Medical Laboratory Science Major: What It Includes, Classes and Careers

A Medical Laboratory Science major prepares you to run the lab tests doctors use to diagnose and treat disease. Medical laboratory science programs cover clinical chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology and blood banking, with practice in hospital labs.

A Medical Laboratory Science major includes coursework in clinical chemistry, hematology, clinical microbiology, immunology and blood banking, and laboratory operations and quality control and more. You build skills such as laboratory testing, specimen handling, quality control, and laboratory instruments. Programs often include clinical rotations, a practicum, and laboratory work. Typical degrees: associate and bachelor's degrees.

Typical courses include clinical chemistry, hematology, clinical microbiology, immunology and blood banking, laboratory operations and quality control, and clinical practicum. Exact course names and requirements vary by college, and most degrees also include general education courses.

It depends on the level. Medical Laboratory Science is offered as certificate, associate, bachelor’s, and master’s awards at U.S. colleges; certificates take from a few months to about two years, an associate degree usually takes about two years of full-time study, a bachelor’s degree usually takes about four years of full-time study, and a master’s degree usually takes one to two years after a bachelor’s. Part-time study takes longer.

Associate and bachelor's degrees. In the latest federal data, 373 colleges reported certificate awards, 243 colleges reported associate awards, 234 colleges reported bachelor’s awards, and 50 colleges reported master’s awards.

Career paths connected to medical laboratory science include medical laboratory technician, phlebotomist, biological technician, microbiologist, and medical scientist. Some roles need additional training, experience, certification or a license.

Examples include medical laboratory technician (typical training: 2 years (technician) or 4 years (technologist)), phlebotomist (typical training: 1–4 months), biological technician (typical training: 4 years), microbiologist (typical training: 4+ years), and medical scientist (typical training: 5–8 years after a bachelor’s).

Medical Laboratory Science majors build skills such as laboratory testing, specimen handling, quality control, laboratory instruments, and precision and accuracy.

Good pairings include Chemistry (supports the chemistry behind many lab tests), Data Analytics (helps with lab quality data and reporting), and Biology (deepens your knowledge of disease and the human body).

Often, yes. Programs commonly include clinical rotations, a practicum, and laboratory work. Ask each college how its program arranges hands-on work.

It can be a good fit if you are interested in the work it leads to, such as medical laboratory technician, phlebotomist, and biological technician, and enjoy subjects like clinical chemistry and hematology. No major guarantees a job, so compare the coursework, the careers and the education each career requires before deciding.

How hard it feels depends on your strengths. Core coursework includes clinical chemistry, hematology, and clinical microbiology; if those subjects interest you, the major is likely to feel more manageable. Reviewing a college’s course list and talking to current students helps you judge.

701 U.S. colleges reported awarding degrees or certificates in this field in the latest federal (IPEDS) data. Programs can have different names at different schools.

Texas (44), Illinois (37), Ohio (37), New York (34), and California (32), based on the colleges that reported awards in this field.

609 of the colleges that offer medical laboratory science also report offering at least one program entirely online, though not necessarily this one. Use the college search with this major and “Offers fully online programs”, then confirm with the school.

Medical Laboratory Science prepares you to run the lab tests doctors use to diagnose and treat disease. Nursing prepares you to assess, treat and educate patients as part of a healthcare team. Medical Laboratory Science leads to careers such as medical laboratory technician and phlebotomist, while Nursing leads to careers such as registered nurse and licensed practical nurse.

Medical Laboratory Science prepares you to run the lab tests doctors use to diagnose and treat disease. Healthcare Administration teaches you to manage the business side of hospitals, clinics and health systems. Medical Laboratory Science leads to careers such as medical laboratory technician and phlebotomist, while Healthcare Administration leads to careers such as medical and health services manager and medical administrative assistant.

Yes. Short online career training can help you understand a specific job and build practical knowledge alongside your classes. It does not replace your degree or any required license.

No. Career Education Institute is not a college and does not award degrees. It offers short, non-credit online trainings about jobs connected to medical laboratory science, such as Medical Laboratory Technician Training.