Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences

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.

Job Prospects

Job prospects will be best for 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

The practice of medical laboratory scientist required compassion and sensitivity combined with intellectual maturity, honesty, and curiosity. The Clinical Laboratory Sciences faculty recognizes their responsibility to teach students to be fully aware of the implications of their actions as professional, essential members of the health care team.

To achieve this mission, the program enforces policies and regulations stated in the SHP Bulletin and the UTMB Catalog. Additional policies and regulations established by the program are based on educational and clinical structures and the practical limitations of the program. It is essential that each student understand the regulations, their enforcement, and their rationale prior to beginning their program.