Undergraduate Programs
There are two undergraduate majors that lead to the Bachelor of Science degree.
These majors provides a solid biomedical science education and also prepare students for advanced study in the medical laboratory sciences. Additionally, in meeting the pre-professional requirements for careers in a variety of medical and medically-related fields.
What is the difference between the two majors?
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Biomedical Laboratory Science (BLS) |
Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) |
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Academic Component |
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Open admission to all students in good academic standing |
Formal application and competitive admission process (2.5 GPA required) Limited Enrollment Major |
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Flexible course sequencing and content, various concentrations to choose from. Medical Laboratory Science concentration is most appropriate if seeking post – baccalaureate accredited MLS internship |
Structured course sequencing and content |
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120 credit program |
134 credit program |
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Elective credits—can include premedical requirements |
14 additional course credits in clinical experience |
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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 |
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Excellent preparation for post-BS accredited clinical experience, pre-health, graduate school, biology work force, etc. |
Professional program leading to certification and careers in medical laboratories, public health laboratories, pharmaceutical industry, etc. |
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4 year program |
4 + ½ year program |
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Accredited Clinical Component for Certification |
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Completed after graduation |
Included in the degree requirements |
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Modest tuition may apply Stipends or work opportunities may be available |
MSU Tuition applies to 14 credits for clinical rotation courses No stipends; work opportunities maybe available |
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6-12 months (no federal tuition assistance) |
6 months (financial aid applicable) |
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In state internships at Michigan Hospitals: Corewell Health Beaumont Hospital, Detroit Medical Center and Ascension (Detroit)
Out of state internships available nationwide at over 200 sites |
Internships available at 19 sites in Michigan: Corewell Health Beaumont Hospital, Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo, MI, Covenant HealthCare Lab, Saginaw, MI, Henry Ford Jackson Hospital, Jackson, MI, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, Hurley Medical Center, Flint, MI, Trinity Health Muskegon Hospital, Muskegon, MI, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids, MI, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, Memorial Healthcare Lab, Owosso, MI, Promedica Toledo Hospital, Toledo, OH, University of Michigan Health- Sparrow, Lansing, MI, Corwell Health Lakeland Hospital, St. Joseph, MI, Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital, Ann Arbor, MI, Trinity Health Chelsea Hospital, Chelsea, MI, Trinity Health Livingston Hospital, Howell, MI, Trinity Health Oakland Hospital, Pontiac, MI, Trinity Health Livonia Hospital, Livonia, MI.
One site in Ohio: Promedica Toledo Hospital |
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Student arranges clinical experience independently; assistance provided by BLD Program |
Clinical experience incorporated into curriculum of MLS program |
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Lectures provided by hospital staff and cover material similar to campus courses |
No formal lectures; Students must retain and review material from campus lectures |
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Certification |
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Eligible after post-baccalaureate accredited clinical experience ** |
Eligible after graduation |
** Students who complete a BS in Biomedical Laboratory Science can arrange a clinical laboratory experience by applying to a NAACLS-accredited program either in the State of Michigan, or elsewhere in the United States. Other BLS majors use their degrees to work in pharmaceutical, research, clinical laboratories or they go on to graduate school and seek professional degrees (medical, dental, physician assistant, pharmaceutical, etc.).
The Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Laboratory Science is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science, (5600 N. River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont, Illinois 60018; phone (773) 714-8880) and includes the necessary clinical experience required to be eligible for the national certification examination. Following completion of their course work and practicum, they can sit for the national certification exams through the Board of Certification of the American Society for Clinical Pathology.
Sample Curriculum
Below, you will find a sample of a typical curriculum for the BLS and MLS majors and Categoricals. Categoricals are designed for students who already have a Bachelor's Degree, and want to become certified to work in a particular section of a clinical laboratory. At Michigan State University, the Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics program offers Categoricals in Blood Bank (Immunohematology), Chemistry, Hematology, and Microbiology. Completion of a laboratory internship is required in these programs.