What is a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS)?
A Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS), also known as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) or Medical Technologist (MT), is a highly trained healthcare professional who performs laboratory tests to help diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases. They work with sophisticated equipment and techniques to analyze blood, tissue, and other body fluids.
CLs play a critical role in healthcare by providing accurate and timely laboratory results that physicians rely on for patient care decisions. Their work directly impacts patient outcomes and public health.
Education Requirements
To become a CLS, you typically need:
- Bachelor's Degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Biology, Chemistry, or a related field
- Clinical Training through an accredited Medical Laboratory Science program
- Certification from a recognized organization (ASCP, AMT, or others)
- State Licensure (required in some states like California, New York, Florida, and others)
ASCP vs AMT Certification
The two main certification bodies for CLS professionals are:
ASCP Board of Certification
- Most widely recognized
- Multiple certification routes
- 36 CE hours per 3-year cycle
- Annual or triennial renewal
ASCP Renewal Guide
AMT Certification
- Nationally accredited
- Flexible renewal options
- 45 CE points per 3-year cycle
- Annual or triennial renewal
AMT Renewal Guide
Salary Information
Clinical Laboratory Scientists earn competitive salaries that vary by experience, location, and specialization:
,910
Median Annual Salary
BLS 2024
,000+
Experienced Professionals
Top 25%
/hr+
Average Hourly Rate
National Average
Continuing Education (CE) Requirements
To maintain certification and state licensure, CLS professionals must complete continuing education requirements:
- ASCP: 36 contact hours every 3 years
- AMT: 45 points every 3 years
- State Requirements: Vary by state (some require additional state-specific CE)
Browse approved CE courses that meet certification requirements.
Career Path and Advancement
The CLS career path offers numerous opportunities for advancement:
Entry LevelClinical Laboratory Scientist / Medical Technologist
Mid CareerSenior Technologist / Quality Control Specialist
AdvancedLaboratory Supervisor / Manager
LeadershipLaboratory Director / Pathologist
Frequently Asked Questions
These are essentially the same profession with different titles. CLS (Clinical Laboratory Scientist) is commonly used in California, MLS (Medical Laboratory Scientist) is the ASCP preferred term, and MT (Medical Technologist) is a legacy term still used in some states.
Typically 4 years for a bachelor's degree plus 12 months of clinical training through an accredited program. Some states offer alternative routes with different timelines.
It depends on your state. States like California, New York, Florida, and others require a state license. Many other states only require national certification (ASCP or AMT). Check
your state requirements for details.
ASCP certifications must be renewed every 3 years with 36 CE contact hours. AMT certifications require 45 CE points every 3 years. Some states have their own renewal cycles and additional requirements.
Approved CE courses from accredited providers, workshops, conferences, published research, and academic coursework may all qualify. Browse our
CE courses directory for approved options.
Ready to Renew Your License?
Find state-specific requirements and approved CE courses.