How long does a laboratory technician have to go to school?

Answer 1

Although the position titles of Laboratory Assistant and Technician are often used interchangeably, the Laboratory Assistant is generally the entry-level position requiring a high school diploma. Technician positions generally require a two-year associate of arts degree from a community college or certificate from a two-year program at a technical college. Technological advances increase the necessity for a bachelor's degree with emphasis in a science appropriate to the position. This is particularly true for the specialist Technician positions. Typically, formal education is required with a major concentration in Biology, chemistry, food science, life sciences, or physics. In addition to formal education, many employers prefer from one to three years of laboratory experience. Some employers may substitute work experience requirements with education on a year for year basis up to four years.