Practical training inspires Raj’s laboratory technician career

Diverse career options and the chance to become a leader motivated Raj Singh to study laboratory techniques. Now, he is a laboratory manager and performs important field and lab testing in country Victoria.

Raj found work and a new career through study. While completing an optional practical placement through his Holmesglen pathology and laboratory testing course with geotechnical engineer A.S James, he was offered full-time work in the laboratory team.

“The skills I learnt during my course helped me get job ready,” says Raj.

In his current work, Raj utilises knowledge he gained in the Holmesglen training labs, including how to undertake environmental field-based monitoring, perform microscopic examination and chemical tests.

Laboratory technicians complete work across a range of job areas and need a variety of skills. They work in hospitals, secondary schools, medical pathology, environmental testing and food testing.

“The skills I learnt during my pathology and laboratory testing course helped me start my career as a lab technician. There are a lot of qualities that are important to be successful in the industry, such as attention to detail and technical skills,” explains Raj.

Laboratory technicians need to be:

•  thorough and analytical, such as when processing data or preparing lab samples
•  responsible and independent, when maintaining workplace safety, equipment and instruments
•  collaborative and communicative, for example when undertaking monitoring and examination tasks.

Our pathology and laboratory testing courses are offered at Moorabbin campus, which houses our health and simulation precinct. MSL40122 Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques students benefit from studying in multiple labs that offer practical experience in:

•  tissue processing
•  microbiological work
•  aseptic techniques and microscopy
•  environmental (water, soil, air), food and medical testing

You can also explore related health career pathways through our Nursing, Community, and Health Sciences courses or develop entry-level lab skills with the Certificate III in Pathology Collection.

We offer the MSL40122 Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques. Graduates use this qualification to start their career as a laboratory assistant and gain the building blocks to become a laboratory technician.

Raj utilised the course’s practical training opportunities to enter the industry and follow a pathway into further study to achieve his goal of becoming a laboratory technician.

“The job-ready insights that I learnt from my industry-experienced teachers were very helpful. Practical placements were the start of my career as a lab technician and it helped me reach the position I currently hold in my company as the Lab Manager,” says Raj.

Many choose to follow further study opportunities, such as studying a diploma, to increase their laboratory technician career opportunities.

Begin your career with a laboratory technician course

Build confidence with hands-on learning and real-world skills. Find out what you can achieve in the laboratory at our pathology and laboratory testing course page.