How To Write a Lab Technician Resume
When applying for a position as a lab technician, you will need a well-written resume that emphasizes your experience in performing research, using laboratory equipment, conducting experiments, and demonstrating excellent communication skills. Our tips and examples offer the guidance you need to write a compelling resume.
1. Write a dynamic profile summarizing your qualifications
When creating your lab technician profile section, capture the attention of hiring managers by highlighting why you excel in this field. Start by brainstorming and jotting down your thoughts on the topic, and then select the three to five points most relevant to your target job and showcase your strengths.
For example, you may have extensive experience in the type of lab facility they have posted. Or you’re skilled in complex problem-solving, diagnostic testing, and precise documentation. Also, highlighting non-work credentials such as a recent conference presentation or an advanced degree in clinical laboratory science can be beneficial. You can increase your chances of catching the employer’s attention by emphasizing these impressive points.
Entry-Level Profile Example
Lab technician with three years of experience specializing in phlebotomy, laboratory safety, OSHA regulations, and equipment maintenance. Recently delivered a presentation on quality management at the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science Conference.
Mid-Career Profile Example
Medical lab technician with eight years of experience specializing in bacteriology, immunohematology, toxicology, and chemical analysis. Proven record of rigorous medical testing to ensure accurate results for patients and physicians. Recently published in an international peer-reviewed journal.
2. Add an accomplishment-driven professional experience section
Create a professional experience section that highlights your achievements in supporting lab operations. Review your most recent work history and elaborate on each lab technician job by including accomplishments. Managers are interested in how well you collaborated with lab team members and what research was conducted.
Emphasize your discoveries and study results. Highlight accomplishments in streamlining procedures and improving data accuracy. Begin by generating ideas and organizing them in a separate document. Then, pinpoint the specific details that correlate with the qualifications needed for your target position as a lab technician. Make these details the basis for an effective job description on your final resume.
Mid-Career Experience Example
Medical Laboratory Technician, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX | September 2019 – Present
- Complete and evaluate bacteriology, chemistry, hematology, histology, serology, and urinalysis tests to deliver accurate results ensuring oncology patients receive proper therapy or treatment
- Published a hematology case study in Laboratory Medicine (Feb. 2020), a peer-reviewed journal
- Train qualified hospital personnel who need independent access to the lab’s equipment
- Foster rapport with physicians and support them in diagnosing diseases and treating patients
Mid-Career Experience Example
Medical Laboratory Technician, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX | September 2019 – Present
- Complete and evaluate bacteriology, chemistry, hematology, histology, serology, and urinalysis tests to deliver accurate results ensuring oncology patients receive proper therapy or treatment
- Published a hematology case study in Laboratory Medicine (Feb. 2020), a peer-reviewed journal
- Train qualified hospital personnel who need independent access to the lab’s equipment
- Foster rapport with physicians and support them in diagnosing diseases and treating patients
Senior-Level Experience Example
Senior Medical Laboratory Technician, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN | October 2019 – Present
- Perform blood and body fluid tests, cell and tissue cultures, and DNA/RNA extraction
- Use microscopes or automatic analyzers to detect abnormalities or diseases
- Achieved a 99.99% accuracy rate for testing procedures
- Maintained excellent supply and equipment inventory systems, reducing wait times for test results by 30% and last-minute order costs by $50K+ annually
- Volunteered to fill in at two other Mayo Clinic locations in New York for three months each during a staff shortage at the height of Covid-19
3. Include relevant education and certifications
Showcase your expertise as a lab technician by including your education, especially if it was in laboratory science or a related subject. Additionally, mentioning specific college courses that align with the science topics relevant to your job search may be beneficial.
Including a brief description of your licenses, certifications, or affiliations can also be highly beneficial in cases where the credential or group may not be widely recognized but is still relevant to the position you seek. For instance, you may have an Embryology Laboratory Scientist (ELS) or a Certified Phlebotomy Certificate (CPT). These certifications could help show you are committed to your profession and lifelong learning.
Below are templates and examples to help you format your education and certification details.
Education
Template:
[Degree Name]
[School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] | [Graduation Year]
Example:
Bachelor of Science (BS) Clinical Laboratory Science
Texas State University, San Marcos, TX | 2014
Certification
Template:
[Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]
[Description]
Example:
Medical Laboratory Technician, American Society for Clinical Pathology, 2015
4. List pertinent key skills
Add a key skills section to show the various ways you can contribute to lab-based research and operations. Most organizations rely on an applicant tracking system (ATS) to quickly identify qualified candidates, and incorporating key terms in your job description and proficiencies will help get your resume into the hiring manager’s hands.
Include soft skills like team collaboration, as well as hard technical skills like LabWare LIMS. You might also include specific lab procedures, experiments, or science subjects. Aim for variety with this section, but make sure each item you include relates to your target lab technician job.
Below are some common skills and keywords for lab technicians:
| Key Skills and Proficiencies | |
|---|---|
| Bacteriology | Blood Chemistry |
| Chemical Analysis | Complex Problem-Solving |
| Cross-Team Collaboration | EHR/EMR Software |
| Equipment Calibration | Hematology |
| Histology | Lab Safety/OSHA Compliance |
| LabSoft LIMS | LabWare LIMS |
| Microbiology | Microscopic Image Capturing Software |
| Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) | Phlebotomy |
| Procedure Development | Quality Control |
| Quality Management | Reporting & Documentation |
| Scientific Investigation | Serology |
| Specimen Analysis | STARLIMS |
| Sunquest Information Systems | Team Leadership |
| Tissue Cultures | Urinalysis |
How To Pick the Best Lab Technician Resume Template
When selecting a resume template, it is best to choose one with a straightforward format that is easy to read. Look for a template that effectively organizes your content and matches your brand. Selecting the right resume layout ensures the hiring manager can quickly scan your career details. Avoid colorful or elaborate resume templates and opt for traditional font styles.
Lab Technician Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples
Years of Experience
- Entry-level
- Mid-career
- Senior-level
Sameera Lam
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
2786 Fieldston Ln, Jacksonville, FL 32207
Profile
A Lab Technician with three years of professional experience, specializing in phlebotomy, laboratory safety, OSHA regulations, and equipment maintenance. Delivered a presentation at the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science Conference on quality management.
Professional Experience
Medical Lab Tech, Tampa General Hospital, Tampa, FL
January 2020 – Present
- Analyze an average of 47 patient samples per day, maintaining an above-average accuracy rate
- Perform routine maintenance on instruments and equipment to preserve correct operation
- Presented on innovative approaches to quality management in medical labs at a professional conference, representing Tampa General
- Resolve issues with instruments, reagents, and patient specimens as needed
Medical Laboratory Technician, SunCoast Blood Donation Centers, Bradenton, FL
September 2018 – December 2019
- Monitored donor recovery and appropriately dealt with any negative reactions
- Performed basic blood bank tests on donors and prepared samples using tube and gel card methods
- Separated and labeled blood, plasma, and other components in preparation for use or transport
- Ensured all records and documentation were entirely free of errors
Education
Associate in Science in Medical Laboratory Technology
Florida State College, Jacksonville, FL, August 2015 – June 2017
Key Skills
- Quality Management
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
- Lab Safety/OSHA Compliance
- Quality Control
- Scientific Investigation
Certifications
- Medical Laboratory Technician, American Society for Clinical Pathology, 2017
Skye Wheeler
(123) 456-7891
[email protected]
2718 Lonestar Street, Houston, TX 77005
Profile
A Medical Lab Technician with eight years of professional experience, specializing in bacteriology, immunohematology, toxicology, and chemical analysis. A proven track record of performing rigorous medical testing to ensure accurate results for patients and physicians. Achieved recognition for a publication in an international peer-reviewed journal.
Professional Experience
Medical Laboratory Technician, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
September 2019 – Present
- Complete and evaluate bacteriology, chemistry, hematology, histology, serology, and urinalysis tests with the objective of delivering precise, accurate test results to ensure oncology patients receive the proper therapy or treatment
- Published a hematology case study in Laboratory Medicine (Feb. 2020), a peer-reviewed journal
- Provide training for qualified hospital personnel who needed independent access to the lab’s equipment
- Build solid rapport with physicians and support them in the diagnosis and treatment of patients
Medical Laboratory Technician, Children’s Medical Center, Dallas, TX
June 2014 – August 2019
- Operated at a consistently fast pace in order to perform and analyze tests (chemistry, hematology, bacteriology, serology, urinalysis, and histology) reliably and expediently to meet the needs of a high volume hospital
- Managed the training of four new entry-level technicians in the lab
- Amended 14 standard operating procedures to enhance bacterial, parasitic, and fungus identification and responsiveness
- Interacted with a multidisciplinary and multicultural medical team to resolve sample-related issues and begin effective patient treatment
Education
Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science
Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, 2014
Key Skills
- Lab Information Systems (STARLIMS, LabSoft LIMS, LabWare LIMS)
- Troubleshooting
- Chemical Analysis
- Immunohematology
- Toxicology
Certifications
- Medical Laboratory Technician, American Society for Clinical Pathology, 2015
Gerrard Padilla
(123) 456-7891
[email protected]
2379 Rosewood Court, Rochester, MN 55902
Profile
A Senior Lab Technician with 10+ years of clinical experience and a national certification with the American Society of Clinical Pathology. A proven track record of identifying opportunities to improve quality management for medical testing, DNA/RNA extraction, and cell cultures.
Professional Experience
Senior Medical Laboratory Technician, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
October 2019 – Present
- Perform blood and body fluid tests, cell and tissue cultures, and DNA/RNA extraction and achieve a 99.99% accuracy rate for testing procedures
- Maintain excellent supply and equipment inventory systems to reduce wait times for test results by 30% and eliminated over $50K in annual costs for last minute orders
- Use microscopes or automatic analyzers to detect abnormalities or diseases
- Volunteered to fill in at two other Mayo Clinic locations in New York for three months each during a shortage of medical lab technicians at the height of Covid-19
Medical Laboratory Technician, Southdale Pediatric Hospital, Edina, MN
June 2014 – September 2019
- Conducted pediatric lab tests in phlebotomy, chemistry, hematology, serology, and urine analysis; collected DNA specimens
- Participated in 22 health fairs for community outreach by performing free lab tests
- Earned a reputation for consistent test validity and rigorous attention to detail
- Completed assigned phlebotomy procedures for 40% of patients in a 500-bed medical facility
Clinical Laboratory Technician, Memorial Blood Centers, Saint Paul, MN
July 2010 – May 2014
- Organized phlebotomy instruction for 11 lab students and three student interns
- Identified symptoms of a patient who was having a stroke and got them immediate medical support
- Executed automated hematology and coagulation tests as well as manual differential investigations on blood and bodily fluids
- Complete patients’ medical histories, including their hematocrit, temperature, and blood pressure levels over time
Education
Associate of Applied Science in Medical Laboratory Technology
Lake Superior College, Duluth, MN, 2008
Key Skills
- Lab Safety
- OSHA Compliance
- Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, Access, PowerPoint)
- Laboratory Information Systems (Sunquest, LabSoft, LabWare)
- Microscopic Image Capturing Software
- Phlebotomy
Certifications
- Medical Laboratory Technician, American Society for Clinical Pathology, 2009
Frequently Asked Questions: Lab Technician Resume Examples and Advice
What are common action verbs for lab technician resumes? +
One of the best ways to enhance your resume is by starting each bullet point with a strong action verb. Dynamic verbs help you keep the hiring manager’s interest and show the varied nature of your experience. The following list can help you find a good mix of action verbs for your lab technician resume:
| Action Verbs | |
|---|---|
| Analyzed | Assembled |
| Collaborated | Communicated |
| Conducted | Created |
| Delivered | Designed |
| Developed | Earned |
| Enhanced | Evaluated |
| Expedited | Facilitated |
| Generated | Identified |
| Improved | Isolated |
| Maintained | Managed |
| Monitored | Oversaw |
| Performed | Prevented |
| Provided | Ranked |
| Tested | Updated |
| Verified | |
How do you align your lab technician resume with a lab technician job posting?+
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts, jobs for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians will increase by 7% (or 21,800 jobs) between 2021 and 2031. In the future, the aging population is expected to increase the need for laboratory tests to diagnose medical conditions, including cancer and type 2 diabetes. Prenatal testing for genetic conditions also contributes to this increase.
The best way to impress potential hiring managers is to tailor your resume to the job posting. Take note of the key terms and skills listed in the job description. If the job posting mentions DNA/RNA extraction numerous times, make sure to include this in your profile or key skills section. By highlighting your top strengths for each job, you increase your chances of securing an interview.
What is the best lab technician resume format? +
Combination resumes, sometimes called hybrid resumes, incorporate the most effective aspects of chronological and functional resumes. The combination resume begins with a list of skills that contain your professional accomplishments, followed by a compressed work history.
With the combination format, you can highlight your most relevant skills and experience both in the experience or work history section and in your introduction. You may also add a section about your career highlights or awards. The details you choose for these intro sections can position you for your target job and give hiring managers a clear, quick sense of who you are.
Expert advice: include a cover letter with your resume
Write and submit a well-crafted cover letter with your resume to improve your chances of securing an interview. The secret to creating a powerful letter is to customize it to suit the specific requirements of each job opportunity. Check out our comprehensive cover letter guide to discover some valuable tips and strategies. For other related examples, see our pharmacy technician cover letter guide.
