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→

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