Your Guide to Becoming a Travel Lab Scientist

If you’re a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS), also known as a Medical Technologist (MT), or Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) in some states, or a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) with national certification through ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology), AMT (American Medical Technologists, or AAB (American Association of Bioanalysts), you already play a crucial role in patient care. With a travel assignment, you can use those skills to see the country, work in top-tier facilities, and enjoy greater flexibility. Becoming a travel lab professional might be your next career move.

This guide covers what travel lab scientists do, the requirements to get started, and how to launch your travel career with Nomad Health.

What Is a Lab Scientist?

A lab scientist performs complex diagnostic tests on patient samples, such as blood, urine, or tissue, to help physicians and other healthcare providers diagnose and treat disease. They work in hospitals, reference laboratories, research centers, public health agencies, and private laboratories.

While “lab scientist” typically refers to an MLS (Medical Laboratory Scientist), MLTs (Medical Laboratory Technicians) perform similar work with differences in education level, certification requirements, and the complexity of testing they are qualified to perform.

What Do Medical Lab Scientists and Technicians Do?

Day-to-day responsibilities of MLS and MLT professionals include:

• Preparing and analyzing biological specimens
• Performing chemical, hematological, immunologic, and microbiological tests
• Operating advanced laboratory instruments and technologies
• Recording, interpreting, and reporting results to physicians
• Maintaining strict quality control and safety standards

Travel medical lab scientists and travel medical lab technicians perform these duties while adapting to different laboratory environments, equipment, and hospital protocols across the country.

Why Become a Travel Lab Scientist?

Working as a travel MLS or travel MLT offers both career and lifestyle advantages:

Professional Benefits

• Exposure to diverse testing platforms, instruments, and lab protocols
• Opportunities to work in prestigious hospitals, teaching institutions, and research centers
• Resume growth through varied clinical and technical experience

Lifestyle Benefits

• Higher earning potential compared to many permanent staff positions
• Tax-free housing and meal stipends when eligible
• Flexibility to choose when and where you work
• Travel opportunities between contracts

In addition to these benefits, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, projects employment of clinical laboratory technologists and technicians is projected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations between 2022 and 2032. This steady job outlook means that travel lab positions offer not only flexibility and higher pay, but also long-term career stability.

Requirements to Work as a Travel Lab Scientist

To qualify for most travel medical lab scientist and technician jobs, you will need

• National Certification: Accepted certifications include ASCP, AMT, or AAB 
• Education:
  • MLS: Bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science or related field
  • MLT: Associate degree in clinical laboratory science
• Experience: At least 1–2 years of recent, relevant lab experience
• Licensure: Some states require additional state-specific licensure (see below)

Education & Certifications

Travel MLS and MLT professionals must hold national certification. Nomad Health recognizes credentials from all three major certifying bodies: 

• ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology): The most widely recognized nationwide. Learn more at ASCP.org.
• AMT (American Medical Technologists): Certifies both MLS and MLT candidates. Learn more at the AMT website.
• AAB (American Association of Bioanalysts): Provides alternative pathways for MLS and MLT certification. Learn more at the AAB website.

Licensure by State

In addition to national certification, some states require a separate license for MLS and MLT professionals. States with license requirements include:

• California
• Florida
• Hawaii
• Louisiana
• Montana
• Nevada
• New York
• North Dakota
• Tennessee
• West Virginia

Each state has its own application process, which may include background checks, state-specific coursework, or examinations. 

For the most up-to-date list of license requirements, refer to the ASCLS state licensure resource. 

Travel MLS Jobs

A Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS), also known as a Medical Technologist (MT) or Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) in some states, performs high-complexity diagnostic testing. Travel MLS jobs typically require a bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science or a related field, along with national certification from ASCP, AMT, or AAB. 

Requirements for most travel MLS jobs: 

• Bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science or related field. 
• National certification (ASCP, AMT, or AAB)
• One to two years of recent laboratory experience
• State licensure where required (ex: California CLS license)

Travel MLS professionals are in high demand nationwide, particularly in critical access hospitals, academic medical centers, and large health systems. Assignments often provide exposure to diverse testing platforms, specialty areas, and advanced technologies, making travel MLS jobs an excellent way to grow your skills and advance your career. 

Travel MLT Jobs

A Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) holds an associate degree in clinical laboratory science and performs moderate-complexity testing under supervision of an MLS or MT. Travel MLT jobs offer technicians the opportunity to take their skills on the road, gain experience in a variety of lab environments, and earn competitive pay while exploring new regions. 

Requirements for most travel MLT jobs: 

• Associate degree in clinical laboratory science or related field
• National certification (ASCP, AMT, or AAB)
• One to two years of recent lab experience 
• State licensure where required

Travel MLT assignments are ideal for technicians who want to build their resumes, expand clinical expertise, and enjoy flexibility of contract work. Many facilities nationwide rely on MLTs to support core lab operations, making these roles essential to patient care. 

How to Get Started with Travel Lab Scientist Jobs at Nomad Health

Nomad Health makes it easy to start your career as a travel MLS or travel MLT with full transparency and no recruiter middleman. Our platform streamlines healthcare travel jobs with Premier Navigators and no hidden pay rates, so you always know exactly what to expect before you apply.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Create your free Nomad account at nomadhealth.com
2. Upload your credentials (including ASCP, AMT, or AAB certification)
3. Browse real-time travel lab scientist and technician jobs with transparent pay and contract details
4. Apply instantly to positions that fit your schedule and preferences
5. Complete onboarding and compliance with Nomad’s support team
6. Start your first travel assignment with ongoing support from Nomad Health