Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)

Also see a sample 4-year plan.

    Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS) analyze patient samples (blood, urine, tissue, etc.) using sophisticated instruments and techniques to help diagnose, monitor, and treat disease. The key duties of the profession include:

    • Performing tests in hematology, microbiology, immunology, chemistry, molecular biology, and blood banking
    • Operating and maintaining complex lab equipment
    • Ensuring accuracy and quality control of test results
    • Communicating critical lab findings to physicians

    The common working settings for an MLS are:

    • Hospitals
    • Public health labs
    • Diagnostic labs (e.g., LabCorp, Quest)
    • Research and academic labs
    • Biotechnology companies
    • Blood banks and transfusion centers

    To become an MLS, one needs to:

    • Complete an accredited bachelor’s degree in MLS or related science and its required courses
    • Gain clinical experience through an accredited MLS program or internship
    • Sit for the national certification exam - ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) exam to become a certified Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS[ASCP]). Website: https://www.ascp.org/content/board-of-certification#
    • Obtain state licensure (if required) - Some states require licensure in addition to certification. These include: California, Florida, New York, Tennessee, Nevada, and Hawaii. Licensure requirements vary — check your state’s Department of Health website
    • Maintain certification with continuing education

    Median Salary (2023): $63,000–$70,000 per year
    Job Growth: 7–10% over the next decade (faster than average)
    High Demand: Especially in rural areas, public health, and high-complexity labs

    Professional Certifications:

    • MLS(ASCP) – Medical Laboratory Scientist (most common and widely accepted)
    • MT(AMT) – Medical Technologist, through American Medical Technologists
    • M(ASCP) – Specialty in microbiology
    • BB(ASCP) – Specialty in blood banking

    There are two main educational routes:

    1. Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Laboratory Science: Enroll in a 4-year NAACLS-accredited MLS program that includes both didactic coursework and a clinical practicum (internship). The department of Biology at Winthrop offers a dual degree program where you, in four years, graduate with a Bachelor in Biology and MLS. You take courses at Winthrop for 3 years and your senior year is done at Carolina College in Charlotte, NC. At graduation, you’re eligible to sit for the ASCP exam.
    2. Bachelor’s in a Science Major + Post-Baccalaureate Certificate: Earn a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, microbiology, or similar. Complete a 1-year NAACLS-accredited post-baccalaureate certificate in MLS. Then sit for the ASCP exam.

    If you are interested in exploring the profession:

    • Talk with advisors or professionals to understand work environments and career paths (e.g., hospital labs, research, public health labs)
    • Shadow a clinical laboratory scientist or visit a hospital laboratory

    Courses:

    • Biology: General Biology I & II, Microbiology, Immunology
    • Chemistry: General Chemistry I & II, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry
    • Math: College Algebra, Statistics
    • Other: Anatomy & Physiology (sometimes), Molecular Biology (preferred), Physics (sometimes)

    Tip: Check prerequisites of specific MLS programs early on — they can vary.

    GPA:

    • GPA cutoff: Usually 2.5–3.0 minimum
    • Prerequisite courses completed with a C or better

    Gaining clinical or laboratory experience is highly recommended. Suggested activities include:

    • Volunteer or work in hospital labs, blood banks, or research labs
    • Gain familiarity with lab equipment, safety protocols, and data handling

    Experience strengthens your application and confirms your interest in the field.

    MLS programs (bachelor’s or post-baccalaureate certificate) include 5–12 months of clinical rotations in areas such as:

    • Hematology
    • Clinical Chemistry
    • Microbiology
    • Immunohematology (Blood Banking)
    • Molecular Diagnostics

    Additional Admissions Requirements:

    • Letters of recommendation
    • Personal statement
    • Background check and health clearance

    Find accredited programs through the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS): https://naacls.org