By Dr. Nidhi on 17 Apr 2024
4 mins read
Have you ever fallen sick and tried to figure out what’s ailing you? You visit your doctor, who orders a series of tests to uncover the cause. Then, a professional skillfully collects your blood sample, runs the required tests on your blood sample with precision, analyses the test results after which the final results are shared with you and your doctor.
While you rest at home, these professionals are diligently working in the lab, uncovering clues that will help your doctor make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the right treatment.
So, if you’re intrigued by the idea of being that crucial link between illness and answers, consider becoming a medical laboratory assistant or a medical lab assistant.
A lab assistant plays an integral role in the healthcare industry. Being a lab assistant, you work directly with doctors and patients for effective treatment.
So, if you are passionate about medical science and wish to pursue a career as a lab assistant, this blog article is for you.
| COURSE LEVEL | Diploma, Undergraduate |
| ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA | Completed 10+2 with Science subjects (Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Mathematics as mandatory subjects) with a minimum aggregate of 50% |
| COURSE DURATION | 1-4 years |
| COURSE FEE | INR 20,000 to INR 3,00,000 per annum |
| AVERAGE SALARY | INR 1,50,000 to INR 6,00,000 per annum |
The responsibilities and duties of a lab assistant vary throughout the day. The core duties, however, are:
Also Read: 11 Lab Safety Rules
To pursue your career as a lab assistant, you will have to complete your high school education in the science stream with Physics, Chemistry and Biology as mandatory subjects. Once completed, you can apply for a Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) course to begin your career as a healthcare professional.
If you are not from a science background and still want to pursue a career as a lab assistant, do not worry. Institutes such as Virohan offer medical laboratory technology courses to students from all streams, be it arts or commerce or science. Check out the different medical laboratory technology courses offered by Virohan and kick start your journey towards becoming a lab assistant!
Read more about medical lab technology courses here!
The eligibility criteria for laboratory assistant courses vary for different institutions.
But broadly the eligibility criteria is:
As this can differ between different institutions, please make sure to check the website of the institution of your choice before applying. Further, some institutions might also take an entrance exam for admission.
There are different courses after class 12th that you can choose from to become a lab assistant.
| Name of Course | Duration |
| Diploma in MLT | 1-2 years |
| Bachelor of Vocation in MLT (B.Voc. MLT) | 3 years |
| Bachelor of Science in MLT (B.Sc. MLT) | 3-4 years |
| Bachelor of MLT (BMLT) | 3 years |
The course fee varies with the level of program, the facilities provided by the institute and also the location where the course is offered.
Government colleges/institutes charge fees of around INR 20,000 to INR 2,00,000 whereas the course fee in private institutes/colleges is approximately INR 1,00,000 to INR 3,00,000 per year.
At Virohan, we value quality education at nominal prices. With this aim, the entire coursework and fee structure is designed to support students to build strong careers. We provide advanced facilities, quality education from industry leaders, and internship and placement support at affordable prices.
A lab assistant is skilled in conducting various laboratory tests and is responsible for aiding in diagnosing, treating and preventing diseases. To achieve this, professionals must have a thorough knowledge of biochemical, pathological, and microscopic examination of the body’s cells, tissues, and fluids.
The lab assistant course is designed in a way to provide complete knowledge of the following to students:
After the completion of an MLT course, students can work as lab assistants in different healthcare settings both in the private and government space. They can work in hospitals, nursing homes, specialised clinics, diagnostic labs, blood banks, public health agencies, etc. Further, they can also teach and nurture the next generation of lab assistants by working as educators. If they wish to study further, they can also opt for advanced and specialised courses in medical laboratory technology.
The salary of a lab assistant may vary depending on his/her experience and the location and size of the healthcare facility.
The average starting salary, however, is around INR 16,000 per month. Government employees and technicians in hospitals earn around INR 40,000 per month. This can further go up as the individual gets skilled and gains more experience.
In conclusion, lab assistant courses provide a solid foundation for aspiring lab assistants. From contributing to groundbreaking discoveries to supporting patient care in medical settings, the role of a lab assistant is rewarding and essential. Thus, for individuals seeking to kickstart their careers in healthcare, enrolling in a lab assistant course could be your first step towards a fulfilling career.
What is the course that one needs to pursue to become a lab assistant?
To become a lab assistant, you can do a course in medical laboratory technology. The different options in this include diploma and undergraduate degree options such as B.Voc. and B.Sc.
What are the job opportunities after the lab assistant course?
Once completing a laboratory assistant course, you can start working as a lab assistant with healthcare organisations such as diagnostic facilities. You can also find career opportunities in government healthcare facilities. You can also opt to work in blood banks, academic institutions and public health agencies.
What is the average salary of a lab assistant?
For entry-level professionals, you can expect a salary between INR 15,000 - INR 30,000 per month. With 5-8 years of experience, you can expect the salary to go up to INR 50,000 - INR 65,000 per month.
What are the duties and responsibilities of a lab assistant?
The primary duties of a lab assistant include collecting and preparing patient samples, running laboratory tests on those samples, analysing the test results, maintaining proper lab documentation, and maintaining the testing equipment.
