How to become a Medical Laboratory Scientist

If you’re exploring healthcare careers and want to learn more about your options, Medical Laboratory Science may be a path you haven’t considered yet.

When many students first begin exploring healthcare careers, the most visible paths tend to be nursing, medical school, or other well‑known clinical roles. While these careers are essential, they’re not the only way to build a meaningful, stable, and intellectually engaging future in healthcare. In fact, there are high‑impact roles behind the scenes—like Medical Laboratory Science—that can be a great fit for students interested in science, problem‑solving, and non-patient facing healthcare jobs. 

Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS) are a critical part of the healthcare system, performing complex testing that helps physicians diagnose disease, monitor treatment, and make life‑saving decisions. If you enjoy science, hands‑on laboratory work, and analytical thinking, this career path offers a compelling blend of purpose, job security, and long‑term growth—often with more flexibility than more traditional healthcare routes. 

While some students pursue a traditional four‑year degree before entering the field, many take a more flexible and career‑focused approach—starting as a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) and advancing their degree while working. 

At The Ohio State University, this pathway is designed for motivated students and working professionals who want to earn while they learn. By entering the workforce sooner and completing your bachelor’s degree online while working, you can gain experience, maintain income, and potentially reduce student loan debt. Completing the MLT to MLS, Bachelor of Science program prepares you for MLS certification through Route 2 and positions you for greater responsibility, higher earning potential, career mobility, and long-term success throughout your career. 

If Medical Laboratory Science sounds like a good fit, the next step is understanding the educational pathway that prepares you to quickly enter the field and advance your career over time. 

Step 1: Earn an associate degree in Medical Laboratory Technology 

This journey typically begins with an associate degree in Medical Laboratory Technology after high school graduation. These programs provide a strong foundation in key laboratory disciplines such as clinical chemistry, hematology, microbiology, and immunology, along with essential training in laboratory operations and safety. 

Just as important as the coursework is the hands-on clinical experience, which prepares students to function effectively in real laboratory environments. This early exposure allows graduates to enter the workforce quickly and begin developing practical, in-demand skills. 

 Step 2: Become a Certified Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) 

After completing an associate degree, the next step is earning MLT certification. This credential verifies your technical competency and is often required for employment in hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic laboratories. 

Working as an MLT provides valuable real-world experience across multiple areas of the lab. It allows you to refine your technical abilities, build confidence, and gain a deeper understanding of laboratory workflows, all of which are essential as you prepare to advance your career. 

Step 3: Complete a bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science 

Whenever you are ready to advance your career into becoming a Medical Laboratory Scientist, a bachelor’s degree is required. For working professionals, an online MLT to MLS completion degree program offers a practical way to advance without stepping away from the workforce. 

Ohio State’s online MLS program is designed specifically for certified MLTs, making it a natural next step. The program offers fully asynchronous coursework, allowing you to complete assignments on your own schedule while continuing to work. Students receive the same NAACLS-accredited curriculum as those on campus, ensuring a consistent, high-quality academic experience. 

One of the most distinctive aspects of the program is that it builds directly on your existing experience and education. Unlike many MLS programs, it does not require additional clinical placements. Instead, you can apply the knowledge and skills you’ve already developed in your current or previous role, making the path to a bachelor’s degree more efficient and accessible. 

Step 4: Earn an MLS certification (Route 2) 

After earning your bachelor’s degree, you can pursue MLS(ASCP) certification through Route 2. This pathway is specifically designed for professionals who already have MLT certification and hands-on laboratory experience. 

Route 2 not only recognizes your prior work experience, it allows you to qualify for certification without repeating clinical training. This creates a streamlined transition from technician to scientist, building on both your education and your time in the field. 

What changes when you become an MLS? 

Advancing from MLT to MLS may significantly expand your role in the laboratory. MLS professionals typically take on more complex testing responsibilities and play a greater role in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of results. They are often involved in troubleshooting instruments, maintaining quality standards, and supporting overall laboratory operations. 

In many settings, MLS professionals can also step into leadership roles, helping to train or supervise other staff. This increased responsibility can mean contributing more directly to patient care and to the effectiveness of the healthcare team. 

Career growth, salary potential, and demand 

Becoming an MLS may lead to broader career opportunities and long-term professional growth. With a bachelor’s degree and certification, professionals may move into specialized areas of the laboratory or pursue leadership roles. Opportunities can also extend beyond traditional clinical settings into research, public health, and the biotechnology industry. 

In addition to expanded career options, MLS professionals typically earn higher salaries than MLTs, with greater potential for advancement over time. As healthcare continues to evolve, demand for skilled laboratory professionals remains strong, driven by an aging population, advances in diagnostic technology, and an increasing focus on preventive care. 

Why choose Ohio State for the MLT to MLS, Bachelor of Science? 

Choosing the right program is an important part of your journey. Ohio State’s MLT to MLS program is built with working professionals in mind, combining flexibility with strong academic outcomes. 

The program is nationally recognized and offers a fully online, asynchronous format that allows you to continue working while earning your degree. Courses are taught by experienced faculty using an accredited curriculum that aligns with industry standards. 

Ohio State also has a strong record of student success. In recent years, nearly all graduates have passed the MLS certification exam within a year of completing the program, often performing above national averages. This track record reflects both the quality of the program and its focus on preparing students for real-world success. 

A flexible path forward 

One of the biggest advantages of this pathway is its flexibility. Instead of committing to a traditional four-year program from the start, you can enter the workforce sooner, gain hands-on experience, and continue your education while working. 

This step-by-step approach allows you to build your career over time, making steady progress toward becoming a Medical Laboratory Scientist without putting your professional life on hold.