Are you a person who pays attention to the details and takes a meticulous approach to note-taking? Do you enjoy multitasking, order, and routine? Are you interested in a healthcare career?
If you answered yes, you should strongly consider earning a Bachelor’s in Medical Lab Science (MLS). Especially over the last few years, the medical laboratory science field has seen significant growth, leading to high job potential and security levels.
But what makes this degree worth it? This article will answer that question and explain what students expect from a medical lab science degree program.
What is a Medical Lab Science Degree?
A Bachelor’s in Medical Laboratory Science is a degree that prepares students for an essential career as laboratory scientists, where they will support medical professionals by performing complex clinical testing with sophisticated equipment to detect the presence or absence of disease.
Students earning this degree strengthen their ability to multitask, work productively on a team, and understand the importance of prompt feedback and clear communication.
Medical Lab Science Coursework
Students enrolled in accredited medical lab science degree programs approved by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) take biology, biological science, chemistry, immunology, and math courses.
Throughout these courses, students train to become an essential part of a patient care team that explores why things happen in the body and what causes disease.
Medical Lab Science degree programs, like University of Bridgeport, also offer and require students to fulfill supervised clinical work opportunities in hospital laboratories.
In-depth and challenging coursework and practical, hands-on clinical experience prepare graduates with the skills and knowledge to detect, diagnose, and prevent disease in this meaningful career.
What Can I Do With a Medical Lab Science Degree?
A medical lab science degree can open graduates to various career paths and career advancement opportunities.
Those with this degree can pursue specialized roles that require more advanced knowledge and experience and come up with higher salaries and responsibilities, such as clinical laboratory manager, veterinary lab technician, or forensic scientist.
Some careers graduates may explore include:
1. Clinical Laboratory Manager
Clinical laboratory managers and technicians oversee and perform medical laboratory tests to diagnose, treat, and prevent disease.
People in this position typically find work in medical settings, such as clinics, hospitals, medical and diagnostic laboratories, doctor’s offices, or public health facilities.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), clinical laboratory technologists earn a median annual wage of $57,800 and have a projected growth rate of seven percent by 2031.
2. Veterinary Lab Technician
Veterinary lab technicians are hired by veterinary clinics to perform specialized tests due to the variety of patients they see. These professionals assist veterinarians by taking samples, conducting tests, and writing reports to help diagnose animals’ injuries and illnesses.
They have a much faster than average projected growth rate, at twenty percent growth by 2031, with about 15,500 openings projected yearly.
3. Forensic Scientist
Forensic scientists process the test results utilized in police work and court cases. In addition, they perform tests on bodily fluids to determine levels of intoxication, DNA analysis, and other biological markets.
Additionally, these professionals will often appear and testify in court to answer questions about the testing process or lab results.
Forensic scientists earn a median annual salary of $61,930 and have a much faster-than-average job growth rate of eleven percent by 2031.
Learn more about your career possibilities with a bachelor’s in Medical Laboratory Science from UB!
Who is a Good Fit for a Medical Laboratory Science Degree?
Suppose you are looking to advance your career, pursue a specialized role, and seek out research opportunities in the medical field. In that case, you are likely a strong candidate for a degree in medical laboratory science.
Additional qualities of strong candidates include:
- A love of science: Medical laboratory scientists typically have strong chemistry, biology, and physiology backgrounds.
- Extremely detail-oriented: Professionals in this field compile, categorize, code, and calculate their findings to help doctors reach a diagnosis. Therefore, missing even the tiniest of details could be costly, so being detail-oriented is a huge asset in this career.
- You desire job security and stability: The healthcare industry is snowballing as the population ages and medical issues arise. This means graduates will enter an industry that needs new technicians and scientists more than ever.
Is a Medical Lab Science Degree Worth It?
Choosing the right career in healthcare or any other industry is a significant and personal decision. Students should research and talk to their families, mentors, and college admission advisors to make the best decision.
If you are passionate about science, want to help make a difference in patients’ lives, and can move up the ranks and earn a relatively high salary, a Bachelor’s in Medical Lab Science is well worth your time and money.
At University of Bridgeport, we are committed to getting you through college and into a great career. In 2022, our program obtained a one hundred percent job placement in career-related fields and a one hundred percent average graduation rate for students completing clinical rotations.
Learn more about our medical laboratory science degree program and start your future today!