How to Be Medical Laboratory Scientist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 11, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The role of the Medical Laboratory Scientist is critical to the diagnosis and treatment of various medical conditions. The Scientist's ability to accurately analyze and interpret laboratory data has a direct effect on patient outcomes. By performing a wide range of tests, such as blood tests, urine tests, and biopsies, the Medical Laboratory Scientist is able to detect conditions such as anemia, diabetes, and cancer.

The results produced by the Scientist provide vital information to healthcare professionals in order to diagnose diseases and prescribe treatments. Through the use of advanced technology, the Medical Laboratory Scientist can also identify genetic disorders and provide specialized testing for patients with complex medical conditions. As a result, the Medical Laboratory Scientist plays an essential role in the healthcare system, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. The first step to becoming a Medical Laboratory Scientist is to earn a bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science, medical technology, clinical laboratory science, or a related field. These programs typically take four years to complete and include both classroom and laboratory instruction in topics such as clinical chemistry, microbiology, hematology, blood banking, and immunology.
Obtain Certification. Most states require Medical Laboratory Scientists to be certified or licensed before they can practice. To obtain certification, applicants must pass a written exam administered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification.
Complete On-the-Job Training. After certification, most Medical Laboratory Scientists must complete an on-the-job training program or internship in a clinical laboratory setting. During this time, they will gain experience in collecting and analyzing specimens and using laboratory instruments.
Become Licensed. Once the on-the-job training is complete, Medical Laboratory Scientists may be required to obtain a license in order to practice in their state. Licensing requirements vary by state, so it is important to research the requirements of the state in which the Medical Laboratory Scientist intends to practice.
Maintain Certification. In order to maintain certification, Medical Laboratory Scientists may be required to take continuing education courses and participate in professional development activities. Additionally, they may need to periodically renew their license.

In order to become a skilled and qualified medical laboratory scientist, it is essential to obtain the necessary education and training. Obtaining a Bachelors Degree in Medical Laboratory Science is typically the minimum requirement for working in this field, although some employers may require a Masters Degree or higher. Other important components of education include courses in anatomy and physiology, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, and immunology.

Once the educational requirements have been met, potential medical laboratory scientists must take and pass the exam administered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP-BOC). Passing this exam is a prerequisite for gaining state licensure, which is required in some states. obtaining certifications in specialized areas can enhance an individual's credentials and chances of finding a job in the field.

With the right education and experience, medical laboratory scientists can expect to find rewarding career opportunities in a variety of laboratories, hospitals, research centers, universities, and pharmaceutical companies.

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Job Description

Perform laboratory tests, such as complete blood counts (CBCs), chemistry panels, urinalyses, coagulation tests, and other specialized analyses.
Record test results accurately and legibly in laboratory information systems and patient medical records.
Monitor quality control of laboratory testing, ensuring accuracy of results.
Use and maintain laboratory equipment, ensuring proper functioning and calibration.
Perform routine maintenance and troubleshoot equipment problems.
Monitor and order laboratory supplies as necessary.
Assist in training new laboratory personnel in laboratory procedures and techniques.
Participate in laboratory-based research projects.
Develop and validate new laboratory test methods.
Interpret laboratory test results and consult with physicians as needed.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of laboratory science principles, techniques, and procedures
Ability to accurately follow written instructions for laboratory experiments
Ability to effectively use laboratory equipment and instruments
Ability to interpret, analyze, and record test results
Knowledge of safety protocols and procedures
Ability to recognize and troubleshoot technical problems
Ability to collect, store, and retrieve laboratory specimens
Ability to maintain accurate records and files
Knowledge of medical terminology
Knowledge of quality control procedures
Knowledge of regulatory standards and requirements
Ability to communicate effectively with other medical professionals
Excellent organizational and time management skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team

A successful career as a Medical Laboratory Scientist requires a combination of technical proficiency, communication skills, and attention to detail. An excellent skill set for the job includes the ability to understand and interpret complex scientific concepts, as well as the ability to effectively communicate results to medical professionals. having an aptitude for problem-solving and data analysis is also beneficial.

As medical laboratory scientists must work in an environment where accuracy is essential, they must be able to perform their duties with precision and accuracy. Furthermore, strong organizational skills are crucial for Medical Laboratory Scientists as they often must manage multiple tasks and coordinate with different departments. Finally, the ability to stay up-to-date on advances in medical technology is key for providing the best care to patients.

All of these skills combined can lead to greater success in a Medical Laboratory Scientist career.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the medical laboratory field?
What are your greatest strengths as a Medical Laboratory Scientist?
How do you stay current in the medical laboratory field?
What challenges have you faced in the medical laboratory?
Describe a project or assignment you have completed in the medical laboratory that you are proud of.
What types of pathology tests have you performed in the medical laboratory?
How have you used new technology to improve results in the medical laboratory?
What safety procedures have you implemented in the medical laboratory?
How have you used quality control measures to ensure accuracy in the medical laboratory?
What methods do you use to ensure accuracy and precision when performing tests in the medical laboratory?

Common Tools in Industry

Microscope. A tool used to observe and analyze specimens at a microscopic level (eg: observing and analyzing blood samples).
Autoclave. A tool used to sterilize medical instruments and equipment (eg: sterilizing needles and syringes).
Centrifuge. A tool used to separate substances in mixtures by spinning them at high speed (eg: separating blood cells from plasma).
Cell Counter. A tool used to count and analyze individual cells (eg: counting white blood cells in a sample).
Automated Analyzer. A tool used to perform tests on a variety of biochemical substances (eg: testing for glucose levels in blood).
Spectrophotometer. A tool used to measure the intensity and wavelength of light emitted from a sample (eg: measuring the absorbance of a sample).
PCR Machine. A tool used to amplify and detect specific segments of DNA (eg: detecting an infectious organism in a sample).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS)
American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB)
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
American Medical Technologists (AMT)
Clinical Laboratory Management Association (CLMA)
American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
Society of Clinical Laboratory Science (SCLS)
International Society for Clinical Laboratory Technology (ISCLT)
Association for Clinical Scientists (ACS)
National Society for Histotechnology (NSH)

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Common Important Terms

Clinical Chemistry. The branch of laboratory medicine that focuses on measuring the concentrations of different compounds in body fluids, such as blood and urine, to aid in the diagnosis or monitoring of diseases.
Immunohematology. The study of blood and blood components, such as antibodies and antigens, in order to identify compatibility between donors and recipients in transfusions.
Hematology. The study of the cellular components of blood, as well as diseases related to the blood and its components.
Microbiology. The study of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, and how they interact with humans and their environment.
Molecular Diagnostics. The use of molecular techniques to diagnose diseases and other medical conditions.
Cytogenetics. The study of chromosomes and their associated diseases, such as cancer.
Histology. The study of tissues and organs under the microscope, including their structure and function.
Pathology. The study of diseases and their causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Medical Laboratory Scientist?

A Medical Laboratory Scientist is a scientist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases by conducting laboratory tests.

What qualifications are necessary to become a Medical Laboratory Scientist?

To become a Medical Laboratory Scientist, individuals must complete a four-year bachelors degree in medical laboratory science, and may need to complete additional certification exams depending on the state.

What types of tests do Medical Laboratory Scientists perform?

Medical Laboratory Scientists perform a variety of tests, including blood tests, cell counts, urine tests, cultures, and other tests to diagnose and treat diseases.