About the Medical Laboratory Sciences Profession

Medical laboratory scientists are highly educated professionals involved in all aspects of clinical laboratory testing. Beyond performing various important tests, they interpret data, analyze results, develop new procedures, manage information, and communicate with health care teams.

They perform the following types of tasks:

• Culture and identify bacteria
• Microscopically differentiate cells, microorganisms, and crystals
• Operate complex instruments to analyze blood for normal, abnormal, and malignant elements
• Determine drug levels for treatment assessment and drug abuse detection
• Prepare blood for transfusion
• Evaluate the chemical, cellular, and immune composition of body fluids
• Operate sophisticated computerized instruments
• Manage data, inventory, and quality assurance

Medical laboratory scientists work in each of the major areas of the laboratory:

• Blood banking
• Chemistry
• Hematology
• Immunology
• Microbiology

In industry, they develop, market, and sell products, conduct research, and monitor quality assurance. They can also advance to roles in management, consulting, specialization, or teaching.

Graduates of the UAMS Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science Program are in high demand for clinical laboratory roles. As the oldest medical laboratory training program in the United States, UAMS graduates are renowned for their technical excellence and professionalism. Our dedicated faculty offers unparalleled individualized attention to students.

Job opportunities for medical laboratory scientists are excellent. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a need for nearly 10,000 new clinical laboratory scientists each year. Jobs are available in Arkansas and nationwide. There is a critical shortage of clinical laboratory personnel, which is expected to become more acute soon. 

Medical laboratory scientists can work in the following settings:

• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Public health, research and private laboratories
• Companies manufacturing lab analysis systems, supplies, equipment or media
• State or national crime laboratories
• Physician office laboratories
• Paternity testing laboratories
• Biotechnology, food, and cosmetic industries

The outlook for medical laboratory scientists is strong, with significant growth expected due to increasing diagnostic testing demand and technological advancements. As health care expands, especially in personalized medicine, genetics and infectious disease testing, the need for skilled professionals is critical. An aging population and public health challenges further drive this demand.

Employment in this field is projected to grow faster than average for all occupations. The field offers various career paths, from specialized roles to leadership and research positions, providing opportunities for professional development. As technology evolves, medical laboratory scientists will implement new diagnostic techniques, ensuring quality and reliability in lab results.

In 2023, the average salary for staff medical laboratory scientists in the U.S. was around $76,000, with an hourly rate over $37. Salaries vary by location and department, with higher pay for evening or night shifts. Technical supervisors, managers and directors also earn higher salaries.

• Medical laboratory science is a rewarding and exciting career.
• Flexible and stable jobs as medical laboratory scientists are readily available.
• Medical laboratory science is a helping profession that involves less direct patient care than nursing and fewer years of education than medical school.
• Medical laboratory science is ideal for students who love biology or chemistry.
• Medical laboratory scientists enjoy analysis, problem-solving, accuracy and attention to detail.
• A bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science is an excellent option for those preparing for medical school, dental school, pharmacy school or an advanced degree in biology, microbiology or chemistry.

Prospective students can learn more about the medical laboratory sciences profession by visiting any of the following resources:

• American Society for Clinical Pathology
• American Society for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics