What is a Medical Laboratory Scientist?

A Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) is a critical member of a patient’s medical team. An MLS performs most of the laboratory tests on biological samples that have been collected in healthcare settings, as well as analyzes and processes the results of these tests. 

Research suggests that between 60 to 70% of all clinical decisions, including diagnoses and treatments, depend upon the results of these tests, making this an essential job for public health. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 14 billion laboratory tests are ordered every year.

These medical professionals work predominantly in the laboratory but interact closely with many different healthcare providers, including physicians and nurses, providing key data that helps these providers deliver the best care to patients.

Though medical laboratory scientists are similar to medical laboratory technicians, the former tends to have a higher level of education and can perform more complex laboratory tests and procedures without the need of a supervisor.

People in this job should have:

• Attention to detail, as they are performing complex laboratory procedures and analyses
• Strong communication skills
• Ethical behavior, as honesty, and integrity as they deal with sensitive medical information daily
• High problem-solving skills
• Manual dexterity skills, as their work often involves detailed hand-eye coordination
  

What does a Medical Laboratory Scientist do?

Medical Laboratory Scientists run many kinds of tests in such areas as blood banking, chemistry, hematology, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, and/or urinalysis, providing needed information for diagnosis and treatment of disease.

More specifically, these MLS tasks can include:

• Performing chemical analyses of body fluids
• Analyzing laboratory findings
• Assessing blood samples for cell numbers, types, or blood group compatibility
• Diagnosing infections through microbiologic cultures and other methods
• Recording medical test data into patients’ medical records
• Operating, calibrating, and/or maintaining equipment such as spectrophotometers, flame photometers, microscopes, and automated cell counters

You’ll find medical laboratory scientists in numerous healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or public health laboratories, but also in the pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology companies, and research institutions. 

Since many labs run 24 hours per day, every day, many MLS can set a flexible schedule.

How to become a Medical Laboratory Scientist 

Medical laboratory scientists typically complete a four-year bachelor’s degree in medical technology or another life science, such as biology or chemistry. Many MLS programs will include hands-on laboratory skills and training in a clinical setting.

Additionally, most MLS complete a four- to 12-month clinical laboratory program or internship through a hospital or university program.

Lastly, it’s necessary to obtain a national certification as a MLS through organizations such as the ASCP Board of Certification (ASCP BOC).

How much does a Medical Laboratory Scientist make?

The mean wage for a Medical Laboratory Scientist is $63,728.26, but the salary increases if MLS professionals take on higher positions. (Source: ASCP Wage Survey)

• MLS Lead/Coordinator earns around $74,289.96
• Supervisor/Technical Supervisor earns around $85,501.95
• MLS Manager earns around $94,932.95
• MLS Director earns around $111,148.39

These wages do vary by state, with states like California offering the highest hourly rate of $55.11 and Mississippi offering the lowest, at $27.11, though the cost of living also varies greatly in these places.