Medical laboratory scientists play a vital role in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. The field of medical laboratory science is experiencing rapid growth as the aging population continues to increase. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in medical laboratory science, it’s important to know what to expect. Keep reading to learn more.
Getting a Medical Laboratory Science Degree
Medical laboratory scientists use their knowledge of chemistry, biology, and mathematics to perform tests on tissue, blood, and other body fluids to help diagnose diseases. Working in this field requires a medical laboratory science degree—typically a bachelor of science degree or a master’s degree. To find a medical laboratory science program that’s right for you, try going online and searching “masters laboratory science.”
Laboratory professionals may also need to obtain certification from a professional organization such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). Upon graduating, ASCP requires laboratory professionals to obtain continuing education credits to stay current on the latest laboratory techniques and maintain licensure.
A career in medical laboratory science offers many opportunities for advancement. With experience, medical laboratory scientists may move into supervisory or management positions. They may also become specialists in a specific area of diagnostic pathology, such as immunology or hematology.
Working in Medical Laboratories
Medical laboratory professionals work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and research laboratories. They use their knowledge of biology and chemistry to test blood and other body fluids for the presence of diseases or abnormalities. They also analyze tissue samples to help diagnose cancer and other diseases.
Medical laboratory science is a career that requires individuals to be able to work independently as well as part of a team. This is because medical laboratory scientists often work in laboratories where they are responsible for performing tests and analyzing results on their own. However, medical laboratory scientists also sometimes work with other health care professionals, such as doctors and nurses, to help diagnose patients. Therefore, medical laboratory scientists must be able to both work independently and collaboratively.
In addition, medical laboratory scientists must be able to communicate effectively with other medical professionals to relay important information about patient test results. They must also be able to write clear and concise reports that document their findings. Excellent communication skills are essential for this career field, as lab scientists often work with life-saving information.
Furthering Your Medical Laboratory Science Career
Medical laboratory science is a rapidly growing field, and there are many opportunities for career growth. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the number of jobs for medical laboratory technicians will grow by approximately 17 percent from 2014 to 2024. This growth is due, in part, to the aging population and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases. This growth is also attributable to the increasing use of laboratory tests to diagnose and monitor health conditions.
There are many opportunities for advancement in the field of medical laboratory science. Medical laboratory technicians can advance to supervisory positions or become laboratory scientists. From there, they can advance to positions such as laboratory managers or directors. Furthering your career in this field typically requires obtaining additional degrees.
The work that medical laboratory scientists do is essential to the proper functioning of the medical system. They are responsible for performing tests and analyzing the results to help doctors diagnose and treat patients. The work is important, challenging, and rewarding. It is also a field that is growing rapidly, so there are many opportunities for advancement. Overall, a career in medical laboratory science is a great choice for anyone interested in science and helping others.
