What is a medical laboratory scientist?
Medical laboratory scientists are critical members of the healthcare team. Medical laboratory scientists, sometimes referred to as clinical laboratory scientists or medical technologists, are qualified by academic and clinical education to perform high-complexity testing in clinical and other laboratories.
Medical laboratory scientists perform, develop, evaluate, correlate, and assure the accuracy and validity of laboratory test results. They supervise and direct clinical laboratory operations; educate future laboratory professionals and collaborate with the health care team in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
It is estimated that 70% of medical decisions are based on the interpretation of lab results performed by medical laboratory scientists.
Medical laboratory scientists demonstrate ethical and moral principles necessary for assuring the confidence of healthcare providers, patients, colleagues, and the community.
Medical laboratory scientist careers
Are you interested in science, technology, and medicine? A career in medical laboratory science may be a good fit for you!
Medical laboratory scientists perform complex testing and analysis on biological samples utilizing sophisticated methodologies and instrumentation. Results of laboratory testing are used by healthcare providers to detect, diagnose, and monitor human disease.
Medical laboratory scientists have a wide range of responsibilities, which vary depending on the department of the lab. Major areas of the contemporary clinical laboratory include:
- Clinical Chemistry
- Coagulation
- Hematology
- Immunology/serology
- Immunohematology (Blood Bank)
- Microbiology
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Toxicology
- Urinalysis
Medical laboratory scientists work in hospitals, ambulatory clinics, research and public health laboratories, biotechnology, pharmaceutical companies, veterinary clinics and more.
Training as an MLS opens many opportunities for a fulfilling career with competitive compensation and job stability. There is currently a demand for MLS in many settings, particularly hospital-based laboratories.
ASCLS: Caring for Our Patients One Test at a Time
Career outlook
Training as a medical laboratory scientist presents many opportunities for a fulfilling career with competitive compensation and job stability. There is currently a demand for MLS in many settings, particularly hospital-based laboratories.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of medical laboratory scientists will increase 7% from 2021 to 2023. According to the 2021 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Massachusetts has the highest concentration of job opportunities and annual mean salary ranging from $60,900 - $72,500 for medical laboratory scientists.
Graduates of MLS programs in recent years have seen nearly 100% employment in relevant settings upon graduation.
Careers at Mass General Brigham
The Mass General Brigham MLS training program is committed to building the Mass General Brigham system laboratory workforce, with a variety of laboratory career opportunities available at MGB Members and Affiliates.
Interested in pursuing a career in one of the Mass General Brigham clinical laboratories? Click the link below and search "clinical lab" to view openings across the healthcare system.