Laboratory Assistant
On this page
- What's it like to be a Laboratory Assistant?
- How to become a Laboratory Assistant
- Latest Laboratory Assistant jobs
- Top skills and experience for Laboratory Assistants
What's it like to be a Laboratory Assistant?
Laboratory Assistants support doctors, medical technologists and scientists in collecting samples for testing, running basic test functions and recording findings. They are in charge of preparing and organising laboratory equipment, ensuring the accuracy of measurements and data, and adhering to regulatory safety and sanitation standards. Following instructions, organisation and attention to detail are key skills for the role. Laboratory Assistants work in medical and scientific laboratories.
Tasks and duties
- Performing laboratory tests as instructed.
- Preparing and assembling specimens for testing.
- Gathering, recording, and analysing data from tests.
- Cleaning the laboratory and sterilising equipment.
- Filing documents and managing inventory.
- Evaluating, updating, and monitoring the progress of laboratory results.
- Interpreting test findings.
How to become a Laboratory Assistant
A Higher National Institute of Technical Education Certificate (NITEC) from the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) is sufficient to work as a Laboratory Assistant. A Higher NITEC program has prerequisites such as O-Levels in certain subjects for admission.
Obtain a Higher NITEC in Biotechnology or Chemical Technology. An O-Level in English, mathematics, and one approved science subject is required for entry to these programmes.
Consider graduating with a bachelor degree in biomedical science, laboratory medicine, life sciences, or another related field.
Complete an internship at a recognised laboratory.
Get promoted to higher roles such as Medical Laboratory Technologist or Laboratory Technician.
