To become a medical laboratory scientist in the US, you'll usually need a bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science, medical technology or a related life science such as biology or chemistry, plus a state licence where your state requires one. Many employers also prefer a certification exam, which normally needs an accredited programme first. In the UK the same job is called biomedical scientist, and you must register with the HCPC.
Medical laboratory scientists run the lab tests used to diagnose, treat and prevent disease, yet plenty of people don't know the job title until they're already in healthcare. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) groups them with technicians, and the UK uses a different name entirely, so it's easy to end up reading the wrong guide. Here's what the BLS handbook and the National Careers Service set out when I checked them in October 2026.
Medical laboratory scientist or technician: which one you're aiming for
BLS says clinical laboratory technologists are also known as medical laboratory scientists, and clinical laboratory technicians are also known as medical laboratory technicians. Both perform tests ordered by physicians and other practitioners, but they aren't the same job:
| Medical laboratory scientist (technologist) | Medical laboratory technician | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical education | Bachelor's degree in medical technology or a life science | Associate's degree in clinical laboratory science, or a postsecondary certificate |
| Tests | More complex tests and detailed manual procedures | Routine tests that may be more automated |
| Responsibility | More quality assurance work in the lab | Usually works under a technologist or lab manager |
| Specialisms | Blood bank, clinical chemistry, cytotechnology, hematology, histotechnology, microbiology, molecular biology | Can specialise too, for example as a histotechnician |
If you're starting from scratch, aim for the scientist route. BLS notes that some technicians advance to technologist positions later, but only after more experience and education.
How to become a medical laboratory scientist in the US
- Take the right school subjects. BLS suggests chemistry, biology and math in high school.
- Earn the degree. A bachelor's in medical laboratory technology, also called a medical laboratory scientist degree, covers chemistry, biology and hematology, with hands-on training in a hospital or other clinical setting.
- Use the shortcut if you already have credits. BLS says some laboratory science programs can be completed in 2 years or less if you already have college coursework or a bachelor's degree.
- Check your state. Some states require laboratory personnel to be licensed or registered, and the rules vary by state and specialty. Your state department of health or occupational licensing board has the details.
- Get certified. It isn't always required, but in some states licensure requires certification, and employers may prefer certified scientists. Completing an accredited programme is typically required to sit the exam.
- Add a specialty later. Certification is available in areas such as histology and clinical chemistry if you meet the extra education and experience requirements.
What medical laboratory scientists earn
As of October 2026, BLS gives a median annual wage of $62,930 ($30.26 an hour) for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians in May 2025. The lowest 10% earned less than $38,910 and the highest 10% more than $100,990. The employer matters more than most people expect:
| Industry (US, May 2025) | Median annual wage | Share of jobs (%) |
|---|---|---|
| General medical and surgical hospitals; private | $69,190 | 36 |
| Educational services; state, local, and private | $63,690 | 4 |
| Medical and diagnostic laboratories | $58,320 | 19 |
| Offices of physicians | $56,850 | 10 |
| Other ambulatory healthcare services | $48,140 | 4 |
So the big private hospitals both employ the most lab staff and pay the most, while a job in a standalone diagnostic lab pays less than many people assume. Hospitals run around the clock, though, so BLS says shifts can include nights, weekends and holidays.
The UK route: biomedical scientist
In the UK the National Careers Service lists the role as biomedical scientist. The key rule is registration: to work as a biomedical scientist you must register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), and to register you need work experience in an accredited laboratory.
- University: a biomedical science degree accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) and approved by the HCPC. You'll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 and 3 A levels including biology and chemistry.
- Degree apprenticeship: a Biomedical Scientist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship takes around 3 years, if you already work in the health service or a research lab.
- NHS trainee: you'll need at least 2 A levels in science subjects or an equivalent such as a Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science.
- Experience route: if you already work at biomedical scientist level without HCPC registration, the IBMS can assess you for a Certificate of Competence by Equivalence.
Here's the catch people miss: if your degree doesn't include accredited work experience, you'll have to find a lab placement yourself, during a sandwich year or after you graduate. Pick a course with the placement built in and you skip that problem. As of October 2026, the National Careers Service puts pay at £30,000 for starters up to £53,000 for experienced scientists, on 38 to 40 hours a week.
Outlook and where to go next
BLS projects employment to grow 3% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average, with around 20,800 openings a year, mostly from people retiring or changing jobs. If drawing blood appeals more than running the analysers, my guide on how to become a phlebotomist is a faster way into the lab world, and becoming a medical assistant is another short route into clinical work.
Want AI doing the heavy lifting in your marketing?
I build the systems that handle the boring 80 percent, so you get your week back. Done properly, with the human kept in.
My verdict
This is a strong career if you like science but don't want to be patient-facing all day. Go for the bachelor's route, check your state's licensing rules before you choose a programme, and get certified even where it's optional. In the UK, choose an IBMS-accredited degree with the lab placement included, because HCPC registration is the gate you can't get around.
Imaging with radioactive tracers is a close cousin of laboratory work, and the nuclear medicine technologist guide explains the route.
Frequently asked questions
Is a medical laboratory scientist the same as a medical laboratory technician?
No. BLS says scientists (technologists) usually need a bachelor's degree and perform more complex tests, while technicians often need an associate's degree and perform more routine, automated tests.
Do you need a license to be a medical laboratory scientist?
It depends on the state. BLS says some states require laboratory personnel to be licensed or registered, and some require certification as part of licensure.
How much do medical laboratory scientists make?
As of October 2026, BLS gives a median annual wage of $62,930 for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians (May 2025 data).
What is a medical laboratory scientist called in the UK?
A biomedical scientist. You must register with the Health and Care Professions Council, which needs accredited laboratory work experience.
