So You Think Laboratory Management Happens Automatically? Think Again.
There’s a persistent misconception in our field: that laboratory management is simply the next rung on the ladder, something that just happens after years of technical work. But the truth is, management isn’t automatic. It’s a completely different skillset, and those who succeed at it are the ones who intentionally develop those skills.
Here’s the good news: for medical laboratory professionals who are willing to make that investment, laboratory management offers one of the most direct paths to more responsibility, better compensation, and bigger impact, all without leaving the field you know and love.
Beyond the Bench: What Lab Management Really Involves
Effective lab managers do a lot more than oversee technical work. They:
- Supervise lab operations and day-to-day workflow
- Manage budgets and make smart use of resources
- Lead and mentor technical staff
- Communicate across departments and with leadership
- Implement new technology and quality initiatives
- Ensure compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards
- Contribute to strategic planning and growth
In other words, they keep the engine running and steer the vehicle forward.
The Advantage You Didn’t Know You Had
As a medical laboratory scientist, you’re already equipped with powerful assets that make you a strong candidate for leadership roles:
1. Deep Technical Foundation You know what’s possible, what’s practical, and what’s wishful thinking when it comes to lab workflows, turnaround times, and quality control.
2. Frontline Experience You’ve seen firsthand how management decisions affect the lab—and you know what works and what doesn’t.
3. Scientific Credibility Lab teams respect leaders who’ve done the work and understand the science. That’s you.
4. Analytical Thinking The same problem-solving mindset you use for diagnostics can be applied to operations, logistics, and people challenges.
But Here’s the Gap You’ll Need to Fill
To thrive in management, you’ll need to build skills that aren’t typically covered in your MLS training:
- Financial literacy: Budgeting, cost control, ROI analysis
- People management: Leading teams, resolving conflict, giving feedback
- Communication: Presenting ideas clearly to different audiences
- Project management: Organizing change efforts and new implementations
- Strategic thinking: Aligning the lab’s work with broader health system goals
Luckily, these skills are learnable and there are many ways to build them:
- Take a short course in healthcare management or administration
- Attend leadership workshops (online or in-person)
- Shadow a current lab manager or director
- Lead a team project or volunteer to take on coordination tasks
- Join professional associations that offer leadership training
Why It’s Worth It
Making the leap into management can lead to:
- Higher Earning Potential Lab management roles often come with a 30–50% salary increase compared to senior bench positions.
- Broader Influence You get to shape lab policies, push for improvements, and help drive innovation.
- Professional Growth Management offers continuous challenges, learning opportunities, and room to grow.
- Job Market Advantage Professionals who can combine deep technical skills with leadership ability are in very high demand.
- A Bridge to Executive Roles If you ever want to move into hospital or corporate leadership, lab management is an excellent starting point.
Ask Yourself: Is Management Right for Me?
Not everyone wants to be a manager, and that’s perfectly okay. But if you answer “yes” to most of these questions, it might be time to explore this path:
- Do you enjoy mentoring and developing others?
- Are you curious about the why behind lab systems and operations?
- Do you like improving processes and solving problems?
- Can you make tough calls when necessary?
- Are you able to balance the big picture with the finer details?
What You Can Do Today
If this path excites you, here are your next steps:
- Talk to your current manager about your interest in leadership.
- Volunteer for a leadership project—even if it’s small.
- Explore formal education in healthcare administration or lab leadership.
- Find a mentor who’s already in a management role.
- Apply for team lead or supervisor roles as stepping stones.
Over to You
Are you already considering a leadership role in the lab? What excites or concerns you about taking that step? Have you started building any of these skills?
Let’s talk, drop your thoughts or questions in the comments!
I am rooting for you.
