A medical laboratory scientist is a healthcare professional who analyzes blood, tissue, and other patient samples in the laboratory to help diagnose, monitor, and treat disease.

What does a medical laboratory scientist do? 

Medical laboratory scientists perform diagnostic testing and analyze laboratory results to support patient care.  Typical responsibilities include: 

• Conducting laboratory tests on blood, tissue and other specimens
• Analyzing test results to detect abnormalities or disease
• Operating and maintaining complex laboratory equipment
• Ensuring accuracy and quality of laboratory data
• Following safety and regulatory protocols
• Collaborating with physicians and healthcare teams
• Managing laboratory documentation and reporting results
• Troubleshooting equipment and testing issues 

Day-in-the-life of a medical laboratory scientist 

A typical day may include performing laboratory tests, analyzing results, and maintaining equipment. Medical laboratory scientists often work in hospital laboratories or diagnostic labs and may rotate through different specialty areas such as hematology, microbiology, or chemistry. Work schedules can vary and may include evenings, weekends, or holidays.

What education is required to become a medical laboratory scientist? 

Medical laboratory scientists complete formal education and clinical training in laboratory sciences. Because requirements can vary, there are multiple pathways into the field. A typical pathway includes: 

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree
2. Complete an accredited medical laboratory science program
3. Take a national certification exam, such as one offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification to become credentialed as medical laboratory scientists, or MLS(ASCP)^CM

How long does it take to become a medical laboratory scientist? 

The timeline depends on the education and training pathway. Typical timeline: 

• Education: About 4 years
• Clinical training: Included in degree or program
• Total typical time: Approximately 4 years 

What skills are important for a medical laboratory scientist? 

Medical laboratory scientists need strong analytical, technical, and problem-solving skills to ensure accurate testing and results. 

Technical skills 

• Laboratory testing and analysis techniques  
• Operation of complex diagnostic equipment  
• Knowledge of biology, chemistry and microbiology  
• Data analysis and interpretation  
• Quality control and laboratory safety

Interpersonal skills 

• Attention to detail  
• Critical thinking  
• Communication with healthcare teams  
• Organization and time management  
• Ability to work independently

Where do medical laboratory scientist professionals work? 

Medical laboratory scientists work in a variety of healthcare and laboratory settings, including: 

• Hospitals  
• Diagnostic laboratories  
• Clinics  
• Research facilities  
• Public health laboratories  
• Pharmaceutical laboratories 

Medical laboratory scientist programs at Mayo Clinic 

Mayo Clinic offers a Medical Laboratory Science Program that prepares students for careers in laboratory medicine. 

• Program name: Medical Laboratory Science Program
• Location: Rochester, Minnesota; Jacksonville, Florida; and Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona 
• Length: 10.5 months
• Accreditation: Accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) 
• Clinical exposure: Hands-on experience across multiple laboratory disciplines, including hematology, microbiology, and chemistry  

Mayo Clinic also offers several medical laboratory science clinical rotations to further your education: 

• Medical Laboratory Science Clinical Rotation (Arizona)
• Medical Laboratory Science Clinical Rotation (Florida)
• Medical Laboratory Technician Clinical Rotation (Florida)

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