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How to Become a Medical Laboratory Scientist – The Steps

how to become a medical laboratory scientist

Medical laboratory scientists are behind-the-scenes professionals at the frontline of life-saving diagnostics and proper treatment of any patient. Are you passionate about diagnostics, medicine, and technologist careers? Do you possess problem-solving skills? Then perhaps you want to learn how to become a medical laboratory scientist.

As populations grow, the demand for medical laboratory scientists rises. Hence, there has always been an increasing need for scientific testing. For example, diagnostics for diseases like strokes, cancers, and more rely on labs to properly assess patient problems. To provide reliable analyses, they continually apply their extensive knowledge of physiology to tackle diseases.

In this comprehensive guide, the nitty-gritty of how to become a medical laboratory scientist will become clear to you. Read on to learn more about the choices when selecting different educational paths in this field.

What is a Medical Laboratory Scientist?

A medical laboratory scientist (MLS) is in charge of scientific analysis of blood and fluid samples and informing clinicians of the findings. In brief, treating cancer, heart disease, and diabetes depends heavily on the information they uncover. The outcomes of the tests carried out by medical laboratory scientists are thought to provide the basis for over 60% of all choices about a patient’s hospitalization, treatment, and diagnosis.

What Do Medical Laboratory Scientists Do?

Scientists working in medical laboratories are comparable to investigators in the medical field. They seek hints that can help with sickness or trauma diagnosis and therapy. They collaborate closely with physicians and medical technologists to identify and track illnesses. In addition, they evaluate the effectiveness of any treatments and drugs. The med lab scientist also:

  • Check for aberrant cells by doing tests.
  • Set up quality control methods to keep an eye on and guarantee the accuracy of clinical findings.
  • Investigate and analyze bodily fluids such as blood, tissues, and cells.
  • Use scientific instruments like microscopes to conduct intricate testing on patient samples.

Medical Laboratory Scientist Vs. Medical Laboratory Technician

The role of a medical lab technician and a medical lab scientist are very similar. Still, they differ significantly in a few important ways. For example, both operate labs and conduct tests on different biological materials. However, a medical lab scientist can carry out more complex lab work. A medical lab scientist oversees a medical lab technician who handles much of the regular laboratory work.

Medical Laboratory Scientist Vs. Medical Laboratory Assistant

An MLS will examine the medical laboratory assistant’s prepared samples and provide instructions for them to document. On the other hand, medical laboratory assistants are in charge of collecting biological specimens and recording data. In addition, they handle lab upkeep duties, such as stocking supplies and cleaning apparatus.

How to Become a Medical Laboratory Scientist

A few different educational routes exist to become a medical laboratory scientist. One of them typically begins in high school. The following steps can get you started if you want to continue studying in this evolving field:

  1. Get a High School Certificate
    The appropriate high school subjects can help you prepare for college and the workforce. These consist of courses in biology, chemistry, and other sciences. Also, by interning at hospitals or clinics, you can obtain knowledge outside of the school setting. In other words, you’ll gain insight into what to expect in different workplaces.
  2. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
    After high school, enroll in a 4-year university or college to study for a bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science. The National Accreditation Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) must accredit your preferred university or college.
  3. Go for an Internship
    Consider completing an internship or clinical laboratory program via a hospital-based program. Internships will boost overall knowledge and enhance the real-world experience.
  4. Acquire work experience
    Internship programs and lab courses in your bachelor’s degree program are frequently the first steps toward gaining practical work experience. After graduation, it is advantageous to keep acquiring relevant work experience, ideally in the medical field.

Note: Ensure that the online college you enroll in has a NAACLS accredited medical laboratory scientist program.

Admission Requirements for Medical Laboratory Scientist Programs

Educational prerequisites are an essential part of how to become a medical laboratory scientist. Here are the academic requirements:

  • Submit a completed application
  • Upload a College Transcripts– A minimum of 2.5 cumulative high school GPA and a minimum 2.5 science/math GPA are required.
  • Bachelor’s degree (BA or BS) from an accredited institution
  • Two college references
  • Recommendation letter
  • Online interview (where applicable)
  • Licensing/Certifications for Medical Laboratory Scientist

After you have received your bachelor’s, apply immediately for the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) MLS certification exam.

Although candidates are to take the exam in a single day, preparation can take longer. Your chances of success increase as you study hard. Examine the (ASCP) recommended Examination Content Guide as your first step. The sources indicate the topics that the “certifying body” will set. In addition, you can determine which subjects you need to explore more thoroughly. The MLS (ASCP) certification will give students the credentials and self-assurance necessary to apply for the MLS jobs you seek.

State Licensure Requirements

  1. Earn a bachelor’s degree
  2. Be qualified by passing a test
  3. Have at least 1-year of industry experience or training in the field where the license is requested.

Where do Medical Laboratory Scientists Work?

Ideally, you’ll learn how to become a medical laboratory scientist while knowing where to work after earning the degree. Therefore, medical laboratory scientist degrees lead to various public health or pharmaceutical jobs. Below are some well-paying positions for those with a background in medical laboratory science. These medical laboratory scientist jobs have an average yearly salary above $35,000:

Medical Laboratory Technician

A medical laboratory technician is responsible for numerous tests in a medical lab setting. They perform a series of specimen evaluations that aid doctors in diagnosing and treating disease. For example, medical lab technicians prepare samples for processes, analysis, etc.

According to the BLS, a medical laboratory scientist salary working as a med lab technician is $57,800 per annum as of 2021.

Medical Technologists

Medical technologists carry out a wide range of tests. They are an essential healthcare team member because they provide results and information from patient testing. By doing this, physicians can treat and diagnose patients effectively.

Senior Medical Technologist

The senior medical technologist trains and supervises medical technicians on suitable testing techniques and safety regulations. To increase the precision of test findings, they take charge of revising process manuals. They oversee and verify the results of other group members’ diagnostic tests.

Epidemiology Manager

Epidemiology management focuses on strategic disease prevention. These professionals must collaborate with legislators and the government to protect communities. They gather and evaluate data on these diseases. Then, they present and share a coherent report to authorities to communicate their discoveries.

According to BLS, the medical laboratory scientist’s salary in this field is $78,830.

Environmental Health and Safety Specialist

Specialists in environmental health and safety ensure that production and manufacturing enterprises adhere to safe and healthy methods. This purpose is to save the environment, workers, consumers, and local communities.

According to BLS, the medical laboratory scientist’s salary in this field will be $99,040.

Bioprocess Engineer

In the meantime, the responsibilities of bioprocess engineers differ from other MLS jobs. A bioprocess engineer develops a wide range of products using biological resources. Culinary items, biofuels, pharmaceuticals, water filters, and biofuels products are a few of the things they test and create.

Note: A Ph.D. in medical laboratory science will boost your earnings in this career.

Essential Skills of a Medical Laboratory Scientist

For a medical laboratory scientist job, candidates must possess the following vital qualities and skills to excel:

Problem-solving and critical thinking skills: Real issues don’t always have obvious solutions. Scientists working in medical laboratories must be able to evaluate specific problems and propose logical answers.

Research skills: It is vital for highly skilled medical laboratory scientists to create novel testing procedures. They also must support clinical trials by utilizing practical research skills. With a Ph.D. in medical laboratory science, MLS graduates can specifically work in scientific research environments.

Computer skills: MLS practitioners often use the computer system to access and enter test results. Before embarking on any of these careers, students must become computer literate.

Detail-oriented: It is crucial to get correct findings; thus, a medical lab scientist must be meticulous and exact in their work. For example, they will have to be self-sufficient because they frequently work unsupervised.

Communication skills: Scientists working in medical laboratories need to be skilled communicators verbally and in writing. They are accountable for comprehending and adhering to laboratory protocols. In addition, they have to report test results and keep an organized record of test results explanations.

How to Get ASCP Certification Master’s in Medical Laboratory Science

There are paths to certification for those without a medical laboratory science program certified by NAACLS. These include earning a bachelor’s degree with adequate coursework in chemistry, biology, and any of the following:

  • Obtain a CLA certification and have four years of sufficient clinical laboratory experience;
  • Acquire five years of relevant full-time experience in a clinical laboratory;
  • Earn the MLT (ASCP) certification for medical laboratory technicians and finish the two years of necessary clinical laboratory experience.

Note: In some circumstances, it is not a primary concern when a student’s candidacy falls under more than one of these headings. An applicant is qualified to take the ASCP certification exam to become a medical laboratory scientist as long as they can neatly fit inside one of the ranges of qualifications.

Possible Education Paths for a Medical Laboratory Scientist

1. Immunology

Immunology is a subfield of medicine and biology. Indeed, it covers the medical investigation of the innate immune system in sapient species, animals, and people. Immunologists look into the effects and causes of immune system-related illnesses and disorders. Students must take courses in virology, basic biochemistry, and cell biology, coupled with lab-based lectures.

Institutions offer immunology programs at the master’s degree and Ph.D. levels. Biology or medical-related bachelor’s degrees will qualify students for graduate immunology programs. The expected duration to complete the program is two years.

Note: Immunologists who carry out their tasks in the laboratory are exempt from certification or licensing requirements. Immunologists that interact with patients are required to obtain their medical license.

2. Human Genetics

Human genetics is the branch of biology focusing on how human characteristics are created and transmitted through generations. A graduate program in genetics is generally research-focused. A typical curriculum investigates genetic pathways connected to the change from healthy to diseased states. Professionals are required to take part in experimental research.

To be admitted into a graduate program in human genetics requires a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Students must also have a GPA not less than 3.0 or B in a related medical science field. A relevant master’s degree and prior research experience in medical science may lead to a Ph.D. program.

The doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) prepares students to work independently as researchers in human genetics. A Ph.D. program may take five years to finish.

3. Biomedical Science

Biomedical science (biomedicine) is a field of study focusing on the branches of chemistry and biology that are important to healthcare. Generally, it covers subjects like pathology, zoology, physiology, botany, biochemistry, and genetics. It is common for master’s degree students to major in one specific area. For instance, translational research, pre-clinical developments, and basic research.

Eligibility for a master’s degree in biomedical sciences requires a bachelor’s degree in biology or a closely related scientific field. The study period generally ranges between one and two years.

Note: For students that intend to forge to Ph.D. levels, an educational path in this field should be part of your medical laboratory scientist certification.

4. Human Anatomy

The study of human anatomy focuses on the human body’s structural makeup. All branches of health require a solid understanding of anatomy. A master’s degree in anatomy can lead to professional degrees in biomedical science and careers in education and healthcare.

An undergraduate degree in microbiology or any medical science is a prerequisite for a master’s. Typically, a master’s program takes two years to complete. Lastly, a master’s in anatomy covers:

  • Embryology
  • Pathology
  • Neuroanatomy
  • Gross anatomy
  • Histology
  • Laboratory medicine in various educational and healthcare settings

5. Clinical Immunology

Clinical immunology typically concentrates on the following:

  • Preventing or identifying an infectious disease
  • Immunological deficiency diagnosis
  • Hypersensitivity condition diagnosis
  • Autoimmune response detection

To improve technical knowledge and clinical interpretation skills, students learn the tests and techniques used in clinical and research laboratories.

A master’s in clinical immunology offers comprehensive knowledge of the immune system. For example, graduate students will study immune responses to infections, cancer, and immunological disorders.

A bachelor’s or master’s degree in a medical-related course is a requirement for a master’s degree. Depending on the institution, it takes a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years to earn a master’s in this field.

Note: For those that intend to have a Ph.D. in medical laboratory science, an additional degree in this field will be an added advantage.

6. Medical Parasitology

This graduate program covers metazoan and protozoan parasites that affect people. Courses typically cover the practical and theoretical foundations of medical parasitology. This type of master’s degree provides a complete comprehension of the life cycles, diagnosis, etiology, biology, and parasitic infection.

In short, graduates will acquire specialized skills that will allow them to pursue careers in medical parasitology-related research. Their jobs will involve hands-on laboratory work. For example, identification of several parasite stages in tissues and free form and diagnosis of infection.

An undergraduate degree in microbiology, biology, or clinical science is a prerequisite for graduate admissions. It takes one year to complete a master’s program in this field.

7. Medical Microbiology

The master’s in medical microbiology provides the experience needed to make a difference in various industries. You can acquire practical and theoretical laboratory skills by leveraging a faculty’s substantial research experience. Also, graduates will know techniques in parasite identification, resistance-gene analysis, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, etc.

After graduation, students may pursue careers such as clinical trials, epidemiology, public health, academic research, and patent law. Consider utilizing a master’s in medical microbiology to support your application to pursue a Ph.D. or research degree.

A bachelor’s or master’s in a medical science-related field is essential for enrolling in a Ph.D. program. The master’s degree takes one year to complete.

8. Biological Chemistry

Biological chemistry investigates chemical processes that occur within and relate to living organisms. Students will be taught theoretical and practical abilities in organic chemistry, practical bioinformatics, and molecular biology. Additionally, they will study research procedures and analytical approaches to explaining scientific findings.

To be eligible for this program, candidates must have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related medical science field—for instance, a degree in biology or chemistry. The program takes a maximum of one year to complete.

Your medical laboratory scientist certification will become more robust if you add these educational paths to your current degree.

FAQs on How to Become a Medical Laboratory Scientist

What is a medical laboratory scientist?

Medical laboratory scientists execute complex, practical lab tests in healthcare institutions and major clinics. These activities frequently go beyond those that a medical lab technician performs, which are more computerized.

What do medical laboratory scientists do?

Medical laboratory scientists execute lab work to develop diagnostic and treatment conclusions. They also build information for future studies. They pick up new technological tools and methods necessary for their careers and interests.

Is a medical laboratory scientist the same as a medical technologist?

A medical laboratory scientist (MLS) is also called a clinical laboratory scientist or medical technologist. The training, responsibilities, and certifications for these two professions are identical. The employer’s choice of the job description seems to be the only significant distinction.

How long does it take to study medical laboratory science?

An associate’s degree in medical laboratory science typically lasts two years. A bachelor’s degree generally takes 4 to 5 years of study. Furthermore, a master’s takes two to three years.

What kind of education do you need to be a medical laboratory scientist?

Generally, a bachelor’s degree is the minimum qualification for a medical laboratory scientist. Additionally, the bachelor’s should be in a related field.

Are medical lab scientists happy?

Despite experiencing significant stress and fatigue levels, most laboratory professionals surveyed nationally said they were happy and satisfied.

Moving Forward

Enrolling in an online MLS certification program equips students to be successful professionals. A profession such as medical laboratory science is gratifying, particularly in the healthcare industry. Not to mention, it’s among the fastest-growing sectors. Therefore, it is imperative that you thoroughly read this guide to learn how to become a medical laboratory scientist.

For professionals and students, feel free to explore more educational resources at GetEducated.com.

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