by our College Data Analytics TeamSometimes, doctors must collect samples and test them for abnormalities or signs of illness. If you are interested in performing these tests, consider a degree in clinical/medical laboratory science.
Students in this major take classes in organic chemistry, genetics, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, hematology, and immunology to learn how to properly test bodily fluids, tissues, and other samples for diseases. You will gain the skills to work with laboratory equipment, interpret data, and perform tests to help physicians find and treat patients' illnesses.
Areas of specialization within the Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science field include Blood Bank Technology, Hematology Technology, Laboratory Technician, Phlebotomy Technician, Clinical Genetics Technology and many others.
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science was the 93rd most popular major in the 2020-2021 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 18,901 degrees in this year alone. This represents a 9.4% increase in clinical laboratory science degrees awarded over the prior year's total of 17,129.
Our 2023 Best Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science Schools ranking analyzes 426 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for clinical/medical laboratory science students. Explore this or one of our many other custom clinical laboratory science rankings further below.
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Take your associate degree in an allied health field to the next level with this specialized transfer friendly online bachelor of science from Southern New Hampshire University.
Students who major in this field have strong analysis skills and pay close attention to detail. You must collect samples and perform specific tests in order to help physicians find any diseases within a person. Strong organizational and communication skills will help you collect data and share findings. Professionals also have interpersonal skills since they work closely with patients to collect samples.
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science professionals work full time. Depending on your job location, you may work typical work hours during the day, or be part of a 24/7 facility that requires weekend, holiday, and overnight hours.
Depending on the state you are working and your employer, you may need to be certified to work in this field. It is best to check state laws to ensure you are fulfilling all requirements for this career.
New students will need to have completed high school or a GED program and each school will have their own minimum GPA and SAT/ACT test requirements. In addition to these basic clinical/medical laboratory science program qualifications, to serve in some clinical laboratory science careers, special certification may be required outside of your degree.
Clinical Laboratory Science degree levels vary. You can get anything from a in clinical/medical laboratory science to the highest clinical laboratory science degree, a . Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science programs can take anywhere between one to four or more years for a full-time student to complete.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to clinical laboratory science, with approximately 25.5% of workers getting one. Find out other typical degree levels for clinical laboratory science workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 28.4% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 19.5% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 14.4% |
| High School Diploma | 13.6% |
| Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | 9.5% |
About 63.0% of workers in careers related to clinical laboratory science obtain at least associate degrees. View the chart below to get an idea of what degree level most of those in clinical/medical laboratory science careers have.
The education level required is different depending on the clinical laboratory science career you are seeking.
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science graduates work in medical labs in a variety of locations. Some graduates are employed by hospitals, clinics, diagnostic labs, and in physician offices. You will have the skills to test any necessary specimen, making you an asset to the medical profession. This occupation is growing at an average rate, meaning there should be an adequate amount of jobs available to students after graduation.
Want a job when you graduate with your clinical laboratory science degree? Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science careers are expected to grow 17.9% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to clinical/medical laboratory science.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Health Specialties Professors | 294,000 | 25.9% |
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists | 191,200 | 11.6% |
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians | 187,200 | 14.0% |
| Health Technologists and Technicians | 152,900 | 19.6% |
| Phlebotomists | 152,800 | 24.5% |
Recently graduated clinical/medical laboratory science students earned an average of $42,002 in 2019-2020. Earnings can range from as low as $12,987 to as high as $111,466. As you might expect, salaries for clinical laboratory science graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for clinical/medical laboratory science graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers clinical laboratory science grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Health Specialties Professors | $122,320 |
| Surgical Technologists | $49,040 |
| Health Technologists and Technicians | $47,450 |
| Medical Equipment Preparers | $37,990 |
| Phlebotomists | $35,560 |
With over 1,458 different clinical laboratory science degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased clinical laboratory science school rankings to help you with this.
One of 30 majors within the Health Professions area of study, Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science has other similar majors worth exploring.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Phlebotomy Technician/Phlebotomist | 7,599 |
| Laboratory Technician | 4,185 |
| Laboratory Sciences & Medical Technology | 3,912 |
| Sterile Processing Technology/Technician | 1,108 |
| Other Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science and Allied Professions | 982 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Nursing | 322,592 |
| Health & Medical Administrative Services | 89,359 |
| Allied Health & Medical Assisting Services | 84,492 |
| Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants | 84,274 |
| Allied Health Professions | 82,308 |
Image Credit: By Staff Sgt. Jerilyn Quintanilla under License More about our data sources and methodologies.
