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Job outlook for clinical laboratory scientists in the United States
Clinical laboratory scientist job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected clinical laboratory scientist job growth rate is 17% from 2018-2028.
About 20,800 new jobs for clinical laboratory scientists are projected over the next decade.
Clinical laboratory scientist salaries have increased 7% for clinical laboratory scientists in the last 5 years.
There are over 37,909 clinical laboratory scientists currently employed in the United States.
There are 133,838 active clinical laboratory scientist job openings in the US.
The average clinical laboratory scientist salary is $67,900.
Are clinical laboratory scientist jobs in demand?
Clinical laboratory scientist job and salary trends over time
Clinical laboratory scientist jobs over time
Clinical laboratory scientist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 37,909 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 38,794 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 38,770 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 38,199 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 38,337 | 0.01% |
Average clinical laboratory scientist salary over time
Clinical laboratory scientist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $67,900 | $32.64 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $66,054 | $31.76 | --0.7% |
| 2023 | $66,531 | $31.99 | +2.5% |
| 2022 | $64,879 | $31.19 | +2.0% |
| 2021 | $63,628 | $30.59 | +0.9% |
Clinical laboratory scientist jobs by state
Most common states for clinical laboratory scientists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 329 | 47% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 238 | 38% |
| 3 | Delaware | 961,939 | 341 | 35% |
| 4 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 455 | 34% |
| 5 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,859 | 31% |
| 6 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 326 | 31% |
| 7 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 235 | 31% |
| 8 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 1,084 | 30% |
| 9 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 406 | 30% |
| 10 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 260 | 30% |
| 11 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 2,336 | 28% |
| 12 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 2,461 | 27% |
| 13 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 843 | 27% |
| 14 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 1,498 | 26% |
| 15 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 272 | 26% |
| 16 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,402 | 25% |
| 17 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 447 | 25% |
| 18 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,807 | 24% |
| 19 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 1,000 | 24% |
| 20 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 731 | 24% |
Most common cities for clinical laboratory scientists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cibolo | 10 | 36% | $59,301 |
| 2 | Schertz | 10 | 25% | $59,315 |
| 3 | Palo Alto | 10 | 15% | $83,756 |
| 4 | New Braunfels | 10 | 14% | $59,224 |
| 5 | Elmhurst | 5 | 11% | $52,058 |
| 6 | Clearwater | 7 | 6% | $55,574 |
| 7 | Santa Maria | 5 | 5% | $78,594 |
| 8 | Alameda | 4 | 5% | $83,954 |
| 9 | Little Rock | 6 | 3% | $53,767 |
| 10 | Santa Rosa | 5 | 3% | $84,320 |
| 11 | Fresno | 8 | 2% | $81,100 |
| 12 | Oakland | 7 | 2% | $83,942 |
| 13 | Tampa | 7 | 2% | $55,602 |
| 14 | Anaheim | 6 | 2% | $72,990 |
| 15 | Los Angeles | 31 | 1% | $73,977 |
| 16 | San Diego | 20 | 1% | $70,297 |
| 17 | San Antonio | 12 | 1% | $59,401 |
| 18 | San Jose | 8 | 1% | $83,405 |
| 19 | San Francisco | 5 | 1% | $84,109 |
Clinical Laboratory Scientist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of clinical laboratory scientist experts
Northern Michigan University
University of South Florida
Weber State University
Michigan Technological University
University of Alabama in Huntsville
Saint Cloud State University
Wenatchee Valley College
Agnes Scott College
Old Dominion University
The University of Akron
Siena College
Rutgers University - New Brunswick
Houston Baptist University
Adelphi University
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Bay Path University
What general advice would you give to a Clinical Laboratory Scientist?
Katherine Nelson MBA, MLS (ASCP): Skills that I foresee as becoming important in the 3-5 years include the ability to work with a variety of technology, strong communication skills between other laboratory and healthcare professionals and the ability adapt to change quickly.
Martin Renaldi MT (ASCP), MPA
Assistant Professor / MLS Program DirectorNorthern Michigan University
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, And Treatment Professions
What will help Clinical Laboratory Scientists increase their earning potential?
Martin Renaldi MT (ASCP), MPA: I would highly recommend that the newly graduated lab tech does not limit themself to a specific location or a specific vocation. The places to work and the types of jobs available are nearly limitless. If one thinks outside of the box, outside of the mainstream lab tech opportunities, they'll find a whole host of other intriguing possibilities. So, do not limit yourself, the world is your oyster, .......so to speak.
What general advice would you give to a Clinical Laboratory Scientist?
Dr. Kendall Morris Ph.D.: If you succeed, it is more wonderful than you could imagine. You get to find out things that no one else knows! You get to work with the best, smartest and usually nicest people in the world from all over the world. It’s likely that you will be required to travel, expenses paid, to amazing places with even more amazing people, some of whom will become not only colleagues but life-long friends or more like family. The pay becomes much better, though never what would be likely in other businesses. However, the pressure to acquire funding is ever-present.
What Clinical Laboratory Scientist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Kendall Morris Ph.D.: It is a great profession to enter now see 4 below, but ONLY if you think that doing anything else would be a waste of your life. The education is too long, the work is too hard and time consuming for too little pay for much too long. As many have found, if you are a resident of one of the many less affluent countries, wish to come to the U.S., AND have the drive and a love for research, you are likely to be welcomed here. For the time being, anyway. Few young people in the U.S. are willing to go into research. When I entered grad school 1988, all of the professors in my department were U.S. born. Today, about two thirds are immigrants.
What general advice would you give to a Clinical Laboratory Scientist?
Huy Le M.P.H CLS,MLS(ASCP): In Northern California, new graduates can expect to earn at least $125,000 right out of school, plus shift differentials and overtime pay. To maximize your salary potential, negotiate with the lab administration and highlight your strong points. Clinical labs often prefer hiring students with strong blood banking experience and skills, which can increase your earning potential. Additionally, having expertise in core lab disciplines (chemistry and hematology) or microbiology and molecular biology can make you a valuable asset and contribute to job security and higher earning potential in these in-demand areas.
What Clinical Laboratory Scientist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Huy Le M.P.H CLS,MLS(ASCP): Focus on obtaining the necessary certification or board exam, such as the Medical Laboratory Science ASCP examination, as it is a prerequisite for working in a clinical lab. Start networking early by applying and getting to know the lab management at the hospital you want to work for, as competition can be high for new graduates. As a CLS graduate, it is imperative that you possess a strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as these are essential for accurately analyzing laboratory results and troubleshooting issues. In addition, brush up on your interview skills, including both soft skills and technical knowledge, to be fully prepared for job interviews.
What will help Clinical Laboratory Scientists increase their earning potential?
Huy Le M.P.H CLS,MLS(ASCP): Clinical laboratory science is expecting a significant decline in the workforce due to retiring baby boomers and the labor shortage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. To address this shortage, there will be an increased demand for skilled medical laboratory professionals, particularly in areas such as molecular biology, microbiology, and core laboratory disciplines like chemistry and hematology. In addition, you will need to be competent at laboratory automation and emerging technologies, data analysis and interpretation skills to effectively manage the increasing volume of complex laboratory data generated by advanced testing methods.
Dr. Janice Thomas
Professor and Program DirectorWeber State University
Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences
What general advice would you give to a Clinical Laboratory Scientist?
Dr. Janice Thomas: Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLTs) are an integral part of the healthcare team as seventy percent (70%) of diagnoses come from laboratory results. On a day-to-day basis, the duties of an MLT can include collecting and analyzing samples, maintaining laboratory equipment, and accurately recording results for medical providers to review and consider when diagnosing patients.
What Clinical Laboratory Scientist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Janice Thomas: Entering the field of Medical Laboratory Sciences is a wise choice, particularly now, due to the growing demand for healthcare services and the increasing technology in medical diagnostics. With an aging population and the continuous development of innovative medical tests and procedures, the need for skilled MLTs is more pronounced than ever. This profession not only offers job stability and opportunities for advancement but also the satisfaction of contributing to patient care and the well-being of the community.
What will help Clinical Laboratory Scientists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Janice Thomas: Many MLTs appreciate the variety and dynamic nature of the work. They welcome the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge technology, and the sense of fulfillment that comes from playing an important role in patient care. The profession also offers a good balance of teamwork and individual responsibilities, along with diverse disciplines and career paths. But, like any profession, there are challenges. Some may find the work mentally demanding and stressful, particularly when dealing with urgent cases or critical results. Others may prefer more patient contact than the role typically provides. It's also important to note that the profession requires meticulous attention to detail and adherence to strict protocols, which can be taxing for some individuals.
What general advice would you give to a Clinical Laboratory Scientist?
Dr. Tiana Curry-McCoy Ph.D., MPH, MPA: When starting a career in CLS maximize your salary through increasing your education, experience, and value. This can be done by staying up to date with the latest technology, testing procedures, and being a reliable colleague.
What Clinical Laboratory Scientist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Tiana Curry-McCoy Ph.D., MPH, MPA: The use of AI is on the rise in many fields including CLS. With this in mind it is important that the CLS professional understands the programing and how to use the tool to assist but not completely rely on in the laboratory setting. CLS professionals will also have to understand the mechanics of the equipment they work with to help with quick fixes to save money and time in their unit. With these thoughts in mind, it is important that CLS professionals are both knowledgeable of biological processes, testing, and application as well as being tech savvy.
What will help Clinical Laboratory Scientists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Tiana Curry-McCoy Ph.D., MPH, MPA: Clinical Laboratory Science is a diverse field with many opportunities and a large amount of healthcare responsibilities. Much of what we do is unseen to patients, but the value is priceless. CLS graduates are involved in many areas including private and public labs, forensics, research and development, sales, teaching and instruction, administration, and beyond. A CLS professional is an integral part of the healthcare umbrella so they must be hardworking, diligent, proficient, and honest. In the lab always remember that a sample represents somebody's loved one, therefore we must treat all samples with the respect, care, and urgency we would want applied to our own patient care.
Claire Danielson ms, MLS(ASCP)CM
MLS Program Director | Assistant Teaching ProfessorMichigan Technological University
Biology
What general advice would you give to a Clinical Laboratory Scientist?
Claire Danielson ms, MLS(ASCP)CM: This is a difficult one as most hospitals have standard pay ranges and a new MLS will start on the bottom of the pay scale. Sign on bonuses are always negotiable though. Also check the commitment length for the sign on bonus.
What Clinical Laboratory Scientist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Claire Danielson ms, MLS(ASCP)CM: Computer skills (everything is automated now, LIS, middleware, software, etc), the ability to work independently and troubleshoot instruments and problems on your own. As we automate more and more, techs will be working alone more often. Organizational and multitasking skills have always been important and will remain important.
What will help Clinical Laboratory Scientists increase their earning potential?
Claire Danielson ms, MLS(ASCP)CM: Be open to anything, you may not start in the exact shift or department you want to end up in but try to be flexible. You never know where your career may take you. Also, look at the culture of the lab before signing on to work there. Ask to shadow in the lab prior to working there. Talking to the staff before you commit can also help with your decision.
Angela Robinson MS MLS ASCP
Retired Assoc Admin of Pathology & Laboratory MedicineWhat general advice would you give to a Clinical Laboratory Scientist?
Angela Robinson MS MLS ASCP: Over the years with automation and autoverification - tools to assist the Medical Laboratory Professionals - the skills have altered from psychomotor behavorial to independent thinking and critical cognitive expertise. Soft skills are and will become even more prevalent - including Problem Solving/ Time Management/ Adaptability/ Communication/ Interpersonal/ Teamwork.
Medical Laboratory Professionals will continue to multitask at the workbench -
Medical Laboratory Scientists and Technicians must always seek accurate and precise quality standards with the most stategic highly regulated compliance of analytical laboratory testing.
But now must also come from behind the walls of the laboratory to collaborate and coordinate with other medical laboratory professionals as well as non-lab professionals to work as a team for patient care. Most errors are PREanalytical variables - (before laboratory analysis) with how specimens are incorrectly drawn - wrong tube type - incorrect order of draw - mislabeled - unlabeled - clotted - hemolyzed - QNS.
Furthermore - Laboratory professionals skilled at management must take a seat and have a voice at the c-suite. Supportive leadership for resourceful environments. Also medical laboratory professionals continue to become more acutely involved in POCT - Quality assurance - Safety - Infection Control - Risk - Education and even Public Relations. DCLS (the doctorate of Clinical Laboratory Science) is also becoming highly sought out for Data Mgt Teams to markedly improve patient care.
What Clinical Laboratory Scientist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Angela Robinson MS MLS ASCP: Today - Medical Laboratory Science - a degree with a career in Healthcare and Public Health as well as a solid strong foundation to many other careerS beyond Laboratory Medicine - is in high demand and very competitive.
Always negotiate for compensation commensurate with education and experience - especially where qualified board certified and also where Right to Practice Professional licensure mandates high quality personnel standards for quality standards of laboratory testing for patient care.
Use documentation nationally from professional societies and organizations - as well as locally with supply and demand among competing facilities due to severe shortages in Healthcare. Quality standards of laboratory testing relies on qualified board-certified Medical Laboratory Professionals. Patient care deserves no less.
What will help Clinical Laboratory Scientists increase their earning potential?
Angela Robinson MS MLS ASCP: Healthcare is very challenging now with shortages and burnout and stress and baby boomers resignations - but not without opportunities and options. New graduates - become professionally nationally recognized board certified - and apply all your knowledge and skills to the real world life experience for patient care. Remember - every specimen is a patient. Patient care needs accuracy and precision of quality standards of laboratory testing - by YOU - the Medical Laboratory Professional!
AND - Do not let anyone or anything discourage you. Find the place that will support and value you in becoming the best you can be for patient care. Pursue life, including this profession to its utmost with purpose, pride and passion!
Finally - become part of the national movement of Laboratory Advocacy - become involved in making a positive difference and impact on Laboratory Medicine ie join a medical laboratory professional society and/or become vocal in acquiring media attention and public awareness and industry respect and legislative support.
While complaining and venting releases anxiety - only constructive criticism and action will resolve.
Better to try than succeed at doing nothing. Become part of the solution - not part of the precipitate.
Dr. Luis Rogelio Cruz-Vera
Associate ProfessorUniversity of Alabama in Huntsville
Department of Biological Sciences
What skills stand out on Clinical Laboratory Scientist resumes?
Dr. Luis Rogelio Cruz-Vera: Good standing on biochemical concepts.
What soft skills should all Clinical Laboratory Scientists possess?
Dr. Luis Rogelio Cruz-Vera: Planification.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Clinical Laboratory Scientists?
Dr. Luis Rogelio Cruz-Vera: Pipetting, quantitative analysis, computer writing.
What skills will help Clinical Laboratory Scientists earn the most?
Dr. Luis Rogelio Cruz-Vera: Commitment.
Louise Millis
Medical Laboratory Science and Histotechnician Program Director, Associate Professor of BiologySaint Cloud State University
Medical Laboratory Science
What skills stand out on Clinical Laboratory Scientist resumes?
Louise Millis: Note, we offer a four-year degree, so these individuals are Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS). The Technician is the two-year level.
-Oral and written communication with others in the lab, lab profession (doctors)
-Ability to work alone or in a group (teamwork)
-Ability to follow directions
-Problem solving
-Careful work: Precision, accuracy, reproducibility
-Ask questions when need help: Know when to ask for help, the data matters, ask to confirm a test result if in question, before sending out
-Ethical
-Time management
-Self-awareness of strengths and weaknesses
-Confidence without arrogance
-Leadership
What skills will help Clinical Laboratory Scientists earn the most?
Louise Millis: -Problem solving gives you the ability to see opportunities, to take on additional tasks or projects
-Careful work: Precision, accuracy, reproducibility
-Ability to work with others
-Work experience with the above and also furthering your education
-Work experience which enhance base knowledge and technical skills
-Educational
-MBA for some positions (depends on the size of the hospital), management
-MS/Ph.D. for some positions
-Depends on the size of the hospital
-Also, needed for an academic position, MS for some, others require PhD
What skills stand out on Clinical Laboratory Scientist resumes?
Patrick Tracy: -Good critical-thinking skills
-Good problem-solving skills
-Able to prioritize tasks
-Pay attention to detail
-Take a process from beginning to end
-Maintain focus for periods
Jennifer Larimore Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorAgnes Scott College
Biology and Neuroscience Department
What soft skills should all Clinical Laboratory Scientists possess?
Jennifer Larimore Ph.D.: Teamwork, leadership, working with a diverse team.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Clinical Laboratory Scientists?
John Cooper Ph.D.: One of the most amazing impacts of the pandemic was the rapidity to which students and employees had to adapt to new online modes of communications and scheduling for large interactive groups. This was already a trend in the sciences where multi-disciplinary teams were geographically dispersed, but now it is a universally expected skill set, and this adoption took place in less than a year. Students who took classes during the pandemic were exposed to a wide-range of teaching and training pedagogies. Virtual labs, at home delivered lab kits, hybrid labs with students both in person and online, and every possible delivery method that can be imagined for lectures became the norm. Our students were unintentionally part of a great experiment where they were able to evaluate what works well and what does not work so well. Whether they know it or not, this knowledge will guide them as they make future decisions in their careers about the best ways to communicate, train, and interact with their peers, employees, and employers. Our graduates are the leaders of the future, and the successful ones will find this experience to have been invaluable.
What experience really stands out on Clinical Laboratory Scientist resumes?
John Cooper Ph.D.: Employers want experience. In the sciences, research is one of the most important experiences that students can obtain. Research allows students to get in-depth hands-on training solving real world problems by putting into practice what they have learned in their labs and lectures. It also allows students to communicate their findings both in peer-reviewed publications and scientific conferences. Research experience is not only a top priority for employers, it is also required for admission to top medical schools and graduate schools in the sciences.
What's a good job out of college for Clinical Laboratory Scientists?
Dr. Ajay Mahajan: Professional areas, such as engineering, medical, law, business, etc., should not see much change except the requirement of new skills that allow them to work with less social interaction. What may change are jobs in some areas such as hospitality, entertainment, transportation, etc., as many of these jobs will be lost to automation. Hence, any job that resists automation should do fine. Certain areas that have to do with climate change, advanced manufacturing, sustainability, health care, etc will do better than others based on the new administration priorities.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Clinical Laboratory Scientists?
Dr. Ajay Mahajan: I think the COVID-19 pandemic will have an enduring effect on graduates, and everyone in the workforce. Graduates will enter a workforce that will be fundamentally changed from the pre-pandemic era. Even after herd immunity, and after we go back to what we will call the new normal, life will not mirror the past. Industry will remain lean, cost-effective and risk-averse for some time. Whatever can be done from home, or remote platforms will be encouraged. Business meetings, interactions, and even negotiations may continue mostly on the remote platforms with some face-to-face meetings. Graduates will need to accept this as the new normal at least for some time.
What will help Clinical Laboratory Scientists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Ajay Mahajan: Anyone that can and has adapted to remote working will do fine. Remote working also comes with the caveat that you have to sometimes work alone, without supervision, make decisions on your own, and yet be a team player. Learning new platforms for meetings, business operations, project management and effective leadership will help in increased earning potential. In engineering, being involved in robotics, automation, sustainability, advanced manufacturing, Industry 4.0, smart systems, cyber-security, biomedical innovation, etc., is a plus.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Clinical Laboratory Scientists?
Lucas Tucker Ph.D.: The coronavirus pandemic will almost certainly have some impact on student learning. Much of this gap will be closed in the first few years of employment if students work in fields directly using skills learned in the classes affected directly by the pandemic. This will affect skills, especially lab skills, from schools who stayed virtual. This is why we pushed for in-person lab experiences. Schools will work to close these gaps with students who are in the earlier parts of their education.
What will help Clinical Laboratory Scientists increase their earning potential?
Xenia Morin Ph.D.: Helping new farmers have access to good mentors, facilities, infrastructure, and land as well as easy access to on-going training to incorporate more sustainable practices and build business skills.
Matthew Blank Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of BiologyHouston Baptist University
College of Science & Engineering
What will help Clinical Laboratory Scientists increase their earning potential?
Matthew Blank Ph.D.: Earning potential is always directly related to qualities that make an applicant well-rounded. It helps to pick up additional opportunities like serving on a committee, participating in research, helping as a teaching assistant, etc. These provide students with additional skills that make them more competitive.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Clinical Laboratory Scientists?
Matthew Blank Ph.D.: The coronavirus pandemic will absolutely impact 2021 biology graduates and their potential to secure degree-related employment. However, the impact is oftentimes dependent on available resources in their prospective city. For instance, graduates of HBU are fortunate enough to be in a large city which includes a world-class medical center with significant research and biotech opportunities. If one of our students is hoping to go elsewhere, the number of positions that offer relocation assistance, signing bonuses, and travel expenses are cautiously dwindling during the pandemic. On a positive note, graduates have been forced to learn and master new virtual technologies that are now commonplace in all employment sectors which provide them with an increased professional edge that might have been weaker prior to the pandemic.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Clinical Laboratory Scientists?
Tandra Chakraborty: The pandemic has hit hard, very hard on students in higher-ed. Due to COVID-19, 13% of students have delayed graduation, 40% have lost a job, internship, or job offer, and 29% expect to earn less at age 35. But, I still think that the pandemic era graduates will come out stronger within the next two years and will have a great vision for future years. We have all learned how to live minimalistically, acknowledge social norms, and have grown to understand the importance of college and university lives.
What's a good job out of college for Clinical Laboratory Scientists?
Tandra Chakraborty: Good job' is a very relative term. One student may find one job as good and the other not. As far as I am concerned about a good job (not a dream job), I can afford livelihood and still be passionate about the work-a delicate balance.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Clinical Laboratory Scientists?
Nicholas Oberlies Ph.D.: The entire world is affected by COVID. I'm sure that is true for Chemistry and Biochemistry majors. In the short term, it likely means that the students may be behind a semester. In addition, students likely lost opportunities for networking via canceled conferences. While virtual conferences were a nice bandaid, nothing replaces meeting people in person. This is probably especially true for graduate students.
For the long term, however, I believe the world is starting to recognize that science matters. Recently, I just read an article about one of the first biologists (Professor Tom Brock) to study bacteria in hydrothermal vents. He was doing this in the 1960s, and his basic research helped pave the way for the Nobel Prize winning work in the PCR and the life-saving work that is needed for COVID screening. This was an article about a basic scientist but published in USA Today. Not only does the public need to know more about what scientists are doing, I believe that the public seems to have a hunger for such knowledge. So, while the short term might look a little messy and less than ideal, perhaps the long term horizon for science will be improving.
What will help Clinical Laboratory Scientists increase their earning potential?
Nicholas Oberlies Ph.D.: I think the ability to communicate your science, either/both in writing or in speaking, is critically important. It is no trick to talk over someone's head. It is easy to rattle off a bunch of abbreviations and confuse someone. The real skill is the ability to convey your science in a manner that allows people to understand. Even if the nuts and bolts of day-to-day research work is over their heads, conveying what you are doing and why it's important is critical. The most successful scientists work on honing such communication skills daily.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Clinical Laboratory Scientists?
Yadilette Rivera-Colon Ph.D.: Actually, more than specific certifications/licenses/courses the biggest impact comes from being computer savvy, being responsible and having a good presence whether it is in person or remote. Of course, hands-on biotechnology courses are important as well as learning and knowing the most common techniques used in biotechnology. Not so much being proficient at them which is very important but also being able to read a protocol and perform it independently.