Medical Lab Sciences | Career Opportunities

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Career & Study Opportunities

Many MLS graduates obtain entry level positions in diagnostic/medical laboratories in hospitals, reference, public health and private labs in the New York area. They may begin in these labs as trainee/interns (in the Professional Practice course) or following specialized, ASCP or Cytotechnology programs.

NYS licensing law for clinical lab technologists (see Professional Experience page) went into effect Sept. 2006. The MLS Program meets the educational and practice requirements for the transitional period in force until 2011. Graduates who successfully complete the state examination will be licensed to work as medical technologists in diagnostic labs in NY State.

MLS alumni are employed in every prestigious medical institution in the area (HHC and voluntary) as well as the large proprietary laboratories which serve the outpatient population. Currently, there are significant personnel shortages in clinical laboratories nationwide, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts they will continue.

It is a key goal of the MLS program to prepare students to follow a variety of paths after the degree. The public health sector, including the NYC Department of Health, which employs MLS alumni in state of the art biohazard labs is another route to a meaningful contribution to.

Graduates who do not choose the diagnostic or public health laboratory often apply to medical and graduate schools, or work as research assistants in medical centers or private sector companies. Large pharmaceutical companies as well as small biotech companies are eager to hire our graduates, as are some of the most elite research institutions in the area. Expansion of the forensic labs of the Medical Examiner’s Office, as well as the East River Science Park adjacent to the Brookdale Center will offer more exciting opportunities for employment and professional development.