Medical Laboratory Science

The medical laboratory science major, although offering the same strong biomedical background as the biomedical laboratory science major, is designed specifically for students aiming toward careers working in medical laboratories. In addition to the scientific foundation, the curriculum provides an introduction to managing medical laboratories and the skills needed to teach and orient staff.

Medical laboratory employers prefer to hire individuals holding national certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS). One way to earn this professional credential is to complete an accredited educational program that incorporates a hospital laboratory experience. The medical laboratory science (MLS) major does that with 14 credits of courses earned in residence at affiliated laboratories in Michigan and Ohio – total credits = 134. Availability of clinical slots is limited, so admission to the MLS major is competitive.

**Although it has never happened in the history of the MLS program, it is possible that no clinical site rotation would be available at the time a student is scheduled to enter clinic. This may be due to situations such as unanticipated staffing shortages, budget cuts, or facility remodeling. If this event occurs, the policy is here.

The MLS major has been continuously accredited since 1986 by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)**. Completion of the MLS major qualifies students for the Medical Laboratory Scientist examination of the Board of Certification of the American Society for Clinical Pathology. Upon passing the examination, the graduates use the designation MLS(ASCP) after their name. The program certification rate between July 2019 to June 2022 was 98% (60 out of 61).

The MLS program has a strong graduation rate of 100% from July 2019 to June 2022. Those that graduate have also found professional success, with 98% of students from July 2019 to June 2022 attaining employment in the clinical laboratory (or in a closely related field) and/or continuing their education within one year of graduation. 

For more information about the full curriculum and the admission process, visit the Academic Programs guide and watch the video below. Click here for a sample course plan. Click here for the MLS Application.

Outcomes for MLS Program

***Incomplete because all students haven’t taken the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP BOC)

**National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
   5600 N. River Rd., Suite 720
   Rosemont, IL 60018
   773-714-8880
   www.naacls.org