How to Become a Clinical Laboratory Scientist?
Are you thinking of becoming a Clinical Laboratory Scientist or already started your career and planning the next step? Learn how to become a Clinical Laboratory Scientist, what skills you need to succeed, how to advance your career and get promoted, and what levels of pay to expect at each step on your career path. Explore new Clinical Laboratory Scientist job openings and options for career transitions into related roles.
Steps to Become a Clinical Laboratory Scientist
If you're considering starting your Clinical Laboratory Scientist career path, it's important to note the skills, qualifications, and time it takes to become a professional Clinical Laboratory Scientist and how to advance your career path. Below are the steps generally required to begin and advance your Clinical Laboratory Scientist career.Contents
1
Earn a Degree
To begin your Clinical Laboratory Scientist career path, a Bachelor's Degree in medical technology or a related field is usually necessary in order to remain a competitive option for employers. Focus on industry-specific skill development during your education in order to be properly equipped when applying for entry-level positions and entering the job force. A Clinical Laboratory Scientist internship may be required to earn your Bachelor's Degree and acquire necessary on-the-job skills before entering the workforce.What type of degree should you pursue to become a Clinical Laboratory Scientist?
69% of people working as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist earned a Bachelor's Degree
What skills do you need to be a Clinical Laboratory Scientist?
- Laboratory Information Systems
- ASCP
- Written Communication
- Database
- Excellent Communication
- PharmD
- Protocols
- Project Leadership
2
Choose a Specialty in Your Field
As an Clinical Laboratory Scientist, you may be required to choose a specialty within your field. Determine which part of the Clinical Laboratory Scientist field you feel strongest in, and continue taking active steps toward growing in your chosen Clinical Laboratory Scientist specialty.3
Get an Entry-Level Position as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist
Once you've acquired a Bachelor's Degree in medical technology or a related field, you'll typically begin your career as an entry-level Clinical Laboratory Scientist. In general, you can become a Clinical Laboratory Scientist after completing your 4 year Bachelor's Degree in a related discipline. Depending on the type of Clinical Laboratory Scientist role you’re pursuing, you may want to explore certification in certified public health microbiologist.4
Advance in Your Clinical Laboratory Scientist Career
Following entry-level, there are several Clinical Laboratory Scientist career path levels to advance into. It can take 2 years as an entry-level Clinical Laboratory Scientist to progress to the senior clinical laboratory scientist position. Each advanced Clinical Laboratory Scientist position requires approximately 8 years of experience at each level to advance in your Clinical Laboratory Scientist career path. It may be necessary to receive additional education, an advanced degree such as a Master's Degree in a related field, or special certifications in order to advance your Clinical Laboratory Scientist career path.5
Continued Education for Your Clinical Laboratory Scientist Career Path
Not all industries and companies require continued education to advance your Clinical Laboratory Scientist career path. However, earning this degree may help you advance to higher-earning positions more quickly. Earning a Graduate Degree in medical technology can take 4 years to complete. People that have earned their Graduate Degree typically make $82,225 compared to $53,873 for those without that type of degree.Clinical Laboratory Scientist Career Path
Clinical Laboratory Scientist
8+Years of Experience
$77K - $111K /yrMost Likely Range
17% advanced to
Senior Clinical Laboratory Scientist
2 - 4Years of Experience
$80K - $121K /yrMost Likely Range
11% advanced to
Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist
5 - 7Years of Experience
$78K - $113K /yrMost Likely Range
Total Pay Trajectory
Clinical Laboratory Scientist Career Path
Clinical Laboratory Scientist I
Clinical Laboratory Scientist
Senior Clinical Laboratory Scientist
Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist
Clinical Laboratory Scientist V
$60K
$76K
$92K
$108K
$140K
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Related Careers in the Research & Science Industry
Interested in other Research & Science careers? Below are occupations that have high affinity with Clinical Laboratory Scientist skills. Discover some of the most common Clinical Laboratory Scientist career transitions, along with skills overlap.