Become an Integral Part of the Healthcare Industry by Choosing A Career as a Clinical Lab Assistant

Are you aspiring to become an essential member of the medical team and bring a difference in the individuals' lives? An individual from the medical field will come across various career options and clinical lab assistant is one of them. If you are an individual who is instinctively drawn towards a career path that combines science, health care and gives you direct exposure to the patients, you should enroll in a clinical laboratory assistant certification program. It is an ideal career for those who want to take up a challenging role and don't want to waste years of their life in obtaining a degree. Before getting into the course details, you must go through its pros and cons, which will help you decide whether you should opt for it or not.

What Medical lab assistants do and where they work?

The specimens from the patients are collected, obtained, and tested. The lab assistants calibrate the test results collected, and the data is entered in computer systems for record-keeping. As a lab assistant, it is your responsibility to set up, operate, and maintain the equipment. Also, ensure that the materials are properly stocked in the laboratory.

An individual is expected to follow strict procedures and protocols. Along with it, you should be compassionate while you are dealing with the patients.

After completing the clinical lab assistant certification, you can work in the following healthcare settings:

• Hospitals
• Community clinic
• Research labs and biotech clinics
• Private laboratories

Challenges experienced by medical assistants

• Long periods of standing or sitting: Working as a clinical lab assistant means standing or sitting at a place for a long period. You can perform regular exercises so that you don't feel tired after a couple of hours.
• Shift work: Some of the lab assistants are expected to work in shifts. Those who have a habit of working in a 9 to 5 shift will get used to it after some time.

Challenges are part and parcel of life. The right guidance and strong determination can help you overcome them with ease. Take guidance from industry experts while pursuing clinical lab assistant certification, and have a secure career in the years to come.

Common FAQs About Pharmacy Technician

As the baby boomers population continues to increase and health coverage is expanding in the wake of the ACA (Affordable Care Act), the demand for healthcare professionals has increased significantly. Moreover, as per the reports by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top five fastest-growing sectors in the economy are related to healthcare. The job prospect for pharmacy technicians is predicted to increase 9 percent over the next five years. Thus, if you have always wanted to be a part of the healthcare industry, pursuing a career as a pharmacy technician may sound interesting to you. 

If you are planning to enroll in a pharmacy technician training program in NY but want to know more about pharmacy technicians first, here are some frequently asked questions that will help you make an informed decision. 

What does a pharmacy technician do?

Pharmacy technicians work under licensed pharmacists to perform administrative duties, provide information to patients, and dispense medication. In order to become a pharmacy technician, you need to have a certification and may require a license issued by your state. The primary roles and responsibilities of a pharmacy tech include 

• Compounding medications
• Maintaining patient records, 
• Packaging and labeling medications 
• Measuring and counting doses of prescribed medications 

Pharmacy technicians play an integral role and help pharmacists perform their job better. There are plenty of different pharmacy technician programs that you can enroll yourself in to get the required certification, knowledge, and skills. 

How much do pharmacy technicians make? 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an average salary a pharmacy technician makes is $32,700. The salary will vary depending on the experience, company, and industry you work in. 

What are the requirements to become a pharmacy technician? 

The legal requirements to become a pharmacy technician vary from one state to another. You can contact the state board of pharmacy to get the detailed requirements for your particular state. Find the state boards of pharmacy at the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). 

How long is the pharmacy technician training?

The duration of the training program varies from one school to another. However, it typically takes approximately 10 months to complete it. If you are enrolling in associate degree program, it will take two years to complete. 

Becoming a pharmacy technician is lucrative and rewarding. But make sure you choose a certified and licensed career school to enroll in a pharmacy technician training.