Medical Laboratory Scientist as a Career, is one of the most lucrative professions in the healthcare sector. These professionals carry out important roles in human lives. The uniqueness of this career path in the healthcare sector is that it combines science and research in treating human ailments.
A medical laboratory scientist career can give one the leverage of being self-employed. You can decide to own a laboratory and offer diagnostic services without working under anyone.
A medical laboratory Scientist is a highly skilled healthcare professional who performs various laboratory tests and analyses on patient samples to assist in diagnosing and treating diseases
I will walk through the steps and nitty-gritty required to pursue this career path.
Path to Becoming a Medical Laboratory Scientist
Obtain an O’level Certificate:
You need to have at least five credits in science subjects such as Mathematics, English, Physics, Chemistry and Biology in WAEC, NECO or GCE.
Write the JAMB and Post-UTME Examination
The subject combination for your JAMB examination should include Mathematics, Use of English, Chemistry and Biology. It is advised that you score at least 250 and above in other to get admitted into the University. Additionally, Universities will require you to take a post-UTME which is a factor in getting admitted.
Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree
To obtain a bachelor’s degree, you need to complete the five-year curriculum which includes both practical training in laboratories and classroom instruction. You will be awarded the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (BMLS) degree.
Gain Practical Experience
You must apply for internships at medical laboratories and work for some time. This will enable you to acquire experience in laboratory techniques and procedures.
Licensing and Certification
A license from the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) is a basic requirement for practising as a Medical Laboratory Scientist in Nigeria. In other to obtain this license, you need to pass the Council’s licensing examination.
Choose an Area of specialisation
An area of specialisation in this field can keep you at an advantage in the employment market and enable you to earn juicy pay in the healthcare sector. This can enhance your career opportunities and earning potential. They include:
- Clinical Virology: This involves the study of viruses and illnesses caused by viruses.
- Clinical Microbiology: This involves the study of microorganisms and diseases caused by these organisms. They diagnose and offer resistant antibiotics to treat these diseases.
- Haematology: This is the study of blood and its components. They study the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases of the blood such as leukaemia.
- Histology: Histologists play a crucial role in cancer diagnosis and treatment planning. They examine tissue samples and cells to detect abnormalities.
- Clinical Biochemistry: This involves the study of the blood, urine and other body fluids to diagnose and manage diseases.
Register with Professional Associations
This is important as it can provide you with access to resources and the opportunity to gain connections with industry professionals. You can become a member of relevant professional organisations, such as the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN).
Universities to Study Medical Laboratory Science in Nigeria
- University of Jos
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University
- Igbinedion University
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka
- Olabisi Onabanjo University
- University of Benin
- Abia State University
- University of Ibadan
- Ahmadu Bello University
- University of Calabar
- Federal University, Oye Ekiti
- University of Uyo
- MADONNA University
- University of Ilorin
- Babcock University
- University of Port Harcourt
- PAMO University of Medical Sciences
- University of Lagos
- Bayero Univesity
- Imo State University
Places to Work as a Medical Laboratory Scientist
- Research Scientists
- Lecturers in Higher Institutions
- Quality Control Units of Industries
- Hospitals and Healthcare Centres
- Biotechnology Companies
- Pharmaceutical Industries
Salary of Medical Laboratory Scientist
The average salary of a medical laboratory scientist in Nigeria is between N50,000 to N500,000 monthly. This may vary based on the level of experience, the area of specialisation and the industry sector being worked under.
In Conclusion, a medical laboratory scientist career in Nigeria requires a combination of education, practical training and certification. This is a career path that requires certain skills such as discipline, patience and accuracy, consistency and hard work and resilience. Just like other medical careers, you need to put in a good amount of effort to attain a successful career.
Good luck.