The healthcare industry is growing and trained and skilled workers are in demand. It’s an industry that never rests, and for that reason, it offers plenty of career advancement opportunities. If you’re currently working as a lab technician and starting to question what the best steps are for career advancement, you may want to consider obtaining your medical laboratory science degree. Expanding your knowledge and understanding is always wise, as it opens a variety of career doors.
Here’s an in-depth look at why it makes sense to get a medical laboratory science degree.
You’re Ready for a New Challenge
When you start a career, things tend to begin excitingly. You may feel passionate about working in the healthcare industry and look forward to how you can help people. Over time, as you get better at your job, it can start to feel a bit boring. Perhaps you no longer feel that passion or the thrill of a challenge. It’s at this point that some soul-searching should occur.
The healthcare industry should never be thought of as stagnant, as there are always new opportunities out there. Taking the steps to advance in your career and take on more responsibilities may be exactly what you need.
There Is an Online Option Available
Sometimes people choose not to pursue a career goal or advancement simply because the steps necessary seem too hard. If you’re busy thinking you don’t have time to attend classes in person, and that getting your degree is out of the question, it’s time to think again. There are medical technologist certification programs online that can provide you with the scheduling flexibility you need, and make it possible to juggle everything at once.
The laboratory technologist (MLT) to medical laboratory science (MLS) degree can provide you with the advanced skills and knowledge required to work in all different areas of healthcare. That can include genetics, hematology, and microbiology to name a few.
After completing the program, you’ll be able to perform laboratory assays on both human and other types of specimens in an array of settings. You will use those skills in research, clinical, forensic laboratories and commercial laboratories.
Deepen Your Skills and Knowledge – Earn a Higher Salary
Whenever you deepen your skills and knowledge in your career, you are opening the door to more possibilities which typically means earning a higher salary. When you bring more knowledge to the table it’s only natural to demand more money.
A great example is that of a microbiologist. According to statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, microbiologists had a median pay of $81,990 per year in 2022. Compare that to the salary of a clinical laboratory technician with a median pay of $57,380 and that’s a sizeable difference.
It really comes down to whether or not you’re ready for a new path in your career, and if you’re ready to learn the skills necessary to advance. Getting a medical laboratory science degree can help you determine your next career goal.
