Clinical Laboratory Scientist
40AI USED FOR40%moving to78%
THE DOOR, NOWC
THE DOOR, 20 YRSD
STARTING PAY£24,000 - £29,000
REGULATORY MOATThe law requires human oversight. That human could be you.
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CAREERMASH (EN)FROM SUBJECTS ALLIED TO MEDICINE →
Clinical Laboratory Scientist
Clinical laboratory scientists help doctors figure out what is wrong with patients by testing blood and other samples. The tests they run give doctors the information they need to treat illnesses - from simple infections to serious diseases.
THE DOOR: A easy to E extremely hard, now and in 20 years
This job holds up well against AI
AI is used for a real share, around 40% of the day-to-day tasks today, and the law requires human oversight. That human could be you. That is about as safe as careers get right now, though it is still worth learning to use the tools well.
Career progression path
Is this the only route?
This is the standard academic trajectory, but modern careers are highly flexible. You can often skip stagesby entering the industry with an advanced qualification (like a Master's or PhD), or pivot sideways from a related discipline.
0ACADEMIC FOUNDATIONUniversity DegreeUsually 3 to 4 years of full-time academic study, explicitly preparing you for the theoretical realities of the industry. Requires A-Levels, BTECs, or equivalent Level 3.-£67,350Avg. UK tuition & living
1FIRST STEPJunior Clinical Laboratory ScientistIn this entry-level role, you will assist in performing laboratory tests under supervision, gaining hands-on experience and developing your skills in a clinical setting.£24,000 - £29,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-level Clinical Laboratory ScientistAs a mid-level scientist, you will take on more complex testing and may supervise junior staff, contributing to quality assurance and laboratory management.£32,000 - £40,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Clinical Laboratory ScientistIn a senior role, you will lead laboratory teams, oversee research initiatives, and play a key role in strategic decision-making within the laboratory.£45,000+
4 live apprenticeship vacancies →
The degree route
Real courses in this career's subject, from the live library of 35,000; every one is AI impact assessed through its actual graduate destinations.
🎓Pharmaceutical SciencesWhitefield Academy Trust · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£37,500 median
All Subjects Allied to Medicine courses as cards →
Recommended UK degrees
Real courses that qualify you for this career, from the same register that priced the degree above.