Role Characteristics
- Receive patient samples for testing and load up onto equipment for testing
- Prepare chemicals, solutions and specimens for use by scientists
- Dispose of chemical and biological waste safely
- Follow set procedures for working in the laboratory
- Clean and maintain equipment in the laboratory to keep it tidy
- Order stock and manage supplies in the laboratory
Skills
- Attention to detail
- Operating equipment
- Problem-solving
- Using technology
- Observation
- Following instructions
Day in the life
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Routes into this role
Here are some example routes that can lead into this role.
- BTEC
- An apprenticeship
- Undergraduate degree
- Apply directly
- BTEC, T-Level or A-Levels
- GCSEs
How to become
There are several ways to start a career as a Laboratory Technician, whether you're leaving education, looking for your first job or changing careers.
Here are some ideas, and you can explore current opportunities in the section below.
- Study a course or qualification – useful qualifications include GCSEs in English, Maths and Science, as well as Applied Science, Biology, Chemistry or Laboratory Science-related courses, T Levels and BTECs. These can all help you to develop knowledge, skills and prepare for work.
- Build workplace experience – this could be paid work, volunteering, or work experience online or in-person in laboratories, hospitals, universities, research facilities, pharmaceutical companies, manufacturing businesses or quality testing organisations, helping you to develop skills in communication, teamwork, organisation, problem-solving and attention to detail.
- Apprenticeships – you can gain experience in the workplace whilst also studying a qualification in Laboratory Science, Science Manufacturing, Healthcare Science or Laboratory Technician Apprenticeships.
- Higher education – qualifications such as a foundation degree, HNC/HND or degree in Biology, Chemistry, Biomedical Science or another science-related subject can help you access laboratory technician roles and support career progression.
- Applying directly – employers will want you to have good English, maths and IT skills. This doesn't always mean you need a qualification, but you may need to do an assessment or skills test.
- Moving from another role – think about how you'll be able to transfer your skills in science, healthcare, manufacturing, quality control, data recording, administration or technical support into a Laboratory Technician role.
Where can this role lead
From your role as a Laboratory Technician, you could specialise further in scientific testing and analysis by progressing into roles such as a Pathologist or Biomedical Scientist.
Developing your technical expertise and understanding of laboratory processes could also lead to specialist roles such as a Science Manufacturing Technician or Decontamination Operative.
Your skills in accuracy, problem-solving, record-keeping and following procedures would also transfer well into sideways moves such as a Phlebotomist, Medical Secretary, or Project Manager.
Progression might look like becoming a Senior Laboratory Technician, moving into a Service Manager role, or developing the leadership and specialist knowledge needed to become a Pathologist or Biomedical Scientist.
Location
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Hospitals
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Laboratories
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Schools, colleges and universities
Working hours
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Full Time
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Part Time
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Weekends
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Overtime
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Flexible Hours
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Irregular Hours
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Nights
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Weekdays
Opportunities
Access to Higher Education (Science)
- Organisation
- Wakefield College
T Level Science (Applied Laboratory Skills and Technical Science)
- Organisation
- Bradford College
Volunteering in Health and Care
- Organisation
- Volunteering Opportunities