Learning to collect samples, measure results, work safely and keep accurate records helps with everyday laboratory work.
Which kind of lab interests you: medical, research, industrial, food or environmental?
Select the laboratory sector.
field
Laboratory technology
What you may learn
How to collect samples, carry out tests, work safely and keep accurate laboratory records.
What to check
Which kind of laboratory does the course cover: research, industry, food, the environment or medical testing? For patient testing, check clinical training and local work permissions separately.
Clinical diagnostics require a distinct scoped review.
Save areas you want to explore in your free account. These choices do not change your current education.
Connected careers
Learning to take samples and measure them can help you check water quality on farms that raise fish.
Does the course include testing water or samples from living things?
Relevant water or biological testing.
Learning about laboratory measurements helps chemists use instruments and record reliable test results.
Check whether training includes the instruments and quality methods used in chemical laboratories.
Learning to test samples helps engineers interpret measured soil and rock properties.
Look for soil and rock testing rather than clinical laboratory study.
Learning to test samples helps engineers measure hardness, wear and resistance to damage.
Look for materials-testing practice rather than medical testing.
Laboratory methods help you prepare samples and run repeatable material tests.
Does the course include engineering materials rather than only biological samples?
Learning to measure samples helps engineers compare metal strength and inspect its structure.
Look for mechanical tests and microscopy used with metals.
Learning to check tests and equipment can help you spot laboratory errors.
Does the course include clinical samples and laboratory quality checks?
Learning about laboratory quality helps forensic scientists run consistent tests and keep clear records.
Look for evidence handling practice and check local laboratory approval requirements.
Laboratory practice teaches you to prepare solutions and samples accurately for testing.
Does the course cover chemical laboratories and safe handling of the substances used?
Laboratory methods help you run chemical and corrosion tests on material samples.
Does the course include industrial materials rather than only medical samples?
Sources and limitations
BLS: Civil engineers · · 2026-10-11
US infrastructure design/construction; broader comparison for structures, ground, transport and water specialisms.
BLS: Materials engineers · · 2026-10-11
US materials occupation; names metal, polymer, composites and semiconductor specialisms, not every detailed method.
BLS: Chemists and Materials Scientists · · 2026-10-11
US occupational overview; broad context for battery specialisms.
BLS: Forensic Science Technicians · · 2026-10-11
US technician profile; partial comparator for the local forensic scientist.
US Bureau of Labor Statistics: Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians · · 2026-10-11
US clinical laboratory roles, with distinct technician and technologist responsibilities.
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Chemical Technicians · · 2026-10-11
US chemical laboratory and process technician occupation.
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Materials Engineers · · 2026-10-11
US broad materials engineering occupation; partial comparator for failure-analysis and materials-testing specialties.
National Careers Service: laboratory technician · · 2026-10-11
National Careers Service, England: role/learning comparison only; local entry rules are not worldwide requirements.
Republic Polytechnic: Environmental and Marine Science diploma · · 2026-10-11
One Singapore programme; used to inspect learning content and a named career direction, not qualification equivalence.