What Can You Do With a Medical Laboratory Science Degree?

Introduction

A medical laboratory science degree is a great way to get into the healthcare field. This type of degree prepares individuals for a variety of roles in the medical field, including clinical and research lab technicians, diagnostic testing specialists, and medical and healthcare educators. With a medical laboratory science degree, you can find employment in a variety of settings, from hospitals and clinics to universities and research labs. In this article, we’ll explore what you can do with a medical laboratory science degree, including job opportunities, continuing education options, and more.

Exploring Career Opportunities for Medical Laboratory Science Degree Holders

With a medical laboratory science degree, you can pursue a number of different career options. Clinical lab technicians are responsible for performing tests on patient specimens and analyzing the results. They may also be involved in preparing samples for analysis and documenting the results of their tests. Research lab technicians work in laboratories conducting experiments and analyzing data to support medical research studies. Diagnostic testing specialists use sophisticated equipment to diagnose illnesses and diseases. They may also be involved in developing new diagnostic tests and procedures.

Medical and healthcare educators are responsible for teaching students about medical practices and procedures. They may also be involved in developing training materials and providing instruction in the classroom or online. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical and health services managers is projected to grow 18 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations.

Using Your Degree to Advance in the Medical Field

With a medical laboratory science degree, you can use your knowledge and skills to advance in the medical field. To qualify for advanced positions such as medical and health services manager or healthcare administrator, you will need to have a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as healthcare administration or public health. Additionally, many employers prefer candidates who have experience in the medical field. Continuing education opportunities, such as professional certifications, can also help you stand out from other applicants and demonstrate your commitment to the profession.

Working in a Clinical or Research Lab Setting

If you decide to pursue a career as a clinical or research lab technician, it’s important to understand the different types of laboratories and their roles in the healthcare system. Clinical laboratories are typically found in hospitals and clinics, where they analyze patient specimens to diagnose illnesses or diseases. Research laboratories are often located in universities or private companies, and they conduct experiments and analyze data to support medical research studies. As a lab technician, you would be responsible for preparing samples for analysis, operating specialized equipment, and accurately recording and interpreting results.

Making an Impact in Healthcare Through Diagnostic Testing

Diagnostic testing is an important part of the healthcare system, as it helps physicians identify and treat illnesses and diseases. As a diagnostic testing specialist, you would be responsible for utilizing advanced technology to perform tests that detect, diagnose, and monitor a variety of medical conditions. You would also be responsible for maintaining the accuracy of test results and ensuring the safety of patients and staff members. By using your knowledge and skills to improve patient care, you can make a positive impact in the healthcare industry.

Pursuing Graduate Studies in Medical Laboratory Science

If you want to further your career in the medical field, you may want to consider pursuing a graduate degree in medical laboratory science. There are a variety of degrees and certificates available, including master’s degrees and doctorates. Many programs offer specializations in areas such as clinical chemistry, medical microbiology, and pathology. To apply to a graduate program, you will need to have a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as biology or chemistry, and meet any additional requirements set by the school.

Conclusion

A medical laboratory science degree can open up a wide range of career opportunities in the healthcare industry. From clinical and research lab technicians to diagnostic testing specialists and medical educators, there are a variety of roles that you can pursue with this degree. With the right qualifications and experience, you can also use your degree to advance in the medical field. Whether you choose to pursue a career in a lab setting or specialize in diagnostic testing, a medical laboratory science degree can provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to make an impact in the healthcare industry.