How to become a laboratory technician
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
University
Some employers may expect you to have a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a scientific subject like:
- biology
- biomedical science
- chemistry
- environmental science
- forensic science
- materials science
- pharmacy
- physics
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- 3 A levels or equivalent
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College
You could take a college course to help improve your chances of finding work.
Courses include:
- Level 2 Certificate or Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science
- Chemistry, Physics or Biology A levels
- T Level in Science
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level
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Apprenticeship
Apprenticeships relevant to this role include:
- Laboratory technician advanced apprenticeship
- Technician scientist higher apprenticeship
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
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Career tips
Experience in a lab can help when looking for work. You can look for opportunities at:
- a research lab in a university
- clinical laboratories in hospitals
- a production or research lab in an industrial setting
- school and college science departments
Professional and industry bodies
You can join a professional body relevant to your area of work for career development and training opportunities.
Further information
You can find out more about becoming a laboratory technician from: