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Chloe
Student
Huntingtown, Maryland
2
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MLS/MLT Differentiation & Path
I have a BS in Microbiology and want to become a Medical Laboratory Scientist, but I'm struggling to figure out the right path. Do I need to earn an associate degree first, or can I qualify by gaining clinical hours? When I try to research online, I find so many different options that it feels overwhelming. Since I already have a microbiology degree but no clinical experience or certifications, I'm unsure of the best next steps.
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Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1334
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Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Chloe, future Medical Lab Wizard, welcome to the world of endless pipettes, mysterious samples, and the power to diagnose diseases like a science superhero because that's what this is gonna be. 😁
MLS vs. MLT
Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) is Fancy title, more responsibilities, higher pay, bachelor’s degree required.
Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) is More hands-on, associate degree level, can transition to MLS later.
Since you already have a BS in Microbiology, basically—no need for an associate’s degree. You just need the right certification + clinical experience to level up.
Path to MLS Greatness (No Extra BS—Except Your Bachelor’s Degree)
1. Get Certified
The ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology) is the big one. You’ll want ASCP’s MLS certification (MLS-BC) to be super official.
Some states have their own rules (California, New York), unless you don't plan to move.
2. Complete a Clinical Program (If Required)
Some people can qualify via work experience, but since you’re fresh to the lab world, you’ll likely need a NAACLS-accredited MLS program.
These are usually 1-year post-bachelor’s programs where you get hands-on clinical training. Think of it as a science internship, but cooler.
3. Find a Lab That’ll Train You
Some hospitals offer on-the-job training programs (especially if they’re desperate for lab staff).
If you can land a lab tech job while working toward your MLS certification, even better.
What to Do Now (So. The Game Plan)
Check out MLS programs that accept BS grads (search NAACLS-accredited ones).
Look into ASCP certification requirements based on your location.
Apply to hospital labs for entry-level jobs—some will train you while you work.
Don’t panic. You’re already ahead—just need a few more steps to lab domination that's it. 😊
Honestly—this stuff is confusing (welcome to the healthcare world, where every job has 17 acronyms). But you got this! You’ve already tackled microbiology, so handling blood tests and bacterial cultures is gonna be Easy. In no time, you’ll be running lab tests like a pro, rocking that white coat, and casually saving lives with your diagnostic skills.
You’re one pipette away from greatness, Chloe. Go crush it, I believe in you!
MLS vs. MLT
Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) is Fancy title, more responsibilities, higher pay, bachelor’s degree required.
Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) is More hands-on, associate degree level, can transition to MLS later.
Since you already have a BS in Microbiology, basically—no need for an associate’s degree. You just need the right certification + clinical experience to level up.
Path to MLS Greatness (No Extra BS—Except Your Bachelor’s Degree)
1. Get Certified
The ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology) is the big one. You’ll want ASCP’s MLS certification (MLS-BC) to be super official.
Some states have their own rules (California, New York), unless you don't plan to move.
2. Complete a Clinical Program (If Required)
Some people can qualify via work experience, but since you’re fresh to the lab world, you’ll likely need a NAACLS-accredited MLS program.
These are usually 1-year post-bachelor’s programs where you get hands-on clinical training. Think of it as a science internship, but cooler.
3. Find a Lab That’ll Train You
Some hospitals offer on-the-job training programs (especially if they’re desperate for lab staff).
If you can land a lab tech job while working toward your MLS certification, even better.
What to Do Now (So. The Game Plan)
Check out MLS programs that accept BS grads (search NAACLS-accredited ones).
Look into ASCP certification requirements based on your location.
Apply to hospital labs for entry-level jobs—some will train you while you work.
Don’t panic. You’re already ahead—just need a few more steps to lab domination that's it. 😊
Honestly—this stuff is confusing (welcome to the healthcare world, where every job has 17 acronyms). But you got this! You’ve already tackled microbiology, so handling blood tests and bacterial cultures is gonna be Easy. In no time, you’ll be running lab tests like a pro, rocking that white coat, and casually saving lives with your diagnostic skills.
You’re one pipette away from greatness, Chloe. Go crush it, I believe in you!
Mars Smith
Facilitated Enrollment Representative Marketplace Sales
9
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Mars’s Answer
You’re in a great position to become a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) since you already have a BS in Microbiology! Here’s a clear breakdown of your options and the differences between MLS and MLT to help you move forward:
MLS vs. MLT: What's the Difference?
Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS/MT/CLS)
Requires a bachelor’s degree (which you already have).
Performs complex lab testing, quality control, and may supervise MLTs.
Higher salary and more career growth potential.
Certification: ASCP MLS (American Society for Clinical Pathology – Medical Laboratory Scientist).
Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)
Requires an associate degree (which you don’t need since you already have a BS).
Works under MLS supervision and focuses on routine lab work.
Certification: ASCP MLT (Medical Laboratory Technician).
Since you have a BS in Microbiology, you do not need to get an associate degree. Instead, your goal should be to qualify for the ASCP MLS certification through the right training path.
Path to Becoming an MLS with a Microbiology Degree
Since you don’t have clinical experience yet, you have two main options to qualify for the ASCP MLS exam:
Option 1: Complete a NAACLS-Accredited MLS Program (Fastest & Most Direct)
Many universities offer a 1-year post-baccalaureate MLS/CLS program with clinical rotations.
After completing the program, you qualify for the ASCP MLS certification exam.
Example programs:
University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) – MLS Program
Texas State University – CLS Program
UT Health San Antonio – MLS Program
(Check for NAACLS-accredited programs near you)
Option 2: Gain Clinical Experience and Qualify Through ASCP’s Route 3
The ASCP Route 3 allows you to qualify with a microbiology degree + 1 year of clinical experience in a lab.
To do this, you’d need to find a hospital, research lab, or diagnostic lab willing to hire you as a lab tech and train you.
After completing one year of full-time experience, you can apply for the ASCP MLS exam.
Which Path is Best for You?
If you want a structured program and guaranteed eligibility → Do a 1-year NAACLS-accredited MLS program.
If you can get hired in a lab willing to train you → Work for 1 year in a clinical lab and apply via ASCP Route 3.
Would you like help finding MLS programs near you or lab job openings to gain experience? Let me know how you’d like to proceed!
MLS vs. MLT: What's the Difference?
Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS/MT/CLS)
Requires a bachelor’s degree (which you already have).
Performs complex lab testing, quality control, and may supervise MLTs.
Higher salary and more career growth potential.
Certification: ASCP MLS (American Society for Clinical Pathology – Medical Laboratory Scientist).
Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)
Requires an associate degree (which you don’t need since you already have a BS).
Works under MLS supervision and focuses on routine lab work.
Certification: ASCP MLT (Medical Laboratory Technician).
Since you have a BS in Microbiology, you do not need to get an associate degree. Instead, your goal should be to qualify for the ASCP MLS certification through the right training path.
Path to Becoming an MLS with a Microbiology Degree
Since you don’t have clinical experience yet, you have two main options to qualify for the ASCP MLS exam:
Option 1: Complete a NAACLS-Accredited MLS Program (Fastest & Most Direct)
Many universities offer a 1-year post-baccalaureate MLS/CLS program with clinical rotations.
After completing the program, you qualify for the ASCP MLS certification exam.
Example programs:
University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) – MLS Program
Texas State University – CLS Program
UT Health San Antonio – MLS Program
(Check for NAACLS-accredited programs near you)
Option 2: Gain Clinical Experience and Qualify Through ASCP’s Route 3
The ASCP Route 3 allows you to qualify with a microbiology degree + 1 year of clinical experience in a lab.
To do this, you’d need to find a hospital, research lab, or diagnostic lab willing to hire you as a lab tech and train you.
After completing one year of full-time experience, you can apply for the ASCP MLS exam.
Which Path is Best for You?
If you want a structured program and guaranteed eligibility → Do a 1-year NAACLS-accredited MLS program.
If you can get hired in a lab willing to train you → Work for 1 year in a clinical lab and apply via ASCP Route 3.
Would you like help finding MLS programs near you or lab job openings to gain experience? Let me know how you’d like to proceed!
This was super helpful, thank you!
Chloe