Laboratory Assistant

Laboratory assistants, process technicians and/or laboratory technologists, work in laboratories in various industries and professions. They co-ordinate and expedite the flow of work and materials within an organization or establishment, prepare work and production schedules as well as closely monitor the progress of certain processes and tasks.

Technologists and technicians provide technical support and services, or may work independently in chemical engineering, chemical and biochemical research and analysis, industrial chemistry, chemical quality control and environmental protection laboratories. Mostly employed by research and development and quality control laboratories, consulting engineering companies, in chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical and a variety of other manufacturing and processing industries, and by utilities, health, education and government establishments, there are also some who prefer to work on contract, students working evening and holidays, to gain experience and/or supplement their income.

If a career working as a Laboratory assistant and/or Laboratory technologist appeal to you, you might typically perform some or all of the following duties:

• Set up and conduct chemical and other experiments, tests and analyses using techniques such as chromatography, spectroscopy, physical and chemical separation techniques and microscopy
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and apparatus, as well as preparing solutions of gas or liquid, reagents, and sample formulations
• Compile records and interpret experimental or analytical results
• Develop and conduct programs of sampling and analysis to maintain quality standards of raw materials, chemical intermediates and products
• Assist in the development of chemical engineering processes, studies of chemical engineering procurement, construction, inspection and maintenance and the development of standards, procedures and health and safety measures
• Operate experimental, chemical or petrochemical pilot plants
• Conduct or assist in air and water quality testing and assessments, environmental monitoring and protection activities, as well as in the development of and compliance with standards
• Assist in the design and fabrication of experimental apparatus

The role and function caters to lots of trained professionals from diverse backgrounds, training and expertise-levels. Most would consider it an entry-level position for those who prefer lab-work, research and analytics, data collection, sampling and other related scientific process/protocol.

Average employment growth is expected as the volume of laboratory tests increases with both population growth and the development of new types of tests. Job opportunities are expected to be excellent in this category, even at the entry- level of lab assistant and it is also possible to qualify through a combination of education, on-the-job, and specialized training, for some positions.

Employment growth is complex to predict in this field, as the volume of laboratory tests increases with both population growth and the development of new types of tests that all tend to show an upward trend. However, technological advances will continue to have two opposing effects on employment through 2012.

Although significant, job growth will not be the only source of opportunities. As in most occupations, many openings will result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations, retire, or stop working for some other reason.

The Association of Medical Laboratory Assistants provides industry information as well as career opportunities and links at the AMLA website at http://www.amlauk.org/

Universities and hospitals offer medical technology programs and can also provide more information.

The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), fully accredits 467 programs for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, medical and clinical laboratory technicians, histo-technologists and histo-technicians, cytogenetic technologists, and diagnostic molecular scientists. NAACLS also approves 57 programs in phlebotomy and clinical assisting.

Other nationally recognized accrediting agencies, that accredit specific areas for clinical laboratory workers include the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.

Technologists usually require completion of a two- or three-year college program in chemical, biochemical or chemical engineering technology, or a closely related discipline.

Technicians usually require completion of a one- or two-year college program in chemical, biochemical or chemical engineering technology. National certification for laboratory, chemical technologists and technicians is also available.

Clinical laboratory technologists usually have a bachelor's degree with a major in medical technology or in one of the life sciences; clinical laboratory technicians generally need either an associate degree or a certificate.

On the one hand, new, increasingly powerful diagnostic tests will encourage additional testing and spur employment. On the other hand, research and development efforts targeted at simplifying routine testing procedures, may enhance the ability of non-laboratory personnel-physicians and patients in particular-to perform tests now conducted in laboratories. Although hospitals are expected to continue to be the major employer of clinical laboratory workers, employment is expected to grow faster in medical and diagnostic laboratories, offices of physicians, and other ambulatory health care services, including blood and organ banks.

Click here to see the full career article library.

We Have Experience Writing Winning Resumes In Your Career

Make Employers Chase You, With an Irresistible Resume and Cover Letter in Just 24-48 Hours by a Certified Resume Writer

Call Or E-mail Now To Start. You Will Be Delighted With The Results.

Professional-Resumes.com