Working as a medical lab technician can be a fascinating and rewarding career. You get to work in a hands-on role behind the scenes in the healthcare field, positively impacting patients’ lives by helping to detect, diagnose and treat various diseases. So, what happens when you want to take your job a step further? If you’ve already earned your medical laboratory technician qualification, an MLT to MLS bachelor’s program might be a perfect choice. Keep reading to find out more.
What is an MLT to MLS program?
An MLT to MLS program is a degree that’s specifically designed for working lab technicians who already have an MLT associate degree. You will build on your existing knowledge and experience in order to gain a bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science (MLS), preparing you for more advanced job roles in the field. Many students choose to take an online MLT to MLS program because this allows them extra flexibility to continue working during their studies. It also widens your options of where to study, as you’re not restricted to colleges that you can commute to.
Who is eligible?
Every college will have its own specific requirements. However, as a general rule, you must have an MLT associate degree from a program accredited by the National Accreditation Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) or equivalent. You will normally also have to be currently certified as an MLT and have a certain amount of practical lab experience in the role (or be willing to take extra modules to compensate for lack of experience).
When applying for a program, you can expect to be asked for evidence of your qualifications and experience and a personal statement about why you want to do an MLT to MLS degree.
What will I learn?
The specific curriculum will depend on the program you enroll in, so check the details carefully. However, as a guide, you can anticipate covering the following sorts of topics during an MLT to MLS degree:
- Clinical Chemistry
- Diagnostic Microbiology
- Hematopathology
- Medical Genetics
- Clinical Immunology
- Blood Bank Practicum
- Clinical Practice
- ASCP MLS Certification Exam Preparation
You will study lots of advanced topics in all sorts of different areas, in order to help you advance your career after graduating. As such, the program is both a challenging and an interesting one.
What are the benefits of having an MLS degree?
Plenty of potential benefits can be gained by leveling up your education with a medical laboratory science bachelor’s degree. The curriculum will prepare you for a more advanced career as a medical laboratory scientist or similar, where you can perform various laboratory assays in clinical, commercial, forensic, and research laboratories.
Possible job roles you could progress to include senior medical technologist, pharmaceutical technician, microbiologist, and forensic analyst. These types of higher positions also tend to come with a correspondingly higher salary and greater levels of autonomy and responsibility. All of this means that you can expect to enjoy a more fulfilling professional life after graduating.
