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What would happen if diseases and illness could not be diagnosed? We wouldn’t even want to imagine that scenario. Have you ever wondered what kind of research goes into finding the root cause your illness? Microbiology provides the required skills and techniques to help diagnose diseases.

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What would happen if diseases and illness could not be diagnosed? We wouldn’t even want to imagine that scenario. Have you ever wondered what kind of research goes into finding the root cause your illness? Microbiology provides the required skills and techniques to help diagnose diseases.

Microbiology Lab Technicians are responsible for analyzing microorganisms not visible to the naked eye to identify and diagnose the root cause of diseases. They utilize a Microscope, various instruments/devices and techniques to run several tests on specimen collected from patients to identify diseases and what medicines/antibiotics will cure them.   

This course will provide all the essential resources and training to help you become a Microbiology Lab Technician. This profession has a very low barrier to entry as the minimum requirement to pursue this as a career is a high school diploma. So, this course is either for new graduates evaluating which career to choose or existing medical professions who want to learn more about what Lab Technicians do. This course will also provide you with information on additional certifications you can take to get more knowledge on this subject as well as guidelines on how to find a job in this field.

I added videos on viral diagnosis. Given that both bacteria and viruses can be detected using the same methods, some of the content may seem redundant but the context is different when analyzing both so I highly recommend going through the full course.

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Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Teaches skills required for analyzing microorganisms to identify root causes of disease, which is crucial in diagnostics
Designed for both new graduates and experienced professionals, making it accessible to a wide range of audiences
Provides resources for obtaining additional certifications, enhancing professional growth

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Become a Microbiology Laboratory Technician with these activities:
Find a mentor in the field of microbiology
Finding a mentor in the field of microbiology will provide you with support and guidance as you pursue your career.
Show steps
  • Identify potential mentors.
  • Contact your potential mentors and express your interest.
  • Set up regular meetings to discuss your progress.
Review previous biology and chemistry courses
Reviewing previous biology and chemistry courses will help you refresh your knowledge of the foundational concepts that are essential for understanding microbiology.
Browse courses on Biology
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  • Review your notes and textbooks from previous biology and chemistry courses.
  • Take practice quizzes or exams to test your understanding.
  • Meet with a tutor or professor to clarify any concepts that you are struggling with.
Follow online tutorials on microscopy techniques
Following online tutorials on microscopy techniques will help you develop the skills necessary to use a microscope effectively in the microbiology lab.
Browse courses on Microscopy
Show steps
  • Search for online tutorials on microscopy techniques.
  • Watch the tutorials and follow the instructions.
  • Practice using a microscope in the laboratory.
Five other activities
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Volunteer at a local hospital or clinic
Volunteering at a local hospital or clinic will provide you with hands-on experience in the field of microbiology.
Show steps
  • Research local hospitals and clinics.
  • Contact the volunteer coordinator.
  • Complete the necessary training.
Practice identifying microorganisms under the microscope
Practicing identifying microorganisms under the microscope will help you develop the skills necessary to diagnose diseases accurately.
Browse courses on Microscopy
Show steps
  • Prepare microscope slides of different microorganisms.
  • Use a microscope to identify the microorganisms.
  • Compare your results with a reference guide.
Attend industry conferences and meetups
Attending industry conferences and meetups will help you connect with professionals in the field of microbiology.
Show steps
  • Research upcoming industry conferences and meetups.
  • Register for and attend the events.
  • Network with other professionals.
Start a personal project in microbiology
Starting a personal project in microbiology will allow you to explore your interests and develop your skills.
Show steps
  • Identify a topic that you are interested in.
  • Develop a research question.
  • Design and conduct an experiment.
Create a portfolio of your microscopy work
Creating a portfolio of your microscopy work will help you showcase your skills and knowledge to potential employers.
Browse courses on Microscopy
Show steps
  • Gather your best microscope images.
  • Create a digital or physical portfolio.
  • Include a brief description of each image.

Career center

Learners who complete Become a Microbiology Laboratory Technician will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Microbiology Technician
Microbiology Technicians are responsible for analyzing microorganisms to identify and diagnose the root cause of diseases. They utilize a Microscope, various instruments/devices and techniques to run several tests on specimen collected from patients to identify diseases and what medicines/antibiotics will cure them. This course provides all the essential resources and training to help you become a Microbiology Technician. It covers topics such as the role of microorganisms in disease, the use of microscopy and other laboratory techniques to identify microorganisms, and the interpretation of laboratory results. This course can help you build a strong foundation for a career as a Microbiology Technician.
Medical Laboratory Technician
Medical Laboratory Technicians perform a variety of tests on patient samples to help diagnose and treat diseases. They may work in a hospital, clinic, or other healthcare setting. This course provides an overview of the role of Medical Laboratory Technicians and the techniques they use to analyze patient samples. It covers topics such as the collection and preparation of specimens, the use of laboratory equipment, and the interpretation of laboratory results. This course can help you build a strong foundation for a career as a Medical Laboratory Technician.
Clinical Laboratory Scientist
Clinical Laboratory Scientists are responsible for performing a variety of tests on patient samples to help diagnose and treat diseases. They may work in a hospital, clinic, or other healthcare setting. This course provides an overview of the role of Clinical Laboratory Scientists and the techniques they use to analyze patient samples. It covers topics such as the collection and preparation of specimens, the use of laboratory equipment, and the interpretation of laboratory results. This course can help you build a strong foundation for a career as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist.
Microbiology Research Scientist
Microbiology Research Scientists study microorganisms to understand their role in disease and develop new treatments. They may work in a university, government agency, or industry setting. This course provides an overview of the field of microbiology and the research methods used to study microorganisms. It covers topics such as the structure and function of microorganisms, the genetics of microorganisms, and the development of new antibiotics. This course can help you build a strong foundation for a career as a Microbiology Research Scientist.
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists study the distribution and patterns of diseases in populations. They may work in a government agency, university, or non-profit organization. This course provides an overview of the field of epidemiology and the methods used to study diseases. It covers topics such as the collection and analysis of data, the identification of risk factors, and the development of prevention strategies. This course can help you build a strong foundation for a career as an Epidemiologist.
Pharmaceutical Scientist
Pharmaceutical Scientists develop and test new drugs and treatments for diseases. They may work in a pharmaceutical company, university, or government agency. This course provides an overview of the field of pharmaceutical science and the methods used to develop new drugs. It covers topics such as the discovery of new drug targets, the design and synthesis of new drugs, and the testing of new drugs in clinical trials. This course can help you build a strong foundation for a career as a Pharmaceutical Scientist.
Biotechnologist
Biotechnologists use biological systems to develop new products and technologies. They may work in a biotechnology company, university, or government agency. This course provides an overview of the field of biotechnology and the techniques used to manipulate biological systems. It covers topics such as the genetic engineering of microorganisms, the production of biofuels, and the development of new medical treatments. This course can help you build a strong foundation for a career as a Biotechnologist.
Science Teacher
Science Teachers teach science to students in grades K-12. They may work in a public or private school. This course provides an overview of the field of science education and the methods used to teach science. It covers topics such as the development of lesson plans, the use of teaching materials, and the assessment of student learning. This course can help you build a strong foundation for a career as a Science Teacher.
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create written materials that explain technical information. They may work in a variety of industries, including healthcare, technology, and manufacturing. This course provides an overview of the field of technical writing and the techniques used to create clear and concise technical documents. It covers topics such as the organization of technical information, the use of visuals, and the editing of technical documents. This course can help you build a strong foundation for a career as a Technical Writer.
Quality Assurance Analyst
Quality Assurance Analysts ensure that products and services meet quality standards. They may work in a variety of industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, and software development. This course provides an overview of the field of quality assurance and the methods used to ensure quality. It covers topics such as the development of quality control procedures, the inspection of products and services, and the resolution of quality problems. This course can help you build a strong foundation for a career as a Quality Assurance Analyst.

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Become a Microbiology Laboratory Technician.
This comprehensive textbook covers all aspects of clinical microbiology, including bacteriology, virology, parasitology, and mycology. It is an essential reference for anyone working in the field.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of microbiology laboratory techniques, making it a valuable resource for students and professionals alike. It covers topics such as microscopy, staining, culturing, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of medical microbiology. It valuable resource for students, technicians, and clinicians.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of diagnostic medical parasitology. It valuable resource for students, technicians, and clinicians.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of medical mycology. It valuable resource for students, technicians, and clinicians.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of immunology. It valuable resource for students, technicians, and clinicians.

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