H-1B Visa Medical Laboratory Scientist Jobs
Medical Laboratory Scientist roles qualify as H-1B visa specialty occupations because they require at least a bachelor's degree in clinical laboratory science or a related field. Employers at hospital systems, reference labs, and research institutions regularly file H-1B petitions for MLS positions, making this one of the more sponsorship-accessible paths in clinical diagnostics.
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INTRODUCTION
Fairview is seeking a Medical Laboratory Scientist to join the Acute Care Laboratory at M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center - West Bank. This position is 70 hours per two‑week pay period on the Night Shift (10:45 p.m.–9:15 a.m.), following a 7‑days‑on / 7‑days‑off rotation and including three weekends in every six‑week cycle.
The night shift offers an excellent opportunity to expand your expertise through more complex testing, work with greater independence, and earn a higher hourly rate.
This role is also eligible for a Shift Incentive Bonus of up to $1,750, paid every six months (pro‑rated based on FTE). We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including Tuition Assistance and Reimbursement.
Our Acute Care Laboratories support a wide range of testing, including hematology, chemistry, blood gas, coagulation, urinalysis, transfusion medicine, and blood collection/processing. The West Bank lab serves both pediatric and adult patients and is staffed 24/7 by a dedicated team of 100 professionals.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) functions independently in performing all major work responsibilities of professional laboratory practice. The MLS performs a wide variety of complex diagnostic and therapeutic testing, and acts as a resource for problem resolution and interpretation of results. The MLS correlates data based on clinical knowledge, technical expertise, and other conditions affecting test results. The MLS collaborates with the customers of the laboratory to promote customer satisfaction. The MLS participates in laboratory performance improvement activities.
- Follows established guidelines to obtain specimens and prioritize work.
- Obtains specimens from patients of all ages and degrees of physical and/or mental disability.
- Properly verifies patient identity.
- Assesses integrity of all specimens for testing.
- Verifies correct identification of specimens before testing.
- Follows established guidelines for determining priority of specimen testing and procurement.
- Performs a wide variety of complex diagnostic and therapeutic testing.
- Performs waived, moderate, or high complexity testing as defined by CLIA ’88.
- Functions independently in performing all major work responsibilities of professional laboratory practice.
- Operates laboratory instrumentation and information systems according to procedure.
- Completes specified maintenance on instruments.
- Recognizes problems and takes appropriate measures to resolve them.
- Acts as a resource for problem solving, action steps and troubleshooting for lab procedures and unexpected events in lab operations.
- Initiates proper safety or emergency responses.
- Consults with supervisor if unable to resolve issues.
- Exercises critical thinking to maintain and improve department productivity and efficiencies.
- Evaluates testing results for accuracy and appropriate intervention.
- Determines if test results fall within normal parameters and reporting protocols. Recognizes age-specific reference ranges.
- Correlates data based on clinical knowledge, technical expertise and other conditions affecting test results.
- Takes appropriate action to recheck abnormal, discrepant, or unexpected results.
- Directly communicates abnormal and critical results to care giver.
- Obtains information from caregivers to resolve reasons for incongruent results (physiologic or methodologic).
- Demonstrates understanding of and commitment to Laboratory Quality Assurance, Performance Improvement and Laboratory Compliance Programs.
- Documents deviations and action taken.
- Documents reagent, test kit and calibrator checks.
- Recognizes and communicates values and trends that exceed the QC decision levels.
- Takes action to resolve and consults with supervisor as needed.
- Participates in the lab Performance improvement program by collecting data, reviewing the results, and implementing action step recommendations.
- Documents compliance with regulations of governmental or voluntary regulatory agencies.
- Collaborates with the customers of the laboratory to promote customer satisfaction.
- Orients and mentors new employees and students.
- Orients individuals in routine and complex testing methodology, instrumentation, and information systems.
- Checks work prior to release.
- Completes training checklists and evaluations as appropriate.
- Reports progress and problems to supervisor/manager.
- Demonstrates ability to provide care or service adjusting approaches to reflect developmental level and cultural differences of population served.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Baccalaureate or higher degree from an accredited college/university in a related laboratory field including the related lab practicum or equivalent routes meeting qualifications as high complexity testing personnel as specified in CLIA ’88.
- Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college/university in chemical, biological, clinical or medical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution. Diploma with field of study listed or transcript must be provided. or
- Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college/university with 16 semester hours in biology including one semester in microbiology and 16 semester hours in chemistry including one semester in organic or biochemistry. Transcript must be provided. or
- A transcript evaluation verifying equivalency to a U.S. Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college/university. Equivalency verification documentation must be provided. or
- Completion of a 50-week U.S. military medical laboratory training course and a Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college/university with 16 semester hours in biology including one semester in microbiology and 16 semester hours in chemistry including one semester in organic or biochemistry. Transcript must be provided. or
- Master’s degree from an accredited college/university in molecular biology, biotechnology, chemistry, biology, cytology, immunology, immunohematology, microbiology, allied health, medical laboratory science, or an appropriately related field. Diploma with field of study listed or transcript must be provided.
- Applicant should possess or be eligible to receive appropriate Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) approved laboratory certification. ASCP, ASCPi, or AMT – MLS (Medical Laboratory Scientist) or MT (Medical Technologist) within 1 Year or
- HEW Medical Technologist certification may be considered.
QUALIFICATIONS
$39.57 - $57.16 Hourly
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as a Medical Laboratory Scientist
Verify your ASCP credential before applying
USCIS adjudicators look for the ASCP Board of Certification credential as evidence your role meets specialty occupation standards. Have your MLS(ASCP) or equivalent certification ready before your employer files the I-129 petition.
Check prevailing wage levels using OFLC Wage Search
MLS wages vary significantly by geographic area and shift type. Run your target job title and location through the OFLC Wage Search before negotiating an offer so you know the DOL wage level your employer must certify.
Target hospital systems with active H-1B LCA histories
Use Migrate Mate to filter Medical Laboratory Scientist openings by employers with verified H-1B Labor Condition Application filings, so you're applying to labs that have already navigated the sponsorship process, not ones learning it for the first time.
Confirm your degree maps to the job description
H-1B specialty occupation requires a direct relationship between your degree field and the role. A degree in medical technology or clinical laboratory science aligns cleanly; a general biology degree may draw an RFE and require a credentials evaluation from a NACES-approved agency.
Ask about cap-exempt facilities during screening calls
Hospitals affiliated with nonprofit research institutions or universities may qualify as cap-exempt employers, letting them file your H-1B petition outside the annual lottery window. Raise this in early conversations with HR to gauge whether the facility has used this status before.
Align your start date with the H-1B cap timeline
For cap-subject employers, USCIS opens registration in March, and approved petitions take effect October 1. If you're interviewing in Q4 or Q1, factor in that a cap-subject offer may mean a six- to eighteen-month wait before your authorized start date.
H-1B Visa Medical Laboratory Scientist: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Medical Laboratory Scientist role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes. USCIS recognizes Medical Laboratory Scientist as a specialty occupation because the position normally requires a bachelor's degree or higher in clinical laboratory science, medical technology, or a closely related field. Your employer will document this requirement in the H-1B petition. Having your ASCP Board of Certification credential strengthens the case significantly, as it demonstrates both educational and competency standards tied directly to the role.
Which types of employers most commonly sponsor H-1B visas for Medical Laboratory Scientists?
Hospital systems, national reference laboratories, academic medical centers, and federal research institutions file the largest share of H-1B petitions for MLS roles. Academic medical centers and nonprofit research hospitals are often cap-exempt, meaning they can file year-round rather than competing in the annual lottery. You can browse employers with verified H-1B filing histories for this role on Migrate Mate before sending applications.
How does the DOL prevailing wage requirement work for Medical Laboratory Scientist positions?
Before filing your H-1B petition, your employer must submit a Labor Condition Application to the DOL certifying that your offered wage meets the prevailing wage for your job title and work location. The DOL sets four wage levels based on experience and specialization. You can look up the applicable rate for your region using the OFLC Wage Search before negotiating your offer letter to confirm the employer's proposed salary is compliant.
Can I change employers while on an H-1B as a Medical Laboratory Scientist?
Yes. Under AC21 portability, you can transfer your H-1B to a new employer in a same or similar MLS role once your I-140 has been approved for 180 days, or if your H-1B has been approved for at least 180 days and your new employer files an H-1B transfer petition before your current status expires. Your new employer's HR or immigration counsel initiates the transfer filing, and you can begin work as soon as USCIS receives the petition.
Does ASCP certification affect my H-1B petition outcome?
It can meaningfully reduce the risk of an RFE. USCIS looks for evidence that the role requires a specific degree in a directly related field, and the MLS(ASCP) credential demonstrates that a nationally recognized professional body has verified your educational and clinical competency. Employers filing for uncredentialed candidates often receive Requests for Evidence asking for additional documentation tying the degree to the duties of the position.