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: NatSci.BLD@msu.edu

Comparison Charts for Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Program Majors

Academic Component

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

Accredited Clinical Component for Certification

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 25 sites in Michigan: Bronson Methodist Hospital (Kalamazoo), Bronson Battle Creek Hospital (Battle Creek), Bronson Lakeview Hospital (Paw Paw), Bronson South Haven Hospital (South Haven), Corewell Health Beaumont Hospital (Troy), Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital (St. Joseph), Covenant Health Care (Saginaw), Henry Ford Jackson Hospital (Jackson), Henry Ford Health System (Detroit), Henry Ford Macomb Hospital (Macomb), Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital (West Bloomfield), Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital (Wyandotte), Hurley Medical Center (Flint), Memorial Healthcare lab (Owosso), Michigan Medicine (Ann Arbor), Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital (Ann Arbor), Trinity Health Chelsea Hospital (Chelsea), Trinity Health Grand Rapids (Grand Rapids), Trinity Health Medical Center (Brighton), Trinity Health Livonia Hospital (Livonia), Trinity Health Muskegon Hospital (Muskegon), Trinity Health Oakland Hospital (Pontiac), University of Michigan Health - Sparrow (Lansing), University of Michigan Health West (Grand Rapids). 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

Certification

Biomedical Laboratory Sciences (BLS)	Medical Laboratory Science (MLS)
Eligible after post-baccalaureate accredited clinical experience	Eligible after graduation