In order to become a clinical technician, a combination of education and experience is required. A clinical technician is someone who is able to perform the tasks required in a laboratory. There is a wide range of laboratory types, and the type of skills required and the educational background needed vary. There are three types of clinical technicians: research, production, and development.
A research clinical technician is employed by a research laboratory to conduct the actual research designed by the scientist. Many people who want to become a clinical technician have master’s degrees and are working on obtaining a PhD. A position in a research lab is obtained with a combination of education, experience, and related background.
In this role, the technician may supervise laboratory assistants or other technicians. Their role has a significant administrative component, as they must ensure that all the stages of the clinical trials were managed correctly. There are wide ranges of requirements and standards that must be followed for any clinical work.
A productions clinical technician works in a clinic and is responsible for the daily operation of a clinical trial. During a clinical trial, volunteers are secretly divided into two groups: placebo and test material. The same tests are conducted on both groups and the results documented. This is called a double blind study and is a standard way to test new products or concepts. The clinical technician must ensure that the tests are conducted properly.
To become a clinical technician in a production environment, there are specific requirements for experience and education. All positions require a minimum community or career college diploma in a scientific subject. Many technicians have undergraduate and graduate degrees in a specific science subject. Additional courses in clinic management and research protocols can help you to become a clinical technician.
A development clinical technician works in the laboratory where new products are being developed. They are part of the testing and research team and are responsible for conducting tests and documenting the results in a clinical setting. This type of technician is typically employed in the research and development area of a large medical or scientific company.
To become a clinical technician in a development lab, you must have, at minimum, a diploma from a community or career college as a pharmaceutical or medical clinical technician. Most candidates have a bachelor's degree in a scientific field and have gained experience working in a laboratory assistant role. Education is critical to a career in this field and competition is quite high. The higher your marks are, the better your opportunities would be.