Any career in the healthcare sector needs commitment, confidence, and compliance. Above all, it is a signal that humanity is sustained.
Many seem to be unaware of the role of the lab technician in the healthcare sector. Unbeknownst to most of us, a lab technician is more like a technical assistant to the nurses and doctors who provide information constructed with biological results and technology.
Who are laboratory technicians and what do they do?
In a scientific laboratory, a lab technician conducts complex mechanical, technical, or diagnostic tests. In a lab or field context, lab technicians may operate alone or under the supervision of a professional. They are accountable for several duties, including data recording, safeguarding the precision and effectiveness of scientific investigations, maintaining machinery and lab tools, and maintaining lab organisation. Lab technicians adhere strictly to all rules and regulations when performing their work.
Medical laboratory technicians use devices including microscopes, chemicals, computers, and sophisticated lab equipment to carry out routine laboratory procedures on blood, tissue, and other bodily fluids. Blood banking, chemistry, haematology, immunology, and microbiology are the five specialities available to medical laboratory technologists. Generally, the lab technician is assigned with following tasks;
– Executing experiments, collecting data, and carrying out fundamental studies
– Guaranteeing the appropriate operation of laboratory instruments and equipment by adjusting, calibrating, and testing it
– Washing and sanitizing the workspace and the tools
– Identifying and preparing biological material for preservation or analysis
– Keeping thorough records of study findings and entering the findings in a database
– Ordering and stocking lab supplies
Thus, the role of a lab technician is highly mechanical, methodological, and functional.
How to become a lab technician?
A high school diploma or an equivalent is required for employment as a lab technician. The majority of employers demand at least an Associate’s Degree in laboratory science or a closely related field.
In Sri Lanka, both government universities and registered private institutions offer a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Technician which is a three to four year degree programme where the individuals are specialising not merely as technicians but as scientists.
Candidates for this degree must have good Z-scores on the G.C.E. A/L exam in the biological science stream to enter this programme and complete three years or four years of university study and have each student will be given the opportunity to complete an internship to fulfil their practical requirements.
Aside from the degree programme, many private institutions offer certificate and diploma courses ranging from 6-12 months that can give individuals exposure to basic knowledge. To follow these courses, one must have passed the G.C.E. (A/L) examination with a credit pass in Chemistry and English language at G.C.E. (O/L) examination. They must also maintain 80% attendance to complete the course.
Salary range of a lab technician in Sri Lanka
In Sri Lanka, the average salary for a laboratory technician is 66,800 LKR per month. The lowest salary is 32,700 LKR, and the highest is 104,000 LKR. However, the salary can often vary according to the experience, skills, and personal performance of the individual.
How can Amrak help you?
At Amrak Institute, we offer a diploma in Medical Laboratory Technician. This programme is essentially for students who aspire to become Medical Laboratory Technicians who provide vital information about the status and function of the body and its systems. The data obtained by medical laboratory scientists are utilised in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. This Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology equips individuals with the ability to perform complex investigations for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases.
The duration of this course is one year which includes 9 months of theory and 3 months of practicals. Anyone who has 3 G.C.E. passes in the Science Stream is eligible for this course.
On completion, students will be awarded certification from Amrak Institute of Medical Sciences, affiliated with Durdans Hospital and Astron Institute of International Studies (AIIS), India, with a proven curriculum from India. The courses are recognised by the Indian Medical Association (IMA). All practicals will be assessed by Durdans Hospital.
Want to know about intakes, course fees, discounts, and other information?
Call us now at +94-112-140-222 or email us at [email protected]
