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HealthcareTop JobColorado Talent Pipeline Report-aligned occupation with strong annual openings, growth, and wage signals.

Medical Laboratory Scientist

Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities.

Annual openings

204

Median wage

n/a

Typical education

Doctoral degree

Growth 2026–2032

+12%

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

Doctoral degree

Credential requirement

A certification is expected for this job.

Credential detail

To practice, you will need to pass the ASCP (Am Society of Clinical Pathology) examination in medical laboratory science (MLS).

Work experience

No previous work experience is required; however it could be an additional step on a career pathway.

Experience detail

Work experience as a Medical Lab Assistant is highly valued. If this is the first job, previous experience developing the listed knowledge and abilities, if possible in a Healthcare environment, is preferred.

Training

Expected completion of a post baccalaureate degree program for a Medical Laboratory Scientist that is certified by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).

Employer competency information

Feedback from employers identifies the following critical competencies and how they apply for this job

  • Critical and Analytical Thinking — Applying theory and knowledge to correlate with a patient’s results and identifying when the results do not correlate with the current situation.
  • Basic Problem Solving — Following procedures to analyze a specimen, but also being able to troubleshoot and solve issues as they arise.
  • Health & Safety — Knowing and following institutional policies in an ethical manner and leading by example in dealing with specimens in a proper manner.
  • Teamwork — Interacting professionally with colleagues and other members of the Healthcare team.
  • Communication and Customer Focus — Communicate effectively with patients, to provide good customer service, co-workers, to facilitate effective shift handoffs of in-process activities, and physicians/care providers so that test results are understood and appropriate action/treatment can be taken.
  • Tools & Technology — Must be able to skillfully use laboratory information software and instrument software.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenNo
  • On a computerYes
  • OutdoorsNo
  • With your handsNo

Interests it draws on

  • Healthcare
  • Doctoral (Advanced Degree)

Automation exposure

Low exposure

Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.

A typical day

  1. Follow strict safety procedures when handling toxic materials to avoid contamination.
  2. Plan and direct studies to investigate human or animal disease, preventive methods, and treatments for disease.
  3. Conduct research to develop methodologies, instrumentation, and procedures for medical application, analyzing data and presenting findings to the scientific audience and general public.
  4. Teach principles of medicine and medical and laboratory procedures to physicians, residents, students, and technicians.
  5. Write and publish articles in scientific journals.
  6. Write applications for research grants.
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