Certification?

I’m considering pursuing a career as a laboratory assistant, but I’m unsure if it’s the right path for me. Do you need to be extremely smart to work in a lab, or is it more about following protocols and attention to detail? I’ve dabbled a bit in the medical field before and have associates in Criminal Justice, but I’m not sure if this is worth pursuing long-term. Also, is an associate degree required, or can I get by with just a certification? Any advice or personal experiences would be really appreciated!

EDIT: I live in CT.