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.
Studying Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science covers Clinical/medical Laboratory Science/research And Allied Professions. Read on to learn the key facts every clinical/medical laboratory science major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering clinical/medical laboratory science programs.
Across the country, clinical/medical laboratory science draws strong interest, with 20,443 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science Schools ranking analyzes these 797 schools to determine the best overall colleges for clinical/medical laboratory science students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of clinical/medical laboratory science programs later in this article.
Studies in Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science develop a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations clinical/medical laboratory science graduates commonly enter.
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.
Skills built by a clinical/medical laboratory science program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
According to O*NET, a clinical/medical laboratory science major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several clinical/medical laboratory science degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 1,522 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 2,687 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 3,934 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 6,011 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 27 |
People currently working in careers related to clinical/medical laboratory science tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 30.4% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 19.1% |
| Master’s degree | 10.7% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 10.0% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 8.8% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 6.8% |
| Doctoral degree | 5.3% |
| Some college courses | 4.6% |
| Post-doctoral training | 3.4% |
| First professional degree | 0.9% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in clinical/medical laboratory science careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
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.
A degree in clinical/medical laboratory science opens doors to many career paths. Below are some of the most common occupations related to clinical/medical laboratory science.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to clinical/medical laboratory science.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Patient Representatives | 3,368,169 | 4.8% |
| Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other | 3,206,816 | 12.2% |
| Histology Technicians | 2,948,902 | -0.2% |
| Ophthalmic Medical Technologists | 2,908,248 | 9.4% |
| Cytotechnologists | 2,585,436 | 10.3% |
| Cytogenetic Technologists | 2,100,694 | 1.9% |
| Neurodiagnostic Technologists | 1,852,560 | 14.1% |
| Surgical Technologists | 1,820,366 | -3.0% |
College Scorecard reports median earnings of clinical/medical laboratory science graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Wages typically rise as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $42,942 |
| 4 years | $39,910 |
| 5 years | $44,672 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for clinical/medical laboratory science graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers clinical/medical laboratory science grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians | $155,908 |
| Cytotechnologists | $155,812 |
| Cytogenetic Technologists | $155,361 |
| Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other | $153,940 |
| Ophthalmic Medical Technologists | $153,819 |
| Histotechnologists | $125,527 |
| Neurodiagnostic Technologists | $81,316 |
| Histology Technicians | $80,721 |
With 797 different clinical/medical laboratory science programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased clinical/medical laboratory science school rankings to help you.
If you are interested in clinical/medical laboratory science, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
