Academics
Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Program prepares individuals for a career in the healthcare profession with a strong foundation in the basic sciences of chemistry, biology, mathematics, and physics. Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS) is a challenging career as well as a satisfying and demanding profession for persons with interest in the application of the basic sciences to the clinical diagnosis of disease. Clinical laboratory scientists contribute to the development and application of new technologies for the improved diagnosis of pathologic conditions. Specific courses focus on all of the major clinical disciplines including hematology, immunology/immunohematology, hemostasis, clinical microbiology, clinical chemistry, and body fluids. Each course is designed to prepare students for their roles as laboratorians. In addition, students are introduced to the emerging discipline of molecular pathology and its very important role in the diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, and prevention of disease.
Additional Contact Information
Michigan State University
Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Program
North Kedzie Hall
354 Farm Lane, Room N322
East Lansing, MI 48824-5672
Phone: 517-353-7800
Fax: 517-432-2006
E-mail: bld@msu.edu
Comparison Charts for Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Program Majors
| Biomedical Laboratory Sciences (BLS) | Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) |
|---|---|
| Open admission to all students in good academic standing | Limited Enrollment Major. Formal application and competitive admission process (2.5 GPA required). |
| Flexible course sequencing and content | Structured course sequencing and content |
| 120 credit program | 134 credit program |
| Elective credits - can include premedical requirements | 12 elective credits 14 additional course credits in clinical experience |
| Education focuses on general preparation in human life sciences with orientation toward medical laboratory application | Education focuses on general preparation for laboratory science with emphasis on laboratory courses |
| Excellent preparation for post-BS accredited clinical experience, graduate professional school (Medical, Dental, Veterinary), graduate school, biology work force | Professional program leading to certification and career in medical laboratories, public health laboratories, pharmaceutical industry, etc. |
| 4-year program | 4 year + 6 month program |
| Biomedical Laboratory Sciences (BLS) | Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) |
|---|---|
| Completed after graduation | Included in the degree requirements |
| Modest tuition may apply | MSU Tuition applies to 14 credits for clinical rotation courses. No stipends; work opportunities may be available. |
| 6-12 months (no federal tuition assistance) | 6 months (financial aid applicable) |
| In state internships at Michigan Hospitals: Beaumont (Royal Oak), DMC and St. John Providence (Detroit) |
Internships available at 14 sites in Michigan: Beaumont Hospital Troy (Troy), Bronson Methodist Hospital (Kalamazoo), Covenant Health Care (Saginaw), Henry Ford Allegiance Health (Jackson), Henry Ford Health System (Detroit), Hurley Medical Center (Flint), Mercy Health Laboratory (Muskegon), Mercy Health Saint Mary's (Grand Rapids), Metro Health Univ. of Michigan Health (Grand Rapids), Michigan Medicine (Ann Arbor), Owosso Memorial Lab (Owosso), Sparrow Hospital (Lansing), Spectrum Health - Lakeland Core Lab (St. Joseph), St. Joseph Mercy (Ann Arbor). One site in Ohio: ProMedica Laboratories (Toledo) |
| Student arranges clinical experience independently; assistance provided by BLD Program | Clinical experience incorporated into curriculum |
| Lectures provided by hospital staff and cover material similar to campus courses | No formal lectures; Students must retain and review material from campus lectures |
| Biomedical Laboratory Sciences (BLS) | Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) |
|---|---|
| Eligible after post-baccalaureate accredited clinical experience | Eligible after graduation |