Medical Laboratory Research

A medical laboratory scientist (MLS), also known as a medical technologist or clinical laboratory scientist, works to analyze a variety of biological specimens. They are responsible for performing scientific testing on samples and reporting results to physicians.

Medical laboratory scientists perform complex tests on patient samples using sophisticated equipment like microscopes. The data they find plays an important role in identifying and treating cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and other medical conditions. It is estimated 60 to 70 percent of all decisions regarding a patient’s diagnosis, treatment, hospital admission, and discharge are based on the results of the tests medical laboratory scientists perform.
Scope of practice

Medical laboratory scientists collaborate very closely with physicians and medical laboratory technicians in diagnosing and monitoring disease processes, as well as monitoring the effectiveness of therapy. Areas of medical laboratory training include microbiology, chemistry, hematology, immunology, transfusion medicine, toxicology, and molecular diagnostics.

Medical laboratory scientists have a wide variety of responsibilities and duties, including:

Examining and analyzing blood, body fluids, tissues, and cells
Relaying test results to physicians
Utilizing microscopes, cell counters, and other high-precision lab equipment
Cross matching blood for transfusion
Monitoring patient outcomes
Performing differential cell counts looking for abnormal cells to aid in the diagnosis of anemia and leukemia
Establishing quality assurance programs to monitor and ensure the accuracy of test results
Overseeing the work of a medical laboratory technician

While similar, there are a few key differences between a medical lab scientist and a medical lab technician. They both work in the lab and perform tests on biological samples, however, a medical lab scientist typically has more education and is able to perform more involved lab work. A medical lab technician performs more of the routine lab work and is often supervised by a medical lab scientist.
Medical laboratory scientist vs. medical laboratory assistant:  A medical laboratory assistant is a subgroup of medical laboratory technician. They are responsible for preparing biological specimens, recording information, and perform more of the lab maintenance tasks such as cleaning equipment and stocking supplies. A medical laboratory scientist will work with a medical laboratory assistant by analyzing their prepared specimens and relaying information for them to record.

Medical lab scientists work in hospitals, clinics, forensic or public health laboratories, as well as pharmaceutical industries, biotechnology companies, veterinary clinics, or research institutions. Depending on the setting, their work hours may vary; but typically labs are run 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This allows for flexibility in scheduling.

Medical laboratory scientists spend the majority of their time on their feet, analyzing test results in the lab.

Successful medical lab scientists are effective communicators with a sound intellect and interest in science and technology. Excellent eye-hand coordination, dexterity, and visual acuity are important to skillfully perform and analyze tests.

Individuals that love science and research, but prefer to have little-to-no interaction with patients, would be a good fit for the medical laboratory scientist career.

After obtaining a high school diploma (or the equivalent), most will go on to obtain some level of higher education and training in order to become a medical laboratory scientist.

Common higher education requirements for medical laboratory scientist jobs include:

Completing a bachelor’s degree in medical technology or clinical laboratory science. A bachelor’s degree in a science or health related field (e.g. chemistry or microbiology) may also be considered.
Completing a clinical laboratory program or internship through a hospital-based program or as part of their education
National certification as a medical technologist (MT), clinical laboratory scientist (CLS), or medical laboratory scientist (MLS)
Previous experience in a health care setting

Certification and licensing

Most employers require medical laboratory scientists to obtain certification through an accrediting body, such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification (BOC). After passing the credentialing exam, medical laboratory scientists (MLS) can practice under the credentials of MLS(ASCP)CM.  Licensure by state may also be required.

Local Post-Bacc Certification Programs:
Metropolitan State University of Denver Colorado Center for Medical Laboratory Science
https://www.msudenver.edu/medical-laboratory-science/
The Colorado Center for Medical Laboratory Science, a program of Metropolitan State University of Denver, offers post BS-level professional education in Medical Laboratory Science.  Medical Laboratory Science, also known as medical technology or clinical laboratory science, is a nationally recognized allied health field. Those with bachelor degrees in biology, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, chemistry and other related academic programs are well-prepared to enter this post-BS health career pathway.
Information Sessions for their MLS program:
https://www.msudenver.edu/medical-laboratory-science/#online-information-sessions

Minimum requirements for the MSU Denver program:  https://www.msudenver.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Minimum-App-Requirements_4-22.pdf