How to Become a Clinical Lab Scientist in 5 Steps
Discover what it takes to become a clinical lab scientist and get a 5-step guide to becoming one. Learn about medical laboratory scientist education, how to obtain a cls license, cls certification options, and what a clinical lab scientist job is like.
What Is a Clinical Lab Scientist?
A clinical lab scientist, also known as a clinical lab technologist or medical laboratory scientist, is someone who analyzes human cells and body fluids, such as tissue samples, blood, and urine. They typically do this to assist physicians in diagnosing and treating patients.
<h2 id="section---HowToBecomeAClinicalLabScientist">How to Become a Clinical Lab Scientist</h2><p>Following is an overview of clinical lab scientist job information and a 5-step guide to becoming one.
</p><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td><b>Job Title</b></td><td> Clinical Lab Scientist</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Education</b></td><td> Bachelor's degree in medical technology, clinical lab science, or biological science</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>License</b></td><td> Required in some states</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Certification</b></td><td> Required in some states, preferred by many employers; sometimes required to receive license; general and specialty certification available</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Average Salary (2021)**</b></td><td> $69,394</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2020-2030)*</b></td><td> 11% (for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; **PayScale.com</i>
</p><h3 id="section---Step1.ExploreAssociateSDegrees">Step 1. Explore Associate's Degrees</h3><p>The appropriate associate's degree program can prepare an individual for a future as a clinical lab scientist. An associate's degree in clinical laboratory science or medical laboratory technology courses in foundational science, math, and clinical lab operations. Some programs also prepare students to sit for the Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLT) certification exam from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). Upon graduation, students can transfer to a bachelor's program or begin work as a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Medical_Technician_5_Steps_to_Becoming_a_Certified_Medical_Tech.html">certified medical technician</a>. Medical technicians usually work under the supervision of lab scientists, so this can be another great way to find out if a career as a clinical lab scientist is the right fit.
</p><h3 id="section---Step2.PursueABachelorSDegree">Step 2. Pursue a Bachelor's Degree</h3><p>Clinical lab scientists need a bachelor's degree in medical laboratory technology or science, clinical laboratory science, or biological science. It is a good idea to make sure a program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) because many credentialing boards require candidates to have completed an accredited program. These degree programs combine classroom instruction with laboratory experience so students can gain hands-on training. Courses in chemistry, math, biology, and microbiology are common.
</p><h3 id="section---Step3.ObtainCLSCertification">Step 3. Obtain CLS Certification</h3><p>Clinical lab scientist certification is not required in all states, but many employers require or prefer it, and some states will require certification to obtain a license. The ASCP is the industry standard certification board and offers general and specialty credentials. <a href="https://learn.org/articles/How_to_Earn_a_Medical_Technologist_Certification_Online.html">Certification as a medical laboratory scientist</a>, blood banking specialist, and cytotechnology specialist are just a few of the options that can be beneficial to one's career.
</p><h3 id="section---Step4.ObtainCLSLicense">Step 4. Obtain CLS License</h3><p>Some states require a clinical laboratory scientist license for those entering the workforce. A state's department of health or board of occupational licensing can be a good place to start. Some areas may require certification first.
</p><h3 id="section---Step5.ApplyForClinicalLabScientistJobs">Step 5. Apply for Clinical Lab Scientist Jobs</h3><p>Clinical laboratory scientists most commonly work in medical and surgical hospitals, but independent medical laboratories are often employers as well. They spend their days researching, testing, and analyzing various samples to assist physicians. Scientists usually perform more detailed experiments than technicians, who are typically there to assist them and perform routine experiments.
</p><p>Clinical lab scientists have the option of working in a specialty, such as blood bank technology, cytotechnology, or immunology. They work with various types of lab equipment and technology, may prepare specimens for analysis, and usually lead or manage a team of technicians. Much of their work is unsupervised, so they have to keep detailed records of their work and findings.</p>