5 answers
Elizabeth
Student
Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
4
Questions
Updated
660 views
How can I be successful with a Medical Laboratory Science degree, in college and in the future?
I'm a high school senior (currently taking classes like AP Biology and college level Medical Terminology) and I'm interested in pursuing Medical Laboratory Science. I'm wondering what the college coursework looks like and what job opportunities there are. I'll also take any other advice from those that have completed college in that field or those who are currently in college for MLS. Thanks!
5 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1334
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Elizabeth! That’s awesome that you’re already preparing for a career in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) – you’re on the right track! Here's some insight into your questions and what to expect as you pursue your degree and career:
### College Coursework for MLS
1. **First 2 Years (Core Science Focus):**
- **Biology & Microbiology** – Learn about cells, bacteria, viruses, and how they affect the body.
- **Chemistry (General & Organic)** – Get familiar with chemical reactions, lab techniques, and substances used in labs.
- **Anatomy & Physiology** – Understanding how the body works.
- **Medical Terminology** – You’re ahead of the game on this one!
2. **Last 2 Years (Specialized MLS Focus):**
- **Hematology** – Study of blood and its disorders.
- **Clinical Chemistry** – Running tests with blood and urine.
- **Microbiology & Immunology** – Identifying diseases and understanding immune responses.
- **Molecular Diagnostics** – DNA testing, genetic analysis.
- **Blood Banking** – Matching blood types.
- **Lab Management & Quality Control** – Learn how to maintain labs and ensure quality testing.
### Hands-on Experience
A big part of MLS programs is **clinical internships**. These are real-world experiences where you'll get to apply everything you've learned in hospitals, labs, or clinics. It’s key to getting your foot in the door for a future job.
### Career Opportunities After Graduation
With an MLS degree, you have a wide range of job options:
- **Hospital Labs** – Conducting diagnostic tests.
- **Public Health Labs** – Researching disease outbreaks.
- **Biotech/Pharmaceuticals** – Working in research or quality control.
- **Forensic Labs** – Assisting with criminal investigations.
- **Blood Banks** – Ensuring blood safety.
- **Research & Academia** – Furthering studies in diseases or teaching future lab techs.
### How to Succeed in MLS
- **Master Time Management**: The coursework is intense, so being organized is key.
- **Get Lab Experience**: Seek internships or part-time lab jobs to gain practical skills.
- **Get Certified**: Certification (e.g., ASCP) is often required by employers, so start preparing early.
- **Join Clubs**: Look for MLS or pre-health clubs to network and learn more.
You’re setting yourself up for a solid future, Elizabeth! Keep pushing forward with your studies and practical experience. If you stay focused, you’ll be well on your way to a rewarding career in medical diagnostics. Good luck! 🌟
### College Coursework for MLS
1. **First 2 Years (Core Science Focus):**
- **Biology & Microbiology** – Learn about cells, bacteria, viruses, and how they affect the body.
- **Chemistry (General & Organic)** – Get familiar with chemical reactions, lab techniques, and substances used in labs.
- **Anatomy & Physiology** – Understanding how the body works.
- **Medical Terminology** – You’re ahead of the game on this one!
2. **Last 2 Years (Specialized MLS Focus):**
- **Hematology** – Study of blood and its disorders.
- **Clinical Chemistry** – Running tests with blood and urine.
- **Microbiology & Immunology** – Identifying diseases and understanding immune responses.
- **Molecular Diagnostics** – DNA testing, genetic analysis.
- **Blood Banking** – Matching blood types.
- **Lab Management & Quality Control** – Learn how to maintain labs and ensure quality testing.
### Hands-on Experience
A big part of MLS programs is **clinical internships**. These are real-world experiences where you'll get to apply everything you've learned in hospitals, labs, or clinics. It’s key to getting your foot in the door for a future job.
### Career Opportunities After Graduation
With an MLS degree, you have a wide range of job options:
- **Hospital Labs** – Conducting diagnostic tests.
- **Public Health Labs** – Researching disease outbreaks.
- **Biotech/Pharmaceuticals** – Working in research or quality control.
- **Forensic Labs** – Assisting with criminal investigations.
- **Blood Banks** – Ensuring blood safety.
- **Research & Academia** – Furthering studies in diseases or teaching future lab techs.
### How to Succeed in MLS
- **Master Time Management**: The coursework is intense, so being organized is key.
- **Get Lab Experience**: Seek internships or part-time lab jobs to gain practical skills.
- **Get Certified**: Certification (e.g., ASCP) is often required by employers, so start preparing early.
- **Join Clubs**: Look for MLS or pre-health clubs to network and learn more.
You’re setting yourself up for a solid future, Elizabeth! Keep pushing forward with your studies and practical experience. If you stay focused, you’ll be well on your way to a rewarding career in medical diagnostics. Good luck! 🌟
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
911
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Elizabeth!
It’s awesome that you’re already preparing for a future in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) while still in high school! Taking AP Biology and Medical Terminology is a great start because MLS is a science-heavy field that requires strong biology, chemistry, and lab skills.
What to Expect in College for MLS
A Medical Laboratory Science degree is usually a 4-year program that includes both classroom coursework and hands-on clinical training. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll study:
1. Core Science Courses (First 2 Years)
- Biology & Microbiology – Understanding cells, bacteria, and viruses
- General & Organic Chemistry – Chemical reactions, lab techniques
- Anatomy & Physiology – How the human body functions
- Medical Terminology – (You’re already ahead here!)
2. Specialized MLS Courses (Last 2 Years)
- Hematology – Study of blood diseases
- Clinical Chemistry – Testing for diseases using blood and urine samples
- Microbiology & Immunology – Identifying bacteria, viruses, and immune responses
- Molecular Diagnostics – DNA testing and genetic analysis
- Blood Banking (Immunohematology) – Matching blood types for transfusions
- Lab Management & Quality Control – Running and maintaining a laboratory
Clinical Internships
Most MLS programs have a clinical rotation in a hospital or lab setting during your final year. This hands-on experience is crucial because it helps you apply what you’ve learned and build connections for future jobs.
Job Opportunities After Graduation
With an MLS degree, you can work in:
Hospital & Clinical Labs – Running medical tests for doctors and patients
Public Health Labs – Researching disease outbreaks and testing samples
Biotech & Pharmaceutical Companies – Working in research or quality control
Forensic Labs – Assisting in criminal investigations
Blood Banks – Ensuring safe blood transfusions
Research & Academia – Studying new diseases or teaching future lab techs
If you want to advance further, you could get a master’s degree in MLS, Molecular Biology, or even go to medical school or specialize in pathology.
How to Succeed in College & MLS Career
Master Time Management – MLS coursework can be tough, so stay organized!
Join Student Organizations – Look for MLS clubs or pre-health societies for networking.
Develop Strong Lab Skills – Pay attention to detail and follow protocols carefully.
Intern or Work in a Lab Early – Even a part-time lab job in college helps build experience.
Prepare for the ASCP Certification – Most employers prefer ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology) certification, so start preparing early.
You’re already setting yourself up for success by planning ahead! Keep pushing forward, and you’ll have a rewarding career in medical diagnostics, research, or healthcare.
Good luck on your journey!
It’s awesome that you’re already preparing for a future in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) while still in high school! Taking AP Biology and Medical Terminology is a great start because MLS is a science-heavy field that requires strong biology, chemistry, and lab skills.
What to Expect in College for MLS
A Medical Laboratory Science degree is usually a 4-year program that includes both classroom coursework and hands-on clinical training. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll study:
1. Core Science Courses (First 2 Years)
- Biology & Microbiology – Understanding cells, bacteria, and viruses
- General & Organic Chemistry – Chemical reactions, lab techniques
- Anatomy & Physiology – How the human body functions
- Medical Terminology – (You’re already ahead here!)
2. Specialized MLS Courses (Last 2 Years)
- Hematology – Study of blood diseases
- Clinical Chemistry – Testing for diseases using blood and urine samples
- Microbiology & Immunology – Identifying bacteria, viruses, and immune responses
- Molecular Diagnostics – DNA testing and genetic analysis
- Blood Banking (Immunohematology) – Matching blood types for transfusions
- Lab Management & Quality Control – Running and maintaining a laboratory
Clinical Internships
Most MLS programs have a clinical rotation in a hospital or lab setting during your final year. This hands-on experience is crucial because it helps you apply what you’ve learned and build connections for future jobs.
Job Opportunities After Graduation
With an MLS degree, you can work in:
Hospital & Clinical Labs – Running medical tests for doctors and patients
Public Health Labs – Researching disease outbreaks and testing samples
Biotech & Pharmaceutical Companies – Working in research or quality control
Forensic Labs – Assisting in criminal investigations
Blood Banks – Ensuring safe blood transfusions
Research & Academia – Studying new diseases or teaching future lab techs
If you want to advance further, you could get a master’s degree in MLS, Molecular Biology, or even go to medical school or specialize in pathology.
How to Succeed in College & MLS Career
Master Time Management – MLS coursework can be tough, so stay organized!
Join Student Organizations – Look for MLS clubs or pre-health societies for networking.
Develop Strong Lab Skills – Pay attention to detail and follow protocols carefully.
Intern or Work in a Lab Early – Even a part-time lab job in college helps build experience.
Prepare for the ASCP Certification – Most employers prefer ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology) certification, so start preparing early.
You’re already setting yourself up for success by planning ahead! Keep pushing forward, and you’ll have a rewarding career in medical diagnostics, research, or healthcare.
Good luck on your journey!
Kim Gravell
Retired Principal at Gravell Insights, LLC
154
Answers
Nipomo, California
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Hello Elizabeth,
You have been given some excellent advice and guidance already. As you are searching for the right college programs, you may want to consider those that offer opportunities to participate in hands on laboratory or research work while in school. The one I am most familiar with is the college of biological sciences,microbiology at Cal State Long Beach. Their approach is to incorporate as much hands on and real world laboratory science work as possible so their graduates are job ready when they graduate. At the same time, you may want to consider pursuing a certification as a phlebotomist when you are eligible. This will not only enable a skill you most likely will not gain in school, but will give you an advantage in applying for internships and ultimately hospital laboratory work.
I am thrilled to hear of your interests in clinical laboratory sciences. The healthcare industry needs people like you with the passion and commitment to this important work.
My very best to you on your journey.
You have been given some excellent advice and guidance already. As you are searching for the right college programs, you may want to consider those that offer opportunities to participate in hands on laboratory or research work while in school. The one I am most familiar with is the college of biological sciences,microbiology at Cal State Long Beach. Their approach is to incorporate as much hands on and real world laboratory science work as possible so their graduates are job ready when they graduate. At the same time, you may want to consider pursuing a certification as a phlebotomist when you are eligible. This will not only enable a skill you most likely will not gain in school, but will give you an advantage in applying for internships and ultimately hospital laboratory work.
I am thrilled to hear of your interests in clinical laboratory sciences. The healthcare industry needs people like you with the passion and commitment to this important work.
My very best to you on your journey.
Thanks for the advice.
Elizabeth
Courtney Chambers, MD., FACS
General Surgery
23
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Courtney’s Answer
I don't know that I can add to the fantastic responses already posted. I found this on the site of a prominent HealthCare system that is world renowned for caner treatment and research:
Career opportunities and outlook
Job growth and security are high for medical laboratory technicians and scientists. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is currently a shortage of medical lab technicians and scientists in many parts of the country which guarantees ample employment opportunities and sometimes higher salaries for graduates. With the volume of laboratory tests continuing to increase due to both population growth and the development of new types of tests, job opportunities are expected to increase faster than average with over 26,000 new positions expected to be available by 2030.
All the best!
Career opportunities and outlook
Job growth and security are high for medical laboratory technicians and scientists. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is currently a shortage of medical lab technicians and scientists in many parts of the country which guarantees ample employment opportunities and sometimes higher salaries for graduates. With the volume of laboratory tests continuing to increase due to both population growth and the development of new types of tests, job opportunities are expected to increase faster than average with over 26,000 new positions expected to be available by 2030.
All the best!
Thank you!
Elizabeth
Rafael Diaz Montelongo
Consultant
395
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Rafael’s Answer
Hi Elizabeth,
Awesome that you are diving into Medical Laboratory Science! Get ready for courses like clinical chemistry and microbiology, plus hands-on lab work that will have you mastering diagnostic gear. I advise to keep your study game strong and manage your time well—study groups can be helpful. Look for internships and clinical rotations for real-world experience and networking, which might even lead to job offers. Maybe think about getting certified with ASCP for that extra edge. Jobs are solid in hospitals, labs, and research centers, and the field's known for good stability and pay. Stay curious, keep learning with workshops, and connect with professionals in the the field like ASCLS. Most important—enjoy the journey!
Awesome that you are diving into Medical Laboratory Science! Get ready for courses like clinical chemistry and microbiology, plus hands-on lab work that will have you mastering diagnostic gear. I advise to keep your study game strong and manage your time well—study groups can be helpful. Look for internships and clinical rotations for real-world experience and networking, which might even lead to job offers. Maybe think about getting certified with ASCP for that extra edge. Jobs are solid in hospitals, labs, and research centers, and the field's known for good stability and pay. Stay curious, keep learning with workshops, and connect with professionals in the the field like ASCLS. Most important—enjoy the journey!
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