It is not essential to have a degree to become a scientific laboratory technician as many posts ask for GCSEs or science-related A-levels (or equivalent).
However, many technicians do have degrees and so holding a higher qualification in a relevant subject can be useful for securing a job, particularly if competition is high.
A HND or degree in one of the following subjects could be helpful:
- biology;
- biomedical science;
- biotechnology;
- chemistry;
- environmental science;
- forensic science;
- materials science/technology;
- pharmacology;
- physics.
Any degree that has a technical, IT or scientific element will be useful. A pre-entry postgraduate qualification is not required.
Employers value pre-entry experience in a laboratory, as it not only demonstrates your familiarity with lab procedures, but also shows your commitment and interest in the field. If your degree does not include a year in industry, try to gain some part-time or voluntary work in a laboratory or scientific setting. You could approach employers to see if it would be possible to work-shadow someone in their company.
