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Nursing vs. Medical Laboratory Science: Which is Better?
Nursing and medical laboratory science are both rewarding healthcare careers that offer the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of others. However, they are also two very different professions, with different job duties, educational requirements, and earning potential.
What is Nursing
Nurses are the backbone of the healthcare system. They are responsible for providing direct patient care, which can include administering medications, monitoring vital signs, changing dressings, and educating patients about their conditions. Nurses also work closely with other members of the healthcare team, such as doctors, physical therapists, and social workers, to develop and implement care plans that meet the individual needs of each patient.
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What is Medical Laboratory Science
Medical laboratory scientists (MLSs) the bedrock of modern medicine. Scientist work in medical laboratories to perform a variety of tests on blood, bodily fluids, tissues, and cells. These tests are used to diagnose diseases, monitor treatment, and screen for potential health problems. MLSs play a vital role in the healthcare system, as their work helps doctors to make informed decisions about patient care.
Education Requirements for Nursing and MLS
To become a registered nurse (RN), you must complete a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) from an accredited nursing school. Once you have graduated from a BSN program, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) in order to obtain your nursing license.
To become an MLS, you must complete a bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science (MLS) from an accredited program. Once you have graduated from an MLS program, you must pass the Medical Laboratory Scientist Certification Exam (MLS(ASCP)) in order to become certified.
Job Duties of Nursing
The job duties of nurses and MLSs vary depending on their specific work setting. However, some common job duties for nurses include:
Administering medications
Monitoring vital signs
Changing dressings
Educating patients about their conditions
Providing emotional support to patients and their families
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Some common job duties for MLSs include:
Performing tests on blood, bodily fluids, tissues, and cells
Analyzing test results
Reporting results to doctors and other healthcare professionals
Ensuring the quality and accuracy of test results
Work Environment
Carrying out research
Fabricating Equipments
Producing Vaccines
Nurses typically work in hospitals, clinics, doctor's offices, and other healthcare facilities. They may work full-time, part-time, or on-call shifts.
MLSs typically work in hospital laboratories, but they may also work in other settings, such as research laboratories, public health laboratories, and blood banks. MLSs typically work full-time, daytime hours.
Earning Potential
The median annual salary for RNs was $75,330 in May 2021. The highest-paid RNs earned more than $111,750. The median annual salary for MLSs was $55,100 in May 2021. The highest-paid MLSs earned more than $95,310.
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Between Nursing and Medical Laboratory Science which is more lucrative
Choosing which is better might be very difficult as both if them are very lucrative.
You can decide which is better after considering the followings:
Admission: Nursing is very much competitive than MLS, Nursing is a well known profession this leads to a large number of students seeking to become a nurse.
On the other end, MLS is not well know, most students haven't heard of MLS, MLS always have low number of students seeking to study MLS compare to Nursing.
Hence it will be a little easy to get admission to study MLS than Nursing.
Salary:
Average Salary of Nurses and Medical Laboratory Scientists in Nigeria
The average salary of nurses and medical laboratory scientists in Nigeria is NGN100,000 monthly. However, several factors can affect the amount of money a nurse or medical laboratory scientist earns, such as their experience, the sector they work in (public or private), and the specific government institution they work for.
Nurses
Entry-level nurses typically earn below NGN80,000 monthly.
Middle-level nurses typically earn around NGN100,000 monthly.
Senior-level nurses typically earn around NGN150,000 or more monthly.
Nurses working in government institutions may earn above NGN150,000 monthly, excluding allowances and other benefits.
Medical Laboratory Scientists
Entry-level medical laboratory scientists typically earn below NGN80,000 monthly.
Middle-level medical laboratory scientists typically earn around NGN100,000 monthly.
Senior-level medical laboratory scientists typically earn around NGN150,000 or more monthly.
It is important to note that these are just averages, and salaries can vary depending on the individual's circumstances. For example, nurses and medical laboratory scientists with specialized skills or experience may be able to command higher salaries. Additionally, nurses and medical laboratory scientists working in certain locations, such as major cities, may also earn higher salaries.
Nursing and MLS which has better Job Opportunities
Nurses has a better job opportunities than a Scientist.
Due to the increasing population a good number of Nurses are needed to take care of them. Nurses are always i. demand.
In a hospital you might see a single Doctor, Scientist but you cannot see a Single Nurse it must be between 3 and above.
Also is far more easier to travel out if the Country with a Nurisng Certificate than an MLS.
Whether nursing or medical laboratory science is a better career for you depends on your individual interests and goals. If you are interested in providing direct patient care and working closely with other members of the healthcare team, then nursing may be a good choice for you. If you are more interested in working in a laboratory setting and performing tests to help diagnose and treat diseases, then medical laboratory science may be a better choice for you.
Read also Medicine vs. Dentistry: Which is Better?
Which Career is Right for You?
To decide which career is right for you, consider your interests, skills, and goals. Do you want to work directly with patients or in a laboratory setting? Do you want to have a lot of patient contact or prefer to work more independently? Do you want a career with a high earning potential or are other factors more important to you?
Once you have considered these factors, you can start to research nursing and medical laboratory science programs in your area. You can also talk to