After passing the credentialing exam, medical laboratory scientists (MLS) can practice under the credentials of MLS(ASCP)CM. Most employers require medical laboratory scientists to obtain certification through an accrediting body, such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification (BOC). Previous experience in a health care setting.National certification as a medical technologist (MT), clinical laboratory scientist (CLS), or medical laboratory scientist (MLS).Completing a clinical laboratory program or internship through a hospital-based program or as part of their education.chemistry or microbiology) may also be considered. A bachelor’s degree in a science or health related field (e.g. Completing a bachelor’s degree in medical technology or clinical laboratory science.
Higher education requirementsĪfter obtaining a high school diploma (or the equivalent), most will go on to obtain some level of higher education and training in order to become a medical laboratory scientist.Ĭommon higher education requirements for medical laboratory scientist jobs include:
Individuals that love science and research, but prefer to have little-to-no interaction with patients, would be a good fit for the medical laboratory scientist career.
Excellent eye-hand coordination, dexterity, and visual acuity are important to skillfully perform and analyze tests. Successful medical lab scientists are effective communicators with a sound intellect and interest in science and technology. Medical laboratory scientists spend the majority of their time on their feet, analyzing test results in the lab. This allows for flexibility in scheduling. Depending on the setting, their work hours may vary but typically labs are run 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Medical lab scientists work in hospitals, clinics, forensic or public health laboratories, as well as pharmaceutical industries, biotechnology companies, veterinary clinics, or research institutions. A medical laboratory scientist will work with a medical laboratory assistant by analyzing their prepared specimens and relaying information for them to record. They are responsible for preparing biological specimens, recording information, and perform more of the lab maintenance tasks such as cleaning equipment and stocking supplies. medical laboratory assistantĪ medical laboratory assistant is a subgroup of medical laboratory technician. A medical lab technician performs more of the routine lab work and is often supervised by a medical lab scientist. They both work in the lab and perform tests on biological samples, however, a medical lab scientist typically has more education and is able to perform more involved lab work. While similar, there are a few key differences between a medical lab scientist and a medical lab technician. Overseeing the work of a medical laboratory technician.Establishing quality assurance programs to monitor and ensure the accuracy of test results.Performing differential cell counts looking for abnormal cells to aid in the diagnosis of anemia and leukemia.Utilizing microscopes, cell counters, and other high-precision lab equipment.Examining and analyzing blood, body fluids, tissues, and cells.Medical laboratory scientists have a wide variety of responsibilities and duties, including: Areas of medical laboratory training include microbiology, chemistry, hematology, immunology, transfusion medicine, toxicology, and molecular diagnostics. Medical laboratory scientists collaborate very closely with physicians and medical laboratory technicians in diagnosing and monitoring disease processes, as well as monitoring the effectiveness of therapy. It is estimated 60 to 70 percent of all decisions regarding a patient's diagnosis, treatment, hospital admission, and discharge are based on the results of the tests medical laboratory scientists perform. The data they find plays an important role in identifying and treating cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and other medical conditions. Medical laboratory scientists perform complex tests on patient samples using sophisticated equipment like microscopes. They are responsible for performing scientific testing on samples and reporting results to physicians. What does a medical laboratory scientist do?Ī medical laboratory scientist (MLS), also known as a medical technologist or clinical laboratory scientist, works to analyze a variety of biological specimens.