Are you someone who likes to work behind the scenes but still wants to be an integral part of the healthcare industry? If yes, then becoming a Lab Technician might be the perfect career choice for you.
Lab Technicians play a crucial role in ensuring accurate diagnoses and effective treatments. With the rise of technology in medicine, the demand for skilled lab technicians continues to increase. In this article, we will take a deep dive into how you can become a Lab Technician after 12th grade in India.
Who is a Lab Technician?
As a lab technician, you will work in medical laboratories, testing facilities, and research institutions to examine samples of body tissues and fluids. Your main responsibility will be conducting diagnostic tests on these samples to identify infections, diseases, and abnormalities. You will also have to operate lab equipment like microscopes, cell counters, and automated analyzers.
Job Roles for Lab Technicians
Lab technicians can have various job roles. Three common ones in India are Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT), Clinical Laboratory Technologist (CLT), and Pathology Technician/Histotechnologist.
Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT)
An MLT works under the supervision of a pathologist or scientist to diagnose and treat diseases. The qualifications required are a DMLT or BSc in Medical Laboratory Technology and certification from a recognised institute.
The job responsibilities include:
- Collecting samples
- Conducting tests on collected samples
- Analysing results using computerised instruments
- Reporting data accurately
The average salary range for an MLT is between ₹2–4 lakhs per annum.
Clinical Laboratory Technologist (CLT)
A CLT conducts laboratory tests used by doctors to make decisions about the health of patients. The qualifications required are a bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Technology or Clinical Laboratory Science, and certification from a recognised institute.
The job responsibilities include:
- Collecting samples
- Conducting tests on collected samples
- Analysing results using computerised instruments
- Reporting data accurately
The average salary range for a CLT is between ₹5–8 lakhs per annum.
Pathology Technician or Histotechnologist
Pathology technicians, or histotechnologists, work with pathologists to diagnose diseases. The qualifications required are a diploma or bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Technology or Histotechnology and certification from a recognised institute.
The job responsibilities include:
- Preparing tissue samples for diagnosis
- Staining and labelling tissue samples
- Examining specimens under a microscope
The average salary range for a Pathology technician or hemotechnologist is between ₹2–4 lakhs per annum.
Education Requirements to Become a Lab Technician
To become a Lab Technician, you must have completed your 12th grade education with Science subjects (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) and obtained at least 50% aggregate marks. Additionally, some colleges, universities, or institutes may require you to clear an entrance exam as well.
There are various degree and diploma courses that you can pursue after completing your 12th grade education to become a Lab Technician.
Bachelor's Degrees
Candidates can opt for Bachelor's degrees in Medical Laboratory Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, or Biomedical Science.
These programmes teach students about laboratory equipment handling and give them hands-on experience with diagnostic technologies used in the field, such as clinical biochemistry, haematology and blood banking, microbiology, molecular diagnostics, genetics, etc.
Course duration: 3 years
Fees: ₹50,000-1 lakh per year
Diploma Courses
One can pursue diploma courses like the Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology (DMLT), which is a two-year programme that teaches students the technical skills required to work in laboratories.
The course covers subjects like Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology and Biochemistry.
Course duration: 2 years
Fees: ₹20,000 -50,000 per year
Certification Courses for Lab Technicians
Certification courses help Lab Technicians specialise in a certain area and upskill themselves to have better career prospects.
Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Chemistry
A PG Diploma in Clinical Chemistry is for those interested in working as clinical chemists in hospitals or research facilities.
The course provides theoretical and practical training in clinical chemistry tests and techniques.
Course duration: 1 year
Fees: ₹10,000-50,000 per year
Certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
ASCP offers a certification programme for laboratory professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to the field. This certification is considered the gold standard in pathology and is recognised in several countries.
Eligibility criteria: Bachelor's degree with two years' work experience as a lab technician.
Course duration: 3–9 months
Cost: $200
Career Prospects for Lab Technicians
As a Lab Technician, you can choose to work at hospitals, testing facilities, or research institutions. With advancements in technology and healthcare services increasing rapidly, there is a growing demand for skilled lab technicians not just in India but across the globe.
Statistics show that the demand for trained professionals will increase by about 14% in India by 2028. Industries that Hire Lab Technicians include:
- Hospitals
- Diagnostic centres
- Blood banks
- Research institutions
The average salary of a Lab Technician in India ranges from ₹1.5 lakhs per annum for freshers to ₹6 lakhs per annum for experienced professionals.
Upskilling Opportunities for Lab Technicians
As technology and healthcare evolve, it is essential to keep your skills and knowledge up-to-date. Upskilling can help you stay relevant in the industry, thus enhancing your job prospects.
Some upskilling courses that lab technicians can take are:
- Certificate course in Clinical Diagnostics
- Certificate course in Medical Biotechnology
Invest in a Lucrative Career as a Lab Technician Today!
Becoming a lab technician after 12th grade is an excellent career choice for those interested in healthcare and technology. With the growing demand for skilled professionals, this field offers tremendous opportunities for growth and development.
Stay updated with the latest trends by taking upskilling programmes. Our experts at WIZR are readily available to guide you towards a fulfilling career as a lab technician.
FAQs
1. What are some essential skills required to become a Lab Technician?
A Lab Technician should have strong analytical skills, attention to detail, manual dexterity, and critical thinking abilities.
2. Can I pursue being a Lab Technician after completing my graduation from another stream?
Yes, one can pursue being a lab technician after graduation by opting for relevant courses that offer specialised training as per the job requirements.
3. What are the challenges for lab technicians?
Lab technicians face challenges such as exposure to infectious diseases and hazardous materials, working long hours or shifts and managing workload pressure.
4. Is there a demand for Indian lab technicians aboard?
Yes, Indian lab technicians are highly respected abroad due to their technical expertise and ability to deliver accurate results with precision.
5. How can WIZR help me with upskilling courses?
WIZR offers financial assistance that helps young professionals pursue career-focused upskilling and certification programmes without any financial burden.
