The Hocking College Experience

How to Determine if a Career in Laboratory Science is Right For You?

Written by Tim Brunicardi | Mar 8, 2019 6:12:00 PM

Are you considering pursuing a career in laboratory science, but still have some questions you need answered before making your final decision?

By addressing the following questions you’ll be able to clear up any confusion you might have regarding this career path.

Whose Advice Should I Seek Out?

If you're looking for career advice, consider asking the following people:

  • Guidance counselor
  • Science teacher
  • Health professions advisor

What If I’m a High School Student?

A good place to start might be to ask your science teacher if they could arrange for a laboratory science professional to visit your class and discuss their job.

What If I’m a College Student?

If you’re in college, perhaps you should meet with your academic advisor to discuss if switching your major to laboratory science is right for you.

What Types of Courses Should I Be Taking?

If you're interested in pursuing a degree in laboratory science, you should be taking the following classes:

  • Chemistry
  • Biology
  • Algebra
  • Geometry
  • Calculus
  • English
  • Business
  • Computer science

How Can I Get More Information About This Career Path?

The best way to find out more information about a career in laboratory science would be to find a mentor. Some good mentors for this career would be a science teacher, health professional, and a family member or friend who's a laboratory professional or who works in a hospital or public health laboratory.

How Can I Gain More Insight as to What it Takes to Become a Laboratory Science Professional?

Contact your local hospital and request a tour of their medical and/or anatomic pathology laboratory. Another way to gain insight is by requesting that your high school (or college) invite a laboratory science professional to their next career fair.

Where Can I Pursue a Degree in Laboratory Science?

Hocking College in Nelsonville, OH offers a Laboratory Science program. In two years, you could graduate with an Associate of Applied Science in Laboratory Sciences.

For more information, contact Medical Laboratory Technology Program Manager, Kimberly Ephlin, by email at ephlink@hocking.edu or by phone at (740) 753-6356.