Post-Baccalaureate Categorical Certificate Programs
Careers in MLS
As a Medical Laboratory Scientist, you become a behind-the-scenes detective in the health care industry, accurately and precisely performing laboratory procedures to provide crucial information in diagnosing, preventing, and treating diseases. Using the
latest in biomedical instruments, Medical Laboratory Scientists analyze samples of blood, tissue and body fluids to generate accurate, reliable test results. The field of MLS is a dynamic, exciting profession that continually changes as new scientific
and medical knowledge is discovered. Graduates with a degree in MLS enjoy a wide range of career options.
MLS Job Market
Employment of medical laboratory technologists is projected to grow 12 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. An increase in the aging population is expected to lead to a greater need to diagnose medical conditions, such
as cancer or type 2 diabetes, through laboratory procedures. Prenatal testing for various types of genetic conditions also is increasingly common. Medical laboratory technologists and technicians will be in demand to use and maintain the equipment
needed for diagnosis and treatment.
As of May 2021, a typical graduate earns approximately $57,800 per year after leaving this program according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Job Prospects
Job prospects will be best for medical and medical laboratory technologists and technicians who complete an accredited education program and earn professional certification. The Texas Workforce Commission estimates that the demand within Texas medical
laboratory technologists will grow by 20% by the year 2026. As you can see, the demand for medical laboratory scientists is growing. You can help meet the challenge!
In the laboratory, the medical laboratory scientist can work as a generalist or a specialist. The medical laboratory scientist will also have an opportunity to advance in positions of responsibility, from general technologist to supervisor, chief technologist
to administrative technologist. In the professional setting, the medical laboratory scientist applies technical expertise in various areas such as immunology, cell marker technology, transplantation, toxicology, cancer research and cytogenetics.
MLS Careers include:
- Hospitals and private clinical laboratories
- State and public health laboratories/crime labs
- Industrial labs
- Veterinary Clinics
- Research
- Higher Education
- Sales, Pharmaceutical/Industrial
- Marketing
- Armed Forces
- Peace Corps
For a specific list of jobs please visit USNews Careers for a typical listing of jobs.
The Medical Laboratory Sciences curriculum is the most versatile of all the Health Profession programs in regard to career branching!
As a MLS Professional, you
- Gain competency through formal training and education (such as this degree program)
- Maintain and enhance your competency through continuing education
- Confirm your competency through professional certification programs and annual updates based on continuing education
- Follow a code of ethics such as the ASCLS Code of Ethics
For more information about the Medical Laboratory Science profession, please see this Texas Workforce Commission article or the United States Department of Labor site(earnings).