Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Program Earns 10-Year Accreditation

By Devlin Beaton | Oct 23, 2026 |

Michigan State University's Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics program has earned the maximum 10-year accreditation period for its medical laboratory science program, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to educating future laboratory professionals.

BLD Program Director John Gerlach (left) and MLS Assistant Director Nicole Richardson (right) stand together holding a framed certificate recognizing the program’s 10-year NAACLS accreditation. — BLD Director John Gerlach (left) and MLS Assistant Director Nicole Richardson (right) display the program’s 10-year NAACLS accreditation certificate.

The recognition comes from the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences, or NAACLS, which evaluates the quality of clinical laboratory education programs nationwide.

The accreditation follows a comprehensive review of the program’s curriculum, educational practices and clinical training. Faculty, staff and clinical partners all play a role in meeting NAACLS standards and preparing students for careers in laboratory science.

“This achievement is a testament to the hard work of BLD faculty, staff, affiliates and students. We are now charged with continuing to educate the next generation of medical laboratory professionals,” said John Gerlach, director of the BLD Program and its medical laboratory science program, or MLS.

NAACLS accreditation plays an important role in preparing students for professional practice. Graduates of BLD’s accredited MLS program are eligible to take the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification examination to become certified medical laboratory scientists.

MLS students also gain hands-on experience through clinical partnerships with hospitals and healthcare institutions across Michigan and Ohio. As part of the MLS curriculum, students complete a six-month clinical practicum, where they apply what they have learned in the classroom in professional laboratory settings.

“Earning the maximum 10-year accreditation reflects the strength of this program and its commitment to preparing students for the demands of a changing healthcare landscape,” said Eric L. Hegg, dean of the College of Natural Science. “Medical laboratory scientists play an essential role in healthcare, and this program continues to build on its 100-year history by providing students with the knowledge and clinical experience needed to make meaningful contributions to patient care.”

Since earning its initial NAACLS accreditation in 1986, BLD’s Medical Laboratory Science program has maintained continuous accreditation while adapting to advances in laboratory science and the changing needs of healthcare. The latest 10-year award continues the BLD Program's record of preparing students for careers in the profession.