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Roles of a

Medical Laboratory Technician and Medical Laboratory Scientist

Medical laboratory careers blend cutting-edge science with real-world impact. Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLT) and Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS) generate test results that help unlock the mysteries of a patient’s health and influence most clinical decisions. This guide outlines clear steps to enter the medical laboratory profession from high school to employment, certification, and professional growth.

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Step 1: High School Preparation

GOAL: Build a science and math foundation for college-level laboratory programs.

Recommended courses:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Algebra and/or Statistics
  • English Composition

Actions:

  • Take the ACT and/or SAT
  • Speak with your guidance counselor about:
    • Dual credit opportunities
    • Financial aid
    • Local college partnerships
  • Contact Human Resources departments at local hospitals and health care facilities to learn more about job shadow or observation opportunities and entry-level positions offered for high school students.
Lab techs

Resources:

Step 2: Enroll in an Accredited College Program

GOAL: Complete an accredited program

ACCREDITOR: National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) or Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)

Health Care Student Scholarship Opportunities:
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Lab Tech College Programs

Search for college programs in Lab Tech near you.

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County
Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) — Associate Degree (typically 2 years):
  • Henderson Community College (Henderson)
  • Jefferson Community and Technical College (Louisville)
  • Madisonville Community College (Madisonville)
  • Maysville Community and Technical College (Maysville)
  • Somerset Community College (Somerset)
  • Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College (Bowling Green)
  • West Kentucky Community and Technical College (Paducah)
  • American National University (Pikeville)
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Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) — Bachelor’s Degree (typically 4 years):
  • University of Kentucky (Lexington)
    • Traditional track
    • MLT-to-MLS online path
  • Eastern Kentucky University (Richmond)
  • Owensboro Health Regional Hospital Medical Lab Science Program (Owensboro)
  • St. Elizabeth School of Medical Lab Science (Edgewood)

Resources:

Step 3: Work in the Field

GOAL: Gain knowledge and experience after high school or while obtaining your laboratory education.
Job Opportunities Throughout a Laboratory Career Pathway
High School

Check with your local hospital or health care facilities for opportunities:

  • Shadow or volunteer
  • Entry-level positions for high school students
  • Summer health care camps for students

College 

Entry-Level hospital roles may include, but are not limited to:

  • Food Services
  • Environmental Services
  • Patient Transport
  • Nursing Assistant
  • Phlebotomy – certificate program
  • Medical Laboratory Assistant – certificate program

Resources:

Lab Tech

Hospital Career Search

Visit the Kentucky Hospital Job Center
Search for current positions open at Kentucky hospitals, leading to exceptional careers

Step 4: Obtain National Certification

GOAL: Pass certification examination required by most Kentucky employers within a specified time frame.

The most common certification required is through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification (BOC). Some employers may also accept certification through American Medical Technologists (AMT).

  • Verify exam eligibility requirements
  • Explore Specialist certification exams
Resources:

Step 5: Understand Kentucky Regulations

Kentucky does not license individual laboratory professionals; however, clinical laboratories must be licensed by the state and meet personnel standards.

Step 6: Pursue Professional Growth & Continuing Education

GOAL: Continue learning and stay involved in your field.

Continuing Education (CE): Required every three (3) years to maintain certification
Professional Organizations
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Optional: Pathways for Advancement
  • Pursue specialist certifications, which include, but are not limited to:
    • Specialist in Blood Banking (SBB)
    • Specialist in Chemistry (SC)
    • Specialist in Microbiology (SM)
  • Leadership roles
    • Lead MLT or MLS, supervisor, manager, or director
  • MLT-to-MLS completion programs enable upward mobility while working.
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Lab Tech
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Pathway to a Career

Medical Laboratory Technician
and Medical Laboratory Scientist

Step 1: High School Preparation

  1. Take college preparatory courses

  2. Take the ACT and/or SAT

  3. Speak with your guidance counselor

  4. Contact HR at hospitals to job shadow

Step 2: Enroll in an Accredited College Program

Obtain an Associate Degree for Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) or Bachelor’s Degree for Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)

Step 3: Begin Working in the Field

Lab-Specific Roles – Generally, on-the-job training is provided, but some employers may prefer or require formal training and certification

  1. Phlebotomist
  2. Laboratory Aide
  3. Medical Laboratory Assistant
  4. Laboratory Assistant

Entry Level Roles – Generally, on-the-job training is provided

Examples include:

  • Food Services
  • Patient Transport
  • Environmental Services
  • Nursing Assistant

Step 4: Pass National Certification (Generally required by employers)

Most common certifications are obtained through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or the American Medical Technologists (AMT)

Step 5: Start Career as a Laboratory Professional

  • Complete an accredited college degree program
  • Obtain national certification

Roles after College and Certification

  • Medical Lab Technician (MLT) – Associate Degree
  • Medical Lab Scientist (MLS) – Bachelor’s Degree

Advanced Roles May Include:

  • Specialist certifications
    • Specialist in Blood Banking (SBB)
    • Specialist in Chemistry (SC)
    • Specialist in Microbiology (SM)
  • Leadership Roles
    • Lead Tech or Scientist
    • Supervisor
    • Manager
    • Director

Step 6: Professional Growth & Engagement

  • Maintain continuing education (CE) credits
  • Get involved in professional organizations
    • The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS)
    • The Kentucky Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (KSCLS)
    • American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)