They use microscopes, automated medical instruments, cell counters and any equipment that can do multi-tasks when conducting the tests. They analyze the findings and send a report to doctors to have the data reviewed. It is very important that a lab technician is skillful in analyzing the test results to be able to provide a useful report to the doctors or physicians.
Their educational attainment is a very important factor in determining the tasks that can be given to a lab technician. Clinical laboratory technicians are required to finish up a four year course in the life sciences or medical technology. However, hands-on experience is also a plus. They need to have a certificate or associate degree to be qualified as a laboratory technician.

Some factors that will contribute to the growth of this career are increase in population and technology advancements in testing processes. Laboratory technicians perform microscopic, hematological, immunological, biological, chemical and bacteriological tests. They study microorganisms like bacteria in body tissues and fluid. They also match blood types for blood transfusions. Some of them can also assume supervisory roles.

Technicians who work in large laboratories usually specialize in a specific field, but most laboratory technicians only do laboratory tests. Clinical chemistry technologists focus on making samples and determining the contents of body fluids. Microbiology technologist specializes in microorganisms. Immunohematology technologists collect and study blood types for blood transfusions. Immunology technologists are focused on human immune system. Cytotechnologists study cells with the use of microscope to detect any signs of cancer. Molecular biology technologists examine test samples with the use of nucleic acid and complex protein testing procedures.

On the contrary, clinical laboratory technicians perform more simple tests. They conduct tests with the use of automated medical equipment or they may also manually perform the tests. Laboratory technicians may also specialize in a certain field. Phlebotomists are experts in blood collection. Histotechnicians are responsible in getting tissue samples for doctor’s analysis. Clinical laboratory technologists are the ones who supervise the activities of laboratory technicians.

A laboratory technician’s tasks will depend on the employer. Employers for bigger laboratories or hospitals require laboratory technicians to work on rotating shifts during the day, evening and night. Some even have to report for duty on weekends and holidays. As for smaller laboratories, lab technicians usually work on call. The nature of their work is not hazardous to their health as long as they take proper precautions. They should wear gloves and masks to ensure safety. They are also trained on how to deal with harmful and dangerous samples. These technicians are usually seen standing or walking around the laboratories. There work sure isn’t easy. Laboratory technician careers are indeed serious jobs.

For most, the old panic button comes on when the thought of middle school comes up because kids are asked to handle a more challenging curriculum as well as do independent projects in  many of their subjects. In the 7th grade usually comes the foreign language class, art, music health, home economics,shop and even physical education.

Your child will have to start writing essays that are mechanically correct and more than one page long, give oral speeches, solve simple equations containing a variable, conduct science projects using dependent and independent variables along with appreciating art and music and gain the basic skills in these areas.

In the 8th grade will come even more challenging courses that will prepare your child for high school.  Here there will be more emphasis on discussion rather than the simple recall of facts.  It is time for making important decisions about careers and behavior.  Taking more responsibility when it comes to completing her assignments both at home and at school.

Eigth graders will be reading more complex literature, they will have to learn and understand the principles of the U.S. Constitution and the structure of American democracy as well as identify major events in U.S. History and explain how a bill becomes a law, do introductory algebra as well as geometry, take lots of notes and participate effectively in classroom and group discussions.

Seems a little scary, and it is.  For most, the  middle school years are the hardest, yet the most important in getting ready for high school which is a lot easier than you think, thanks to those middle school years.

An important key to your child’s success in middle school is for you as a parent – help them make that transition from elementary school, keep the lines of communication open.  In doing so you will help put them at ease and look forward to this new adventure rather than going into it with the wrong attitude and you will see them adjusting just fine and see that their grades and test scores will be higher.  So be involved!