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Medical Lab Science Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Clinical Laboratory Science, Medical Technology or meet local regulatory (CLIA & State) requirements. * Minimum 5-7 years of clinical laboratory testing ...

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Medical Lab Science information

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$575

$1.6K

$2.7K

How much do medical lab science jobs pay per week?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average weekly pay for medical lab science in Tennessee is $1,626.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,011.54 and $2,076.92 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What can I do with medical laboratory science?

Medical laboratory science professionals perform diagnostic testing on patient samples to help diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases. They work in clinical laboratories, using tools like microscopes and analyzers, and often require certification or licensure. Career options include roles such as medical laboratory technologist, clinical laboratory scientist, or research technician in hospitals, diagnostic labs, or research institutions.

What are some common challenges faced by Medical Lab Scientists during day-to-day work, and how can they be effectively managed?

Medical Lab Scientists often encounter challenges such as handling high sample volumes, ensuring accuracy under time constraints, and staying updated with evolving technologies. Effective management involves strong organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and proactive communication with healthcare teams. Adhering to strict protocols and participating in regular training help maintain quality and reduce errors, while teamwork and support from colleagues can ease workload pressures and foster a collaborative environment.

What jobs can I get with medical laboratory science?

With a degree in medical laboratory science, you can work as a medical laboratory technologist, clinical laboratory scientist, or medical laboratory technician. These roles involve performing diagnostic tests, analyzing samples, and using laboratory equipment, often requiring certification and knowledge of laboratory safety and procedures.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Medical Lab Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Medical Lab Scientist, you need a bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science or a related field, a solid understanding of biology and chemistry, and certification such as ASCP. Familiarity with laboratory information systems, automated analyzers, and quality control procedures is typically required. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for accurate testing and reporting. These skills ensure precise diagnoses, support patient care, and maintain laboratory safety and efficiency.

What are Medical Lab Scientists?

Medical Lab Scientists, also known as clinical laboratory scientists or medical technologists, are healthcare professionals who perform laboratory tests on patient samples to help diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases. They analyze blood, urine, and other body fluids using sophisticated equipment and techniques. Their work is crucial for providing accurate data that physicians and other healthcare providers rely on for patient care decisions.

How much do MLTs make?

Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLTs) in Florida typically earn an average annual salary of around $45,000 to $55,000, depending on experience, certifications, and work setting. Salaries can vary based on factors such as location, employer, and additional skills like proficiency with laboratory equipment or specialized testing.

What is the difference between Medical Lab Science vs Medical Laboratory Technician?

AspectMedical Lab ScienceMedical Laboratory Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science or related fieldAssociate's degree or post-secondary certificate in Medical Laboratory Technology
Work EnvironmentHospitals, diagnostic labs, research facilitiesHospitals, clinics, diagnostic labs
Job RolePerforming complex tests, analyzing results, supervising techsPerforming routine tests, preparing samples, operating lab equipment
CertificationsASCP Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) certificationASCP Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) certification

Medical Lab Science professionals typically hold a bachelor's degree and perform advanced testing and analysis, often supervising lab staff. Medical Laboratory Technicians usually have an associate degree and handle routine testing tasks. Both roles are essential in diagnostic labs, but Medical Lab Science roles generally require more education and certification, focusing on complex testing and oversight.

What is the highest paying medical lab job?

The highest paying medical lab jobs are typically roles such as Laboratory Director or Pathologist, which require advanced degrees and extensive experience. These positions often involve overseeing laboratory operations, interpreting complex data, and ensuring compliance with regulations, with salaries often exceeding six figures annually.
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Medical Lab Science jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Medical Lab Science job openings:
Medical Lab Scientist 2

Medical Lab Scientist 2

Vanderbilt Health

Nashville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Vanderbilt University Medical Center rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 241 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

187th of 872 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Discover Vanderbilt University Medical Center: Located in Nashville, Tennessee, and operating at a global crossroads of teaching, discovery, and patient care, VUMC is a community of individuals who come to work each day with the simple aim of changing the world. It is a place where your expertise will be valued, your knowledge expanded, and your abilities challenged. Vanderbilt Health is committed to an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and where your uniqueness is sought and celebrated. It is a place where employees know they are part of something that is bigger than themselves, take exceptional pride in their work and never settle for what was good enough yesterday. Vanderbilt's mission is to advance health and wellness through preeminent programs in patient care, education, and research.
Organization:
Reference Lab
Job Summary:
Performs routine and complex clinical pathology testing and instrument management of laboratory services. Responsible to accurately record results and assure timely delivery of results. Has the authority, responsibility and accountability for the accurate performance of laboratory test methodologies. These tests are used in the diagnosis and treatment of patients and the evaluation of the patient's response to treatment. Applies clinical knowledge to achieve accurate clinical test results which leads to quality patient care outcomes.
Key Responsibilities:
• Provides patient-focused care in a clinical setting through the accurate performance of routine and complex tests through the pre-analytic, analytic and post-analytic stages.
• Performs qualitative and quantitative analytical procedures, including reagent preparation and appropriate quality control, according to required protocols, with precision and accuracy in a timely and efficient manner.
• Demonstrates knowledge of techniques, principles, and instruments and their interrelationships as well as physiological conditions affecting test results.
• The responsibilities listed are a general overview of the position and additional duties may be assigned.
Technical Capabilities:
• Data Analysis (Novice): Possesses sufficient fundamental proficiency to successfully demonstrate data analysis in practical data analysis applications of moderate difficulty. Navigates within established technology environments to locate, validate, extract, and format data for data analysis. Able to modify and run queries and standard reports from data tools and provide to users. Can identify data values and data sources. Is familiar with data modeling. Is able to interview business customers to elicit data requirements and understand the relationships between data items.
• Quality Assurance (Novice): Has provided continuous analysis and evaluation of assignment work processes, constantly striving for improvement in the way tasks and activities are accomplished by questioning their value to the process and contributing creative solutions. Has participated in the process of establishing, communicating and monitoring standards for quality and excellence. Demonstrates the ability to actually work on and improve a current business process, product or service.
• Equipment Maintenance (Novice): Possesses sufficient fundamental proficiency to successfully demonstrate the ability to maintain equipment, products, or systems in practical applications of moderate difficulty. Assures that parts inventory is sufficient.
• Diagnostic Testing (Novice): Demonstrates proficiency of diagnostic testing in practical applications. Possesses sufficient knowledge, training, and experience to be capable of successfully delivering results.
• Mentoring & Coaching (Novice): Constructively trains and mentors others by providing positive direction and feedback. Has provided constructive suggestions to improve a situation. Knows how to remove roadblocks to success and avoids judgments at all times. Makes a concerted effort to pass on experiences and job information that can be learned easily.
Allied health is among the fastest growing occupations in healthcare today. This area can be defined as credentialed professionals who perform supportive, diagnostic, and therapeutic health care services to promote health and prevent disease in a variety of settings.
These areas are crucial to Vanderbilt Health's reputation for excellence in these areas that has made us a major center for patient referrals from throughout the Mid-South.
Each year, people throughout Tennessee and the southeast choose Vanderbilt Health for their health care because of our leadership in medical science and our dedication to treating patients with dignity and compassion.
Core Accountabilities:
Organizational Impact: Executes job responsibilities with the understanding of how output would affect and impact other areas related to own job area/team with occasional guidance. Problem Solving/ Complexity of work: Analyzes moderately complex problems using technical experience and judgment. Breadth of Knowledge: Has expanded knowledge gained through experience within a professional area. Team Interaction: Provides informal guidance and support to team members.
Core Capabilities :
Supporting Colleagues:- Develops Self and Others: Invests time, energy, and enthusiasm in developing self/others to help improve performance e and gain knowledge in new areas.- Builds and Maintains Relationships: Maintains regular contact with key colleagues and stakeholders using formal and informal opportunities to expand and strengthen relationships.- Communicates Effectively: Recognizes group interactions and modifies one's own communication style to suit different situations and audiences. Delivering Excellent Services:- Serves Others with Compassion: Seeks to understand current and future needs of relevant stakeholders and customizes services to better address them.- Solves Complex Problems: Approaches problems from different angles; Identifies new possibilities to interpret opportunities and develop concrete solutions.- Offers Meaningful Advice and Support: Provides ongoing support and coaching in a constructive manner to increase employees' effectiveness. Ensuring High Quality: - Performs Excellent Work: Engages regularly in formal and informal dialogue about quality; directly addresses quality issues promptly.- Ensures Continuous Improvement: Applies various learning experiences by looking beyond symptoms to uncover underlying causes of problems and identifies ways to resolve them. - Fulfills Safety and Regulatory Requirements: Understands all aspects of providing a safe environment and performs routine safety checks to prevent safety hazards from occurring. Managing Resources Effectively: - Demonstrates Accountability: Demonstrates a sense of ownership, focusing on and driving critical issues to closure.- Stewards Organizational Resources: Applies understanding of the departmental work to effectively manage resources for a department/area.- Makes Data Driven Decisions: Demonstrates strong understanding of the information or data to identify and elevate opportunities. Fostering Innovation:- Generates New Ideas: Proactively identifies new ideas/opportunities from multiple sources or methods to improve processes beyond conventional approaches.- Applies Technology: Demonstrates an enthusiasm for learning new technologies, tools, and procedures to address short-term challenges.- Adapts to Change: Views difficult situations and/or problems as opportunities for improvement; actively embraces change instead of emphasizing negative elements.
Position Qualifications:
Responsibilities:
Certifications:
Medical Laboratory Technician - American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
Work Experience:
Relevant Work Experience
Experience Level :
Less than 1 year
Education:
Graduate of an approved discipline specific program
Vanderbilt Health is committed to fostering an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and is committed to the principles of equal opportunity. EOE/Vets/Disabled.

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