Animal, Vegetable, or Mineral – Science Jobs for all Interests
Often times a student is interested in a science career, but will delay taking courses thinking that an ultimate professional path must be clear before enrolling in classes. Actually, students can jump right into a number of courses that will lead the way to experiences that could turn into jobs as diverse as a vet tech, food science lab assistant, geology assistant, or even a medical technologist. All science fields use laboratory techs and laboratory assistants to help scientists or doctors perform their jobs more effectively.
For students interested in a science career as a lab assistant or a lab tech, here are some important tips to keep in mind:
1. Get started building a strong science background.
All lab assistant and lab tech fields require a certain number of general science classes, such as those in basic biology and chemistry. While exploring career options through a campus career development office or internships, students can actively build the prerequisites needed for upper level classes. With a wide range of online classes, students can work and begin a new career path at the same time.
2. Similarities and Differences between “assistants” and “techs.”
Generally speaking, a lab assistant position is more of an entry-level position requiring less education and fewer credentials. Most people will use these positions to gain experience, take more classes, and move into better paying positions. A two-year degree is usually required, but some fields will allow entry-level workers with a GED or high school diploma to work while they earn the necessary credentials.
Tech jobs in a health field generally require more training and involve more detailed responsibilities. For instance, a veterinarian assistant may groom animals, participate in taking patient history, and clean cages, while a veterinary technician or veterinary technologist will operate x-ray machine and administer vaccines.
In addition to additional coursework for “techs,” more stringent state licensure is generally required. Additional responsibility correlates with increased opportunity and a higher salary range. In human medicine for instance, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that a medical assistant earns on average $28,000 a year, while a medical technologist earns over $40,000 per year.
3. Jobs to Consider
For students and career changers, the following occupations are currently experiencing growth and promise a rewarding future over a variety of settings.
- Medical Assistant/Dental Assistant/Nursing Assistant
These professionals work in a variety of medical settings such as private doctor’s offices, assisted living facilities, and hospitals. The core duties involve assisting other medical professionals in providing compassionate patient care. Assistants are often the first person a patient will see, so a pleasant and calming personality is strongly preferred. Assistants in the medical professions may take blood pressure readings, weigh patients, record other patient information and assist in medical procedures. Often a two-year degree is all that is required to enter the field. A number of professional associations provide opportunities for networking, mentoring, and internships.
- Veterinary technologists and Veterinary technicians
Professionals seeking a job involving animals either in a veterinary or laboratory setting may be interested to know that while many states require licensure and certification, a two-year degree can open the door to jobs in the field. In addition to caring for sick or injured animals, other professionals work in zoos or in laboratory settings where clinical use of animals is necessary for medical advancement. A number of professional organizations provide salary data and regional licensing requirements, as well as networking events.
- General Laboratory Assistants and Patient Educators
In a diverse range of fields from botany to geology, working scientists rely on the expertise, precision and efficiency of laboratory assistants to help support their work. From running samples through machines in order to collect data to assisting scientists in field research, assistants provide a vital role to the research scientist. While some laboratory assistants work in university research facilities, many others are employed in government agencies and private companies. A strong attention to detail, a commitment to the highest ethical standards, and demonstrated willingness for on-going education is required to excel in this field. In addition to laboratory work, some professionals migrate out of direct science jobs and move into educator positions.
Being unsure of an ultimate career should not prevent students and career changers from embarking on a career path which will lead them in the general desired direction. Many of the introductory courses for a wide-range of science assistant and tech jobs utilize the same core courses. The wide-range of online courses and professional associations provide great introductions into a variety of possible directions.
Across disciplines, lab assistants and technologists are needed to support the work of medical professionals and scientists in their quest to uncover new treatments and to meet patient needs. For students and career changers, this means that not only does the wide array of jobs bring increased professional satisfaction, but they also provide the opportunity to engage in an important career that is deeply rewarding on a personal level.