Biological Technicians
Assist biological and medical scientists. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, collect data and samples, make observations, and calculate and record results. May analyze organic substances, such as blood, food, and drugs.
At a Glance
Biological Technicians earns a median of $52,000/yr with +3.5% projected growth. Typical entry: Bachelor's degree. Top skills: Documenting/Recording Information, Processing Information, Adobe Acrobat.
$52,000/yr
+3.5%
9
Bachelor's degree
Skills & Requirements
Skills (9)
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Knowledge (3)
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Abilities (13)
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Technology (12)
Work Activities (16)
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Careers with Overlapping Skills
These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.
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