Laboratory Technician

Slide Show: America's Best Careers 2010

Jobs by SimplyHired

The rundown:

Clinical lab technicians and technologists are very much the unsung heroes of the healthcare industry. You'll be behind the scenes, generating the critical data that physicians will use to make their diagnoses. You'll perform tests or prepare tissue specimens for examination. Phlebotomists are technicians who specialize in drawing blood. As a technician, you'll typically do less complex tests and procedures than a technologist, who would supervise your work. You'll need much less schooling to be a technician, though.

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The outlook:

Job growth is expected to be faster than average, with the number of clinical lab workers rising about 16 percent. But you can count on even more opportunities thanks to retirements and turnover. Expect the most rapid growth in private diagnostic labs, as well as in physicians' offices.

Upward mobility:

The natural next step is to become a technologist. You'll most likely need to have additional education, as well as to become licensed—a requirement in some states. Technologists could move up into laboratory management roles.

Activity level:

Moderate. You're on your feet quite a bit, if not always moving.

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Stress level:

Pretty low. You'll be working in a clean, well-lighted lab most of the time. Things could, however, get a little dicey if you're an entry-level technician at a hospital: You can expect to work nights, weekends, or holidays, and that can be stressful.

Education and preparation:

The lower-cost education is a highlight of this occupation. For entry-level work, you'll often need to have an associate's degree or to complete a certificate program. It is possible to learn some of your skills on the job.

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Money:

You might be paid hourly, but median annual take-home pay was $35,380 last year. Half of technicians are paid between $28,420 and $44,310, but pay can top $54,000.

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