Masters in Medical Laboratory Science Salary
The lifespan of an average human being has increased all over the world. As medicine and science have advanced, now it is possible to treat many diseases that were considered life-threatening in past. This has given rise to the field of medical laboratory science. Medical laboratory scientists are responsible for testing and examining specimens that may be used in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of various diseases. As a medical lab scientist salary is important if you are thinking of pursuing a career in this field.
Masters in Medical Laboratory Science Salary
When you’re looking for a career, it’s important to know how much money you could be making. So what does an MMLS degree get you?
While there are many factors that go into determining the salary of a medical laboratory scientist, one thing that remains consistent is that this career path has excellent earning potential. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average medical laboratory scientist (diagnostic) earns an annual salary of $59,000. That’s not bad—but it’s not great either. The top 10% earn more than $89,000 per year. And if you go on to get a master’s degree in medical laboratory science (MMLS), your salary jumps up dramatically: according to the BLS data, the average wage for MMLS-qualified professionals is $73,000 per year.
Medical laboratory scientists are employed in a variety of sectors. The majority of these experts are employed by research and development companies or by colleges and universities. Medical laboratory scientists are employed by both hospitals and the pharmaceutical business. Medical laboratory scientists also carry out their research in offices or labs where they are employed. They might focus on neurology, gerontology, cancer research, or another branch of medicine.
There are various educational options available to aspiring medical laboratory scientists. Many of these experts have doctorates in medicine, biology, or a related field (MD). A dual Ph.D./MD degree is sometimes earned by medical laboratory scientists. Students develop their research abilities while completing classes in biology, medicine, and health science during their training. Clinical research is a common component of PhD programs to give students practical experience.
Why obtain a master’s degree in medical laboratory science
A master’s degree aids medical laboratory scientists in rising to the top of their profession, which is highly regarded and expands as disease detection and treatment monitoring tools and technology advance. Medical laboratory scientists are spending less time in the lab and more time communicating with physicians to help them decide which tests to order and what the results indicate for their patients as a result of the continually changing diagnostic technology.
You’ll be able to start a career in this exciting medical industry with a degree in medical laboratory science. Beyond a bachelor’s degree, you will receive education and training that will include coursework to position you as a future clinical laboratory supervisor. You’ll also be in a good position.
Additionally, earning a degree in medical laboratory science can offer a strong knowledge foundation that can serve as a springboard for degrees in other healthcare professions, such as nursing, research, and becoming a doctor or physician assistant.
Why choose a career in medical laboratory science?
Medical laboratory experts are expected to experience a job growth of 13% between 2016 and 2026, which is much quicker than the average for all occupations. Because technology is becoming increasingly important in determining how to provide healthcare, there is a severe shortage in the industry. Graduates frequently receive numerous employment offers, and they typically have the freedom to choose their location within the nation, their employer, and the shifts they work.
According to PayScale, the average compensation for a medical laboratory scientist is $60,605. However, those with master’s degrees typically earn more money. Your location at work and the shifts you work are two elements that affect your salary. In California, where living expenses are higher, you can start out with $100,000. The top 10% of earners earn more than $80,000 annually.
Not all medical laboratory scientists are employed by hospitals or diagnostic labs. You might end up working in education, research, a zoo or veterinary clinic, or even teaching. Pharmaceutical firms and fertility clinics are in need of medical laboratory scientists. Or perhaps working in a forensic crime lab is where you’ll find your calling in law enforcement.
What Does a Medical Laboratory Scientist Do?
For the purpose of creating novel medical therapies and avoiding health issues, medical laboratory scientists combine their clinical and research expertise. They communicate the findings of their trials in reports that assist doctors, healthcare organizations, and the FDA in improving medical treatments. They examine data from their research to draw conclusions about a disease or treatment.
Scientists in medical labs frequently specialize their fields of study. For instance, researchers studying cancer concentrate on its causes, symptoms, prevention, and therapy. Clinical trials and illness research are their areas of expertise as clinical research experts. Histologists are experts on tissue, while toxicologists investigate the toxicity of pharmaceuticals. Medical laboratory scientists perform research to advance human health across all medical specialties.
Strong data analysis and critical thinking abilities are required for the job. In order to answer research questions, medical laboratory scientists must use analytical skills. This includes deciding how to study medical questions and what data can answer the questions. They also offer excellent communication and observational abilities to their work.
A medical scientist must carry out experiments precisely and present their findings clearly. In addition, medical laboratory scientists use their leadership abilities to manage undergraduate assistants or laboratory technicians.
How to Become a Medical Laboratory Scientist
The majority of medical laboratory scientists are doctorates. In biology, medical science, or a life science, they might obtain an MD or a Ph.D. Graduate students take courses in project design, data analysis, and research methodology. Additionally, a lot of students develop their clinical skills, especially those pursuing specialized clinical positions like clinical laboratory scientist, clinical pharmacologist, or clinical research scientist.
Students in PhD degrees perform experiments, evaluate the outcomes, and make judgments. They frequently function under the direction of an accomplished medical laboratory scientist. Doctoral students have the option to focus their training on a field like neuroscience, pharmacology, or cancer research.
Many medical laboratory scientists pursue a postdoctoral degree after receiving their PhD in order to expand their laboratory experience and solidify their training. A license to practice medicine may be required for medical laboratory scientists who conduct clinical studies involving patients.
Future medical laboratory scientists should pick a recognized university while selecting a PhD program. Higher education standards are met by accredited institutions. Independent accrediting organizations rate universities based on faculty qualifications, graduation standards, and student learning results. Students gain from programmatic accreditation from a group like the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).
Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Before submitting an application to graduate programs for medical laboratory scientists, prospective medical laboratory scientists must obtain a bachelor’s degree. The majority of students who are thinking about becoming medical scientists graduate with a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or another life science. Students finish both major and general education courses in a bachelor’s program. Future medical laboratory scientists significantly benefit from coursework in the physical sciences, arithmetic, and English.
For full-time students, obtaining a bachelor’s degree typically takes four years. By completing the prerequisites for premedicine and seeking clinical experience through a medical lab internship, undergraduates can improve their chances of acceptance into a graduate program.
Master’s Degree Programs
A master’s degree can assist aspiring medical scientists improve their education and be accepted into highly competitive doctoral programs. Many applicants opt to complete a master’s degree before enrolling since admittance to medical school is getting more and more hard.
The typical period to earn a master’s degree is two years of full-time study, while some programs offer accelerated options. Prospective medical laboratory scientists might focus their research interests and apply to specialized PhD programs by gaining clinical experience during a master’s program. Prospective medical scientists may choose to pursue a Ph.D. or enroll in medical school after earning a master’s degree.
Doctoral Degree Programs
The entry-level educational requirement for medical laboratory scientist jobs is a PhD degree. When choosing doctoral programs, prospective students must decide between a Ph.D. and an MD. To be eligible for a medical license, which is necessary for many clinical careers, students who are interested in clinical trials may need an MD. To achieve both degrees, students might enroll in a combination Ph.D./MD program.
Medical laboratory scientists take classes in human anatomy, biochemistry, pharmacology, and medical ethics as part of their doctoral program. Additionally, clinical and lab research training is provided to doctoral candidates. For instance, as part of their coursework, Ph.D. candidates must conduct original research and compose a dissertation.
Top Highest Paying Cities for Medical LAB Scientist Jobs
The average salary in these ten places is higher than the national average, therefore moving seems to offer the best chance of advancing professionally as a Medical LAB Scientist.
The average pay in these top ten locations does, however, differ by only 18% between Atkinson, Nebraska, and Bend, Oregon, suggesting that it might be challenging to experience significant wage growth. The ability to live more affordably could influence how location and pay for a Medical LAB Scientist employment are balanced.
| City | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atkinson, NE | $102,111 | $8,509 | $1,963 | $49.09 |
| Lake Marcel-Stillwater, WA | $88,985 | $7,415 | $1,711 | $42.78 |
| New York City, NY | $88,927 | $7,410 | $1,710 | $42.75 |
| Bridgehampton, NY | $87,517 | $7,293 | $1,683 | $42.08 |
| San Mateo, CA | $86,556 | $7,213 | $1,664 | $41.61 |
| Great Neck Gardens, NY | $85,064 | $7,088 | $1,635 | $40.90 |
| Deer Park, CA | $84,842 | $7,070 | $1,631 | $40.79 |
| Daly City, CA | $84,759 | $7,063 | $1,629 | $40.75 |
| Boston, MA | $84,626 | $7,052 | $1,627 | $40.69 |
| Bend, OR | $84,557 | $7,046 | $1,626 | $40.65 |
Conclusion
Because of their skill sets and expertise, MMLS graduates make great employees for many medical labs. And working in a medical lab can then lead to other opportunities in your field as you gain more experience. So it’s definitely worth taking the time to get your Masters in Medical Laboratory Science degree and start making a difference in the world of healthcare.