Local clinical pathology technologist Adrian Swaan recommends this career to any eager learner.
Biology and mathematics are necessary subjects and being computer literate is essential.
He suggests becoming a technician first.
This can be done by working at a laboratory where in-house training is offered or by studying at the University of Pretoria or the University of the Witwatersrand.
When in-house training is completed, students will work at least 18 months before they qualify to be registered and write their board exams.
Students will have to study a three-year diploma course to qualify as a technologist.
Adrian gives an estimate of between R15 000 and R20 000 for class fees.
The duties of a technician include receiving specimens (such as blood samples) and running them on the analyser.
They are also involved in the general maintenance of the laboratory and the analysing machines.
A technologist is responsible for the end result.
This career can progress to a senior technologist and then a laboratory manager.
A microbiologist is qualified to do all the above.
This career choice includes shift work due to 24-hour laboratory services.
There is never a dull moment when pursuing this career as technicians don’t just process samples, but also carry out maintenance on all the machines and have administrative duties.
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