Medical Laboratory Scientist vs. Pathologist: What Are the Differences?

A career in the medical field can be both rewarding and challenging. If you’re interested in working with patients and helping to diagnose and treat diseases, you may want to consider a career as a medical laboratory scientist or pathologist. Though both of these positions require extensive education and training, they have different duties and responsibilities. In this article, we compare and contrast these two medical careers, and we provide information on what you can expect if you choose to pursue either one.

What is a Medical Laboratory Scientist?

Medical Laboratory Scientists are responsible for performing a variety of tests on patient samples in order to diagnose and treat diseases. They collect and analyze blood, tissue and other bodily fluids to look for evidence of infection, disease or other abnormalities. Medical Laboratory Scientists work in hospitals, clinics and private laboratories and use a variety of sophisticated equipment to complete their work. They must be able to accurately interpret test results and communicate their findings to physicians and other members of the healthcare team. Medical Laboratory Scientists typically have a bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science or a related field.

What is a Pathologist?

Pathologists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing diseases by studying cells and tissues. They often work closely with other doctors and medical staff to provide information that can help guide treatment plans. Pathologists typically work in hospitals or clinics, but some may also work in private laboratories or research facilities. In addition to diagnosing diseases, pathologists may also be responsible for performing autopsies, conducting research and teaching medical students.

Medical Laboratory Scientist vs. Pathologist

Here are the main differences between a medical laboratory scientist and a pathologist.

Job Duties

While both medical laboratory scientists and pathologists perform various diagnostic procedures, their duties differ. A medical laboratory scientist performs routine tests to identify abnormalities in the body’s functions. They analyze blood, urine and tissue samples to determine a patient’s disease or infection.

A pathologist interprets the results of these tests and determines the proper course of treatment for the patient. They examine biopsies and look at scans to determine the cause of a patient’s illness. While they do perform some diagnostic procedures, pathologists mainly interpret test results.

Job Requirements

Medical laboratory scientists typically need a bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree, but it is not always required. To become a pathologist, you must first earn a Medical Doctor (MD) degree from an accredited medical school. After completing medical school, pathologists must complete a residency program and pass the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination.

Work Environment

Medical laboratory scientists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, physician offices and research facilities. They may also work for private laboratories that provide services to doctors’ offices or other healthcare facilities.

Pathologists typically work in medical laboratories as well, but they usually work in hospital laboratories rather than those associated with physicians’ offices. Some pathologists also work in their own private laboratories where they perform autopsies on human remains.

Skills

Both medical laboratory scientists and pathologists use a variety of skills in their jobs. They both need to be able to understand and follow complex instructions, as they often work with delicate materials that require precise handling. They also both need to have strong attention to detail to ensure accuracy in their work.

Medical laboratory scientists typically need more customer service skills than pathologists, as they may interact with patients or customers on a regular basis. They also need to be able to effectively communicate results of tests or experiments to other members of the healthcare team. Pathologists, on the other hand, tend to use more research skills in their work. They may spend more time reading and analyzing data to look for trends or patterns.

Salary

Medical laboratory scientists earn an average salary of $74,465 per year, while pathologists earn an average salary of $209,627 per year. The average salary for both positions may vary depending on the state in which you work, the size of the company you work for and your level of experience.