About the Profession
Graduates of this program will be able to work as Medical Laboratory Scientists (also known as Medical Technologists or Clinical Laboratory Scientists). Upon successful completion of this program, students will be prepared for employment in traditional clinical laboratory settings such as hospital, clinic, reference, specialty (genetics, reproductive, toxicology, transplant services, et.), and state/federal laboratories. Related laboratory settings include research, pharmaceutical, veterinary, forensics, environmental, industrial, and food testing laboratories. Graduates may also work in related areas such as infection prevention and control, environmental health and safety, quality control and assurance in various industries (e.g., food, beverage, chemical plants, milling, plastics), laboratory consultation, sales (laboratory, medical, or pharmaceutical), and within the diagnostics industry as a technical specialist or field service engineer. For students planning to further their education by going to graduate school for a science or healthcare-related degree, or becoming a Physician Associate, or going to Medical School, a BS in Medical Laboratory Sciences is an excellent undergraduate degree and provides a strong foundation of science knowledge. Masters and Doctorate level degrees are also available in the field of Medical Laboratory Sciences as well.
A medical laboratory professional performs, develops, evaluates, correlates and assures the accuracy and validity of laboratory information; directs and supervises clinical laboratory resources and operations; and collaborates in diagnosis and treatment of patients. As part of the laboratory testing research, development, or performance process, they perform multiple functions that include analysis and clinical decision making, information management, regulatory compliance, education, and quality assurance/performance improvement.
The medical professionals carry out tests independently and collaboratively, each being responsible for their own actions. They possess the knowledge and skills necessary to educate laboratory professionals, others in the health care field, and the general public.