Clinical Lab Careers Education

public health career

The clinical lab profession offers multiple career tracks that require different levels of education.

Clinical lab scientists are typically required to complete a four- to five-year program through an accredited college or university while lab technicians are usually only required to complete a two-year program. Whether you’re interested in life at a big university or would prefer a two-year training program at a community college, there are careers available in clinical lab science.  

 

Here are some examples of clinical lab jobs and their typical educational requirements:

 

 

Phlebotomist

  • High school diploma/GED and training

Laboratory Assistant

  • High school diploma/GED and training

Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)

  • Associate's Degree

Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)/ Technologist 

  • Bachelor's Degree


Cytogenetic Technologist CG (ASCP)

  • Bachelor's Degree


Molecular Genetic Technologist MB (ASCP)

  • Bachelor's Degree


Laboratory Director/Manager

  • Master's Degree

 

Doctorate in Medical Laboratory Science

  • Doctorate

 

 

To find out more information about educational requirements and for a complete list of accredited programs, please visit: www.naacls.org.