What is a Medical Laboratory Scientist

Have you ever wondered about the important role of medical laboratory scientists in healthcare? They are the ones responsible for all your lab testing. Think about the blood work you've had done, the wound cultures, or even a urine drug test for pre-employment. While the phlebotomist collects the samples and ensures everything is properly labeled and delivered, it's the medical laboratory scientist who performs the actual studies. But why are they so important? Well, medical laboratory scientists play a crucial role in ensuring proper treatment by collaborating with various members of the healthcare team. For example, physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners rely on them to interpret laboratory results and make informed decisions about patient care. Nurses also depend on these results to adjust treatments and provide the best care possible. Pharmacists use medical laboratory services to monitor patients on specific medications and to detect antibiotic resistance. Obstetricians, midwives, and nurses utilize lab tests to ensure the health of expectant mothers and their babies, providing critical information for decision-making. And let's not forget about the operating room personnel and critical care units, who often need rapid and accurate testing during acute procedures. Medical laboratory scientists even play a role in radiology, oncology, dialysis, and the biomedical team. In each of these areas, they bring their expertise to ensure patient safety and optimal care. Now, if you're interested in becoming a medical laboratory scientist, you have a couple of options. PCOM offers two pathways: a pre-professional master's program for those with a bachelor's degree in a biologic or chemical science, and an online post-professional master's program for those already certified in medical or clinical laboratory science. Both programs provide the education and training needed to excel in this important field. So, next time you have lab testing done, remember the hardworking medical laboratory scientists behind the scenes, making sure you get the accurate and timely results you need for your healthcare.