A laboratory technician is an individual who is responsible for performing a wide variety of research tasks and experiments. A person trained to be a laboratory technician makes detailed observations, analyzes data and interprets experimental results in a laboratory setting. Laboratory technicians maintain equipment and will write reports and protocols. A laboratory technician can work in a government or university laboratory or private industry.

For a detailed description of a laboratory technician and other related careers visit:
http://www.bio-link.org/careerTOC.htm
http://www.healthcareersinct.com/careersbtlt.htm

Career Videotape – Watch a short video about this profession

Employment of dental hygienists is expected to grow as fast as average for all occupations through 2014. The continued growth of scientific and medical research—particularly research related to biotechnology—as well as the development and production of technical products should stimulate demand for science technicians in many industries

For additional occupational information visit the U.S. Department of Labor – Occupational Outlook Handbook at: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos115.htm#outlook

For a listing of available jobs in Connecticut visit: http://biotech.jobsearch.com/Connecticut.htm

For a listing of available jobs across the United States visit: http://www.bio-link.org/jobTOC.htm

Licenses – Certifications
Licensure or certification is not required for this position in the State of Connecticut.

Training
An entry-level laboratory technician position requires an associate’s degree or a bachelor's degree in a relevant life science discipline (i.e., biology, botany, biochemistry, or chemistry). Work experience is highly desirable.

A bachelor’s, master’s degree or doctorate is usually required for managerial positions in private pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. A doctorate is required for most research and teaching positions in academic research settings.

Professional Associations and Organizations
American Society for Microbiology
American Association for the Advancement of Science
Society for Industrial Microbiology
American Chemical Society

Middlesex Community College offers an Associate’s degree program in Biotechnology that will prepare the student for entry into the job market as a laboratory technician. Required courses:

ENG 101 – Composition
CSC 101 – Introduction to Computers
MAT 137 – Intermediate Algebra
MAT 168 – Elementary Statistics and Probability
BIO 121 - General Biology I
BIO 235 – Microbiology
BIO 260 – Principles of Genetics
BIO 296 – Biotechnology Internship
CHE 112 – Principles of Organic and Biochemistry
CHE 121 -General Chemistry I
CHE 122 - General Chemistry II
CHE 250 - Chemical Instrumentation

Please visit the MxCC – Biotechnology: Laboratory Technician Program