Become a Medical Lab Assistant | Step-by-Step Guide

Have you ever been to hospital or any health facility place and see individuals wearing a laboratory coat and a mask, collecting blood and other fluid samples and often interacting with doctors?

Well, these professionals are known as the medical laboratory assistants. They are the true heroes working diligently round the clock to get the most accurate specimen for analysis and conducting various other tasks. 

So, if you are considering to walk on this career pathway or simply wish to know about how to become a medical lab assistant, then you have landed at the right spot!

In this article we have mentioned all the necessary steps to become a medical lab assistant and listed various career opportunities in medical laboratory field along with a lot of more exciting details. 

Let’s begin!

Steps to become a medical lab assistant:

• Complete a diploma or course in medical lab assistance
• Research about the specific required documents in your region
• Enroll in a training program such as the Medical Laboratory Assistant program.
• Engage in on-the-job trainingGet certifications such as the certification for clinical laboratory assistants
• Build a strong resume
• Apply in various healthcare settings online and physically
• Give Interview
• Get the job
• Look for growth opportunities

Educational path for medical lab assistant:

In order to become a medical laboratory assistant, it is highly recommended to complete a diploma or equivalent. Once you finish it, post MLA training is required which can also be followed or substituted by  training programs for lab assistant role such as the accredited medical laboratory assistant program (MLA)  to sharpen the essential skills required in the profession. Once you are done with relevant education, it is suggested to receive on-the-job training to embrace perfection.

Essential Skills and Qualities of MLA:

Few of the most essential skills needed for medical lab assistant career include:

• Attentive to details
• Organized
• Flexibility 
• Patience
• Multitasker
• Ethical Conduct
• Technological Skills
• Communication Skills

Job Responsibilities of a medical lab assistant:

• Collecting blood and other samples
• Organizing samples before analysis
• Adhering to quality control
• Helping researchers in scientific experiments
• Maintenance of accurate records
• Sterilizing Medical tools and equipment

How to find employment as a medical lab assistant?

• Create a strong professional resume
• Build strong social connections in the relevant field
• Search online for job vacancies
• Drop your CV or resume in various health places such as hospitals, clinics etc.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A MEDICAL LAB ASSISTANT

Have you ever thought what an individual’s life would look life as a medical lab assistant? Well, if not, read this interesting schedule of MLAs:

• MLAs start their day quite early and leave for the particular health facility (hospital/clinic etc.) 
• Once arrived, their first task includes checking for all the relevant medical lab equipment and sterilizing it for use.
• The next task includes collecting specimen and getting the sample ready for analysis
• MLAs are then expected to conduct all the necessary tests 
• Few duties that remain constant during the day include adhering to quality control policies, interacting with health professionals and maintaining accurate records of patient related health data.
• They then get a break where they have the meal to stay energetic for the other half of the day and then continue with the regular duties.
• MLAs end their day after cleaning their work space, cleaning the used equipment and reviewing their work done for the day.
• Once they leave, another MLA’s shift begins.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it can be summed up that becoming a medical laboratory assistant requires strong patience, dedication and the right qualification. Starting career as a MLA is far more than just an ordinary job, it is a full time commitment that is truly appreciated by everyone.

So, if you are thinking to embrace this respectful career and make contributions to the healthcare industry, then this is definitely the right choice.

I hope this article answered your question ‘how to become a medical lab assistant’