How to Become a Medical Laboratory Scientist

Laboratory professionals like MLSs play a vital role in the diagnosis and prevention of disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 70% of medical decisions rely on lab results. Read on to learn about what a medical laboratory scientist does, how to become one, and the current job outlook.

What Does a Medical Laboratory Scientist Do?

Medical laboratory scientists, sometimes called medical technologists or clinical laboratory scientists, perform complex chemical, biological, and microscopic analyses. Their regular laboratory work includes:

• Collect Samples: Obtain blood, urine, and other specimens from patients.
• Perform Tests: Conduct various laboratory tests on samples to diagnose diseases.
• Analyze Results: Interpret test results and ensure accuracy.
• Maintain Equipment: Operate and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Ensure Quality Control: Follow protocols to ensure tests are reliable and valid.
• Record Data: Document test results and keep detailed records.
• Collaborate with Team: Work with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to discuss findings.
• Stay Updated: Keep up with new technologies and advancements in laboratory science.
• Educate Others: Train and supervise laboratory assistants and new staff.
• Ensure Safety: Follow safety procedures to handle hazardous materials and prevent spread of disease.

Employers seek laboratory personnel with good judgment and the ability to work under pressure. Employers expect medical laboratory scientists to be good at problem solving that can work with medical records.

Laboratory staff need to have a keen eye to detail. Even small changes in test samples or numbers can change a diagnosis. Good hand-eye coordination and normal color vision are important. Since labs use many machines, knowing how to use computers is essential too.

Where Do Medical Laboratory Scientists Work?

Medical laboratory scientists can work in a few different settings, including:

• Hospitals: Conduct tests on patient samples to assist in diagnosis and treatment.
• Clinics: Work in outpatient facilities providing lab services to patients.
• Diagnostic Laboratories: Analyze samples for various health conditions.
• Research Facilities: Engage in scientific studies and experiments.
• Public Health Laboratories: Test for diseases and monitor public health.
• Blood Banks: Screen and process blood donations for transfusions.
• Veterinary Clinics: Perform lab tests for animals.
• Drug Companies: Assist in drug development and testing.
• Forensic Laboratories: Analyze evidence for criminal investigations.
• Educational Institutions: Teach and train future laboratory professionals.

The Path to Becoming a Medical Laboratory Scientist

Becoming a medical laboratory scientist is an exciting journey that combines education, hands-on experience, and certification. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this career path:

1. Complete High School. Start strong by focusing on science and math courses. These subjects will give you a solid foundation for your future studies.
2. Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree. Earn a degree in medical technology or a related field from a recognized college or university. This degree is essential for building the knowledge you’ll need in the lab.
3. Gain Experience. Participate in a clinical internship or hands-on training during your degree program. This practical experience is invaluable and helps you apply what you’ve learned in real-world settings.
4. Get Certified. After you finish your degree, take a certification exam, such as the one from American Medical Technologists (AMT). Earning your MLS certification is a key step in becoming a qualified medical laboratory scientist.
5. Seek Employment. Start looking for entry-level positions in hospitals, clinics, or laboratories. Your education and certification will prepare you for a variety of roles in the field.
6. Continue Learning. Stay updated with continuing education and training opportunities. This ongoing learning will keep your skills current and open doors for career advancement.

This path takes dedication and hard work, but it leads to a rewarding job where you help with patient care and health.

Getting Certified

Employers prefer MLSs who hold certification by a recognized professional association, like the American Medical Technologists (AMT). Choosing a certifying body is as important as picking a school or MLS program. Choosing a tough and valuable certification program shows employers and patients that they can trust your skills. It demonstrates your knowledge and expertise.

Certification with AMT requires that all applicants comply with certain requirements, or routes. Those who do have a great chance of passing the certification exam. AMT offers national certification and medical technology programs that are valid in all states.

These certification exams test the essential education needed to perform healthcare tasks. The National Commission for Certifying Agencies accredits AMT.

AMT’s CMLA certification is for both current students and people who already have jobs in the field. We focus on new healthcare workers across the United States and identify those eligible for AMT certification. See if you are eligible on our Medical Laboratory Scientist page.

Medical Laboratory Scientist Employment Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians is strong. Medical laboratory scientists and medical laboratory technicians held about 344,200 jobs in 2023. Experts expect employment of medical laboratory scientists and medical laboratory technicians to grow 5 percent from 2023 to 2033.

An increase in the aging population will lead to a greater need to diagnose medical conditions through laboratory procedures. Medical laboratory scientists will need to use and maintain the equipment required for diagnosis and treatment.

Medical Laboratory Scientists Salary

According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual wage of medical laboratory scientists was about $61,663 ($30/hr) in 2024. In general, salaries are higher in a hospital setting than in physician offices.

Want To Learn More?

Check out our blog post on medical laboratory scientist's critical role on health care teams.

See how MLS differs from Molecular Diagnostics Technologist.

See how MLS differs from Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLT).