specialised hospitals and large companies. Many courses focus the first two years on the foundational scientific concepts used as a lab technician, with the last year reserved for hands-on clinical experience to build your laboratory skills and make industry connections. You also get the opportunity to specialise in a specific discipline like molecular biology, microbiology, haematology, blood banking, or immunology. 

4. Get certified and obtain licensure.

Upon completing your degree or diploma, you will be able to apply for certification examinations. Becoming a certified medical laboratory technician can enhance your job prospects and give you a competitive edge. You can take national certification exams like the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Certification to demonstrate your medical laboratory technology skills or the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) Certification to hone your knowledge of laboratory quality standards. Alternatively, if you want to work in the US, you may pursue the American Society of Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) Certification for medical laboratory professionals.

You might also need to obtain a state license to practice in addition to national certification. Make sure to research the licensing requirements of the state where you plan to work, as these may vary.

Related jobs in a medical laboratory

Laboratory technicians might work with some of these specific job roles within the medical lab. These roles may also interest you as you decide whether a career as a lab technician is right for you.

• Clinical laboratory technician: Study the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases 

• Histotechnicians: Prepare tissue samples for microscopic examination

• Cytogenetic technologists: Study cells and cell anomalies by analysing cellular patterns under a microscope and identifying diseases

• Pathologist assistant: Assists in both surgical pathology and autopsies

Get started as a medical laboratory technician with Coursera

Working as a medical laboratory technician allows you to play a crucial role in the diagnosis and treatment of patients. Is a career in healthcare right for you? Take a beginner-friendly course to find out, like Vital Signs: Understanding What the Body Is Telling Us from the University of Pennslyvania or the Introduction to Healthcare course from Stanford University, both on Coursera.