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What are some tips on becoming a CLS?
Im a senior in highschool who is looking for a career in science. Im exploring careers that are in the lab but I am still unsure of what to do that satisfies me and pays well.
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Srinivas Rao’s Answer
Becoming a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS)—also called a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)—is a great fit if you love science, working in a lab, and helping patients indirectly through accurate testing. It also pays well and has steady demand.
1. What a CLS does
- You run complex tests on blood, tissue, and other samples to help diagnose diseases, monitor treatment, and ensure safe transfusions.
- You work in areas like hematology, microbiology, chemistry, immunology, and blood bank, often in hospitals or medical labs.
2. Typical path (after high school)
- Bachelor’s degree in biology, microbiology, clinical lab science, or a related science (4 years).
- CLS training program or certification:
- Many students complete a CLS‑specific program or a one‑year clinical lab training after the degree.
- Then pass a certification exam (e.g., ASCP MLS in the U.S.).
- Licensing: in some regions (like California), you need a trainee or state CLS license before starting clinical work.
3. Tips for a high‑school student exploring this
- Focus on strong grades in biology, chemistry, and math; AP or advanced science courses will help later.
- Explore lab‑related experience (science labs, volunteer work, internships, or even hospital/phlebotomy exposure) to see if you truly enjoy the hands‑on lab environment.
- Research salary and job outlook in your country:
In many places, CLS/MLS is mid‑level to high‑level pay with good growth due to aging populations and more testing needs.
1. What a CLS does
- You run complex tests on blood, tissue, and other samples to help diagnose diseases, monitor treatment, and ensure safe transfusions.
- You work in areas like hematology, microbiology, chemistry, immunology, and blood bank, often in hospitals or medical labs.
2. Typical path (after high school)
- Bachelor’s degree in biology, microbiology, clinical lab science, or a related science (4 years).
- CLS training program or certification:
- Many students complete a CLS‑specific program or a one‑year clinical lab training after the degree.
- Then pass a certification exam (e.g., ASCP MLS in the U.S.).
- Licensing: in some regions (like California), you need a trainee or state CLS license before starting clinical work.
3. Tips for a high‑school student exploring this
- Focus on strong grades in biology, chemistry, and math; AP or advanced science courses will help later.
- Explore lab‑related experience (science labs, volunteer work, internships, or even hospital/phlebotomy exposure) to see if you truly enjoy the hands‑on lab environment.
- Research salary and job outlook in your country:
In many places, CLS/MLS is mid‑level to high‑level pay with good growth due to aging populations and more testing needs.
Thank you!
Melissa