Jobs for Medical Laboratory Scientists

Not confined to the traditional hospital setting, medical laboratory scientists find their expertise in high demand across a range of environments, from specialized reference laboratories that conduct tests outside hospital capabilities to crime labs that help solve forensic mysteries. Dr. Jay Feldstein, the president and CEO of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and Karen Giddens, the director of PCOM's Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science program, teamed up to shed light on this topic. Feldstein, with his experience in emergency medicine, described medical laboratory scientists as an integral component of the healthcare team, emphasizing their pivotal role in patient diagnosis and treatment, particularly where the urgency of results is vital, such as in an emergency setting.

Giddens, herself a seasoned medical laboratory scientist, is well aware of the importance of this profession. As director of the Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science program, Giddens is focused on equipping students for dynamic careers. The MLS program offers students two options: a pre-professional and post-professional track. The pre-professional track is tailored for newcomers to medical laboratory science, blending online education with hands-on labs at PCOM's Suwanee, Georgia campus. Meanwhile, the post-professional track caters to certified individuals looking to hone their skills for advanced supervisory or management roles. In the field of healthcare, medical laboratory scientists are unsung heroes who operate behind the scenes. Their work is vital to the diagnostic process and influences patient outcomes in profound ways. As Dr. Feldstein aptly put it, they are a fundamental part of the healthcare system, often working without fanfare but with an impact that echoes through every diagnosis and recovery.

If you would like to learn more about how to embark on this exciting career path, or if you simply want to learn more about medical laboratory science, visit pcom.edu/mls.