To become a medical lab scientist, you must also earn your bachelor’s degree from an academic institution that is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). Most people don’t decide to pursue a career as a medical laboratory scientist in high school but, if you do, you’ll want to take science courses that will prepare you for future studies and the workplace - for example, biology, chemistry, math, and other sciences. Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Medical Laboratory Scientist Written and oral communication skills, since medical lab scientists may be required to write reports and converse with physicians.The emotional stability needed to sensitively deal with patients’ medical conditions and personal information.Problem-solving and critical thinking capabilities.The ability to perform tasks carefully, thoroughly, self-sufficiently and quickly.An aptitude for basic science, computer technology and a variety of laboratory instruments.Generally speaking, in addition to life science and medical knowledge, along with laboratory skills, it is suggested that aspiring medical lab scientists possess: Not everyone follows the MLT path, but experience in that role will definitely shape your view of whether a career as an MLS is right for you. The most common career pathway for medical laboratory scientists includes first working as a medical laboratory technician. Is a Career as a Medical Laboratory Scientist Right for You? With an advanced educational background, medical laboratory scientists often find themselves in positions of leadership within a laboratory setting compared to their medical laboratory technician (MLT) counterparts. After examining test samples, the MLS typically reports back to the ordering physician to confer on the results. Provide physicians with vital information needed for patient careįor example, a working medical lab scientist might be responsible for conducting a variety of tests on patient samples (including blood, various body fluids, cells and tissues) to detect the presence or absence of health conditions.Medical laboratory scientists utilize laboratory equipment to: What is a Medical Laboratory Scientist?Ī medical laboratory scientist (MLS) plays a pivotal role in a variety of laboratory settings.
However, first let’s take a closer look at the entire process of how to become a medical laboratory scientist. With laboratories across the nation facing shortages of medical laboratory scientists, there has never been a better time to earn your bachelor’s degree and advance your career. “This shortage hampers the ability of clinical laboratories to meet patient testing demands, which may pose problems for patient health and welfare.”
“Our nation’s clinical laboratories are facing a critical and growing shortage of qualified laboratory personnel,” according to the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), the professional organization supporting pathologists and medical laboratory professionals. Though problematic for healthcare organizations, the workforce shortage in the growing medical laboratory sciences industry is promising for clinical laboratory technicians and medical laboratory technicians who are looking to advance their careers as a medical laboratory scientist. However, there is currently a shortage of skilled workers needed to process an ever-increasing number of tests. Laboratory testing plays an essential role in the world of healthcare.