Last updated on February 28th, 2024 at 03:46 pm
Learn about Lab technician course requirements in this guide if this is the course you are planning to pursue.
Back in high school, almost everyone wished to work in a medical field, in fact I would hear almost everyone saying that I would like to become either a doctor, a nurse, a surgeon, a lab technician and so on.
That being so, if you are there and you scored a D plain or a D+ plus and you are interested to work in a medical filed and to be specific as a lab technician, this is the guide for you.
In this article, I will take you through the course from the levels offered and their requirements, where offered, job prospects and much more.
Keep reading…..
Lab technician course requirements
What exactly is lab technician course all about?
A lab technician course typically refers to a program of study or training that prepares you for careers as laboratory technicians or medical laboratory technicians.
Just so you know, this course is designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in various types of laboratory settings, including medical laboratories, research laboratories, and industrial laboratories.
Some of the most common topics covered in a lab technician course include:
- Laboratory Safety
- Laboratory Techniques
- Familiarization with laboratory instruments and equipment commonly used in analysis and testing
- Basic understanding of biological and chemical principles, including microbiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology
- Medical Laboratory Procedures
- Techniques for maintaining the accuracy and reliability of laboratory results
- Data Management
- Principles of laboratory management, including inventory control, budgeting, and supervision
- Practical Experience
Lab technician course entry requirements for different levels
Certificate in Science Laboratory Technology
Just so you know, you cannot pursue a craft certificate in medical laboratory technology as the course is no longer offered at the certificate level by so many institutions including KMTC.
However, Kitale national polytechnic seem to have the course and its requirements in their website.
So, we will provide the information below but you will have to confirm with the institution if it still offers the course.
Kitale national polytechnic Certificate in Science Laboratory Technology requirements:
Minimum entry requirements:
- KCSE mean grade of D plain
Or,
- Equivalent qualifications as determined by KNEC (Kenya national Examinations Council)
Course duration:
- 2 years and you cover two modules
The two modules are:
- Craft Certificate in Science Laboratory Technology Module I
- Craft Certificate in Science Laboratory Technology Module II
Diploma in lab technician course in Kenya requirements
Minimum entry requirements:
- KCSE Mean Grade of C plain
Cluster Subjects requirements:
- C plain in either English or Kiswahili
- C plain in either Biology/Biological Sciences
- C plain in Chemistry/Physical Sciences
Additionally, you must also have a C plain grade in any of these: Mathematics, Physics/Physical Sciences
Some of the institutions offering this course including KUCCPS institutions
- KMTC (Kenya Medical Training College
- Eldoret National Polytechnic
- Kisii National Polytechnic
- Kisumu National Polytechnic
- Mawego Technical Training Institute
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Now proceed reading below..
BSC (Bachelor of Science) in Medical Laboratory Science and Technology
Minimum entry requirements:
- KCSE Mean Grade of C+ plus
Cluster Subjects requirements:
- C + plus in either English or Kiswahili
- C+ plus in Biology
- C + plus in Chemistry
- And C+ plus in Math / physics
Recognized universities offering Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science and Technology
- University of Nairobi
- Kenyatta University
- JKUAT University (Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology)
- Masinde Muliro University of Science & Technology
- Muranga University of Technology
- Moi University
- Kisii University
- Meru University of Science & Technology
- Alupe University College
- Baraton University
- Mt Kenya University
- Maseno University
- South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU)
Lab technician course requirements by employers
Now, apart from having your diploma or degree certificate from a recognized institution, it should be noted that your employer may require the following as well to employ you as a qualified professional.
- Excellent computer skills which should be proved with a certificate proving that you’re proficient in the use of various computer software too.
- You must be registered by KMLTTB (Kenya Medical laboratory technicians and technologists board) the body that licenses medical lab practitioners in Kenya.
Side note: It is advisable to register with KMLTTB immediately after you finish your course.
- Some employer may require you to have a driving license (optional).
Jobs and responsibilities of a lab technician
- Collect samples such as blood, tissue, urine, or other materials, following established protocols and maintaining sample integrity.
- Prepare and process collected samples for analysis, which may involve centrifugation, staining, or other techniques.
- Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and instruments, ensuring they are calibrated and functioning correctly.
- Record and document experimental procedures, observations, and results accurately.
- Perform various laboratory tests and assays, such as microbiological cultures, chemical analyses, or molecular biology techniques, depending on the field.
- Maintain inventory of laboratory supplies, reagents, and chemicals, and order replacements as needed.
- Keep the laboratory clean and organized, including cleaning glassware and disposing of hazardous waste materials properly.
- Assist in research projects by conducting experiments, gathering data, and participating in data analysis.
Lab technician course requirements-Final words
As we conclude, if you would like to become a lab technician, those are the requirements you must meet.
Additionally, we have also included the colleges and universities offering the course and jobs you can do after completing the course.
Before I forget, this is not a bad course but looking for a job can not always be as easy as you think.
In short, you can find yourself tarmacking before securing yourself a permanent job but at the same time the good thing is that with a license you can start your own lab after gaining experience and become your own boss.
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