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What are some suggestions for becoming a clinical chemists or medical lab technician?
I just finished my freshman year (college) as a chemistry major. I am interested in doing volunteer work or internships to improve my career prospects.
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Aimee’s Answer
If you are interested in medical laboratory you need to check if your college offers that program. Medical laboratory technician is an associates degree. Medical laboratory scientist is a bachelor's degree. Both will require some level of chemistry and a lot of biology. Then there is a clinical rotation that is done. Depending on the school there may be multiple options of locations for clinicals.
If you want to get a head start in the laboratory you can work as a phlebotomist drawing blood with a high school diploma. You can also see if there are other positions available like laboratory assistant where you might get more work processing samples. These jobs may be available at hospitals or medical clinics and usually will have a flexible schedule.
Other volunteer opportunities at hospital could be helpful as well. Some may also offer shadowing opportunities in the laboratory where you get to take a look at the laboratory and see how things are run.
If you want to get a head start in the laboratory you can work as a phlebotomist drawing blood with a high school diploma. You can also see if there are other positions available like laboratory assistant where you might get more work processing samples. These jobs may be available at hospitals or medical clinics and usually will have a flexible schedule.
Other volunteer opportunities at hospital could be helpful as well. Some may also offer shadowing opportunities in the laboratory where you get to take a look at the laboratory and see how things are run.
Hi Amiee! Thank you for your response and advice. -Joyce
Joyce
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Duane’s Answer
I have a BS in Chemistry and work as a MLS. I do have an AS in MLT from the Army as well but as long as you qualify to test for the ASCP you should be able to work in a clinical lab. You will have to look on ASCP.org to see what all classes are required in order to test for the MLT. Classes include Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry. After obtaining the MLT, you will have to work in a clinical lab for 5 years before testing for the MLS. In my current lab, there are Biology, Genetics and Molecular Biology majors that are working as MLS. MLS is Medical Lab Scientist (4 year degree). MLT is Medical Lab Technician(2 year degree)
Go to https://www.ascp.org/content/board-of-certification/get-credentialed#
Duane recommends the following next steps:
Thanks Duane! I appreciate your response and suggested next steps with education and career. -Joyce
Joyce
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Mel’s Answer
You're in a great position to do either role, but they're very different paths. a Medical Lab Tech usually requires certification (ASCP MLT or MLS) and a clinical chemist typically requires a PhD or MD and post doc work.
Since you're a chemistry major, you can keep your options open while building relevant experience.
I'd pursue internships and shadowing. Volunteer work in that space can be hard to get to because of regulations.
Focus on lab courses and learn common assays like spectrophotometry, chromatography, PCR, and ELISAs. Learn about GLP (Good Laboratory Practices) and Quality Control to see if you want to work in these heavily regulated environments as opposed to a research environment. You could also look into getting a phlebotomy certification and first aid certifications now.
Apply for summer research internships sophomore year
Take electives in biochemistry, microbiology, and molecular biology to broaden your lab skill set and gain exposure to other disciplines
Since you're a chemistry major, you can keep your options open while building relevant experience.
I'd pursue internships and shadowing. Volunteer work in that space can be hard to get to because of regulations.
Focus on lab courses and learn common assays like spectrophotometry, chromatography, PCR, and ELISAs. Learn about GLP (Good Laboratory Practices) and Quality Control to see if you want to work in these heavily regulated environments as opposed to a research environment. You could also look into getting a phlebotomy certification and first aid certifications now.
Mel recommends the following next steps:
Hi Mel! Thank you for your insights and suggestions. I was planning on taking the courses you suggested anyway... you confirmed my ideas :) I do intend to keep my options open. Thanks again!
Joyce
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