Though most of their work is done outside of the patient’s view, medical laboratory scientists play a key role in the medical field with both patients and doctors. So you might wanna know how to become a medical laboratory scientist.
Though they aren’t out there helping the patients, they are in the background working to develop everything from antibiotics to helping develop telemedicine.
That will save people’s lives, especially with the impact COVID-19 has had on the world.
Remember, however, you need a keen interest in science and the medical field before you decide that this is the field of work for you.
Say, you’ve been considering studying to become a medical laboratory scientist. But aren’t quite sure how to go about it. Then read on below for a few tips to help you out.
4 Years of High School to Become a Medical Laboratory Scientist
Before you can get started on your goal to become a medical laboratory scientist, you first need to get your high school diploma or a GED. Either of these will allow you to apply to get into school to become a scientist in this field of work.
If at all possible, you should take the following courses. Though they aren’t required, it will give you a leg up when you apply to university.
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Certain math courses
- Certain English courses
- 2 Consecutive foreign languages
- An internship in the medical field at some point during your high school career.
Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree to Become a Medical Laboratory Scientist
Once you’ve been through high school or gotten your GED, you want to start working on your bachelor’s degree in science while you’re in college.
Say, you’re having a hard time attending a four-year college due to financial constraints. Thus the military is also a way to become a medical laboratory scientist, as you can go to college while you serve your country.
You should never give up on your dream, however, as college is the only way to really succeed in today’s high-tech world.
Get the Clinical Experience You Need
When the time is right, you’re going to want to start getting the clinical experience you need. This timeline is going to differ for every student.
However, it’s important because you need to know your equipment, science terms, and even how a mass spectrometer works to make it in the science and research field.
You need additional hands-on training in a science lab, at a hospital, or even in volunteer in the field, you’re studying to go into.
It’s also important to develop the right connections so you can get a good starting job when you graduate from college and are ready to strike out into the real world.
Become Certified to Become a Medical Laboratory Scientist
Once you’ve graduated and gotten the hands-on experience you need, it’s time to get certified. You’ll have to begin the application process and check-in with your state to see exactly what that entails.
You’ve graduated, but now you need to take a certification exam to become a medical laboratory scientist. Once you’ve applied and sent the fee that they require, you wait to hear back from them.
As to whether you’ve been accepted and when you’re scheduled to take your certification exam.
In the meantime, you can spend your summer relaxing or volunteering in places that will give you more hands-on experience as well.
You’ve taken your certification exam and passed. You’re now a medical laboratory scientist and can begin looking for an entry-level position in your field of choice.
These are just a few of the things that you’re going to need to become a medical laboratory scientist. It’s an admirable career that helps you make a difference, without having to be right there on the front lines.
