Laboratory Science Careers
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  • What Is Laboratory Science?
    • Career & Technical Education (CTE)
  • Is Laboratory Science Right For Me?
  • Careers in Laboratory Science
  • Meet A Professional
  • Education, Certification, and Licensure
  • Resources and other Opportunities

IS LABORATORY SCIENCE RIGHT FOR ME?

Laboratory science is a critical healthcare field that impacts the health of every individual! Now is the perfect time to pursue a career in the laboratory sciences because there are tons of job opportunities available offering good salaries and lots of room for advancement.
 
Careers in laboratory science are perfect if you are analytical, enjoy problem solving, and are interested in the science of healthcare. Whether working as a medical laboratory professional, cytotechnologist, or histotechnologist, there are a variety of opportunities requiring different levels of education and training.​
Learn more about laboratory science careers→
Woman working in medical laboratory
Laboratory science professional

Personality Traits and Skills


​Is a laboratory science career right for you? A laboratory science career may be perfect for you if you:
  • Have a strong interest in science
  • Have a strong desire to help people
  • Like challenge and responsibility
  • Like to solve problems and puzzles
  • Are a team player
  • Work well under pressure
  • Are self-motivated
  • Enjoy working with computers and technology
  • Are detail-oriented
  • Are willing to persevere to find the right answer
A solid foundation in high school biology, chemistry, and mathematics usually provides the groundwork for most laboratory science careers. If you are in college and have a high interest in science courses, or have completed a science-based degree, you may be a perfect fit for a laboratory science career.

What Are My Next Steps?

​
​Do you feel like you're a good fit for a career in laboratory science? Be sure to check out our Careers page to learn more about a variety of laboratory science jobs. 

​Still have questions about a laboratory science career? Like, what steps can you take to help me decide or prepare for a laboratory science career?  What type of courses you should be taking? How do you see what laboratory science professionals really do? Here are a few ideas:
Meet with Your Guidance
​Counselor, Science Teacher, or Health Professions Advisor

  • Make sure you are taking the right math and science courses, such as chemistry, biology, physics, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus.  English, business, and computer courses are also a plus!
  • Ask your science teachers if it would be possible to have a laboratory science professional visit your class and talk about their career.
  • If you are in college, ask your advisor about switching to a laboratory science major.​
Find A Mentor

  • Reach out to a person familiar with careers in Laboratory Science who can give you advice, answer your questions, or knows who you can contact at a local hospital.
  • This person might be a science teacher, health professions advisor, family member, or friend who works in a hospital, public health laboratory, or as a laboratory professional.​
Gain Inside Knowledge –
​Ask for a Tour


  • Experience what Medical Laboratory Scientists and Technicians, Cytotechnologists, and Histotechnologists do by asking for a tour or to spend a day with these healthcare professionals by contacting your local hospital.
  • If your school sponsors a health career day, stop by and visit with the laboratory professionals or college representatives that offer laboratory science programs.  Ask them for assistance in seeing a medical laboratory and/or anatomic pathology laboratory.​​
Additional Information

  • ASCP Inside the Lab Podcast
            ​Recruitment for MLS Programs 
  • Work-Based Learning with WEMCO Phlebotomy and Laboratory Science
            Phlebotomy and Laboratory Science

Sponsored by © Coordinating Council on the Clinical Laboratory Workforce
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  • Home
  • What Is Laboratory Science?
    • Career & Technical Education (CTE)
  • Is Laboratory Science Right For Me?
  • Careers in Laboratory Science
  • Meet A Professional
  • Education, Certification, and Licensure
  • Resources and other Opportunities