Who is a Clinical Laboratory Scientist?

After obtaining your bachelors degree, are there any programs for clinical laboratory scientist?

• Hi I am very curious on how to become a clinical laboratory scientist. I am currently in my college undergraduate and had two more years left until I graduate with a biochemistry ...show more

• Answer:

  Yes! Clinical laboratory scientists complete a post-baccalaureate program (or internship) before siting for a certification exam. Clinical laboratory scientists (also known as Medical laboratory scientists or medical technologists) have a BS degree in medical technology or one of the life sciences and are certified by the ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology). The best way to prepare for the certification exam is to complete a one year NAACLS accredited program or clinical internship in medical technology. These programs can be used as the senior year for students in a medical technology degree program or taken as a post-baccalaureate internship. They prepare students with a combination of lectures and clinical rotations in hematology, clinical chemistry, microbiology, mycology, parasitology, immunology, immunohematology (blood bank), and sometimes genetics. In order to work as a medical technologist/clinical laboratory scientist, you'll first want to pursue ASCP certification. To work in some states (NY, Cali, etc.) you'll also need to be licensed. The license is usually obtained after sitting for the ASCP exam. Upon passing, you can then apply for the license (if required in your state, I believe 13 states require licensure). There are options ("routes") defined by ASCP that allow you to sit for the MLS(ASCP) exam without having completed a NAACLS accredited program. These routes are usually going to be more cumbersome to pursue because, regardless, you'll need experience in each laboratory department. The only practical way to meet this requirement is with a NAACLS accredited program/internship (these usually provide clinical rotations in each area of the lab). Also, a BS in biology alone (without having completed a program) is not going to be adequate preparation for the exam. The subject matter is very specific and steamlined towards the medical application of laboratory testing. Try a google search for your area and clinical laboratory science/scientist and NAACLS or contact NAACLS (see website below - looks like they have a CLS program search engine!). You could also ask a local medical laboratory or college/university advisor. Good luck!