Medical Laboratory Science

Medical Laboratory Scientists make a vital contribution to patient care. They perform a variety of laboratory tests using state-of-the-art instruments and methods. The medical laboratory includes the areas of hematology, clinical chemistry, microbiology, immunology, blood banking, and laboratory management.

Do you prefer working behind the scene? Do you enjoy chemistry and biology? If so, have you considered a career in medical lab science? The Medical Laboratory Scientist is a critical contributor to health care. They perform the lab tests needed to help doctors in their diagnoses and treatment of illnesses like cancer, infection, and genetic diseases. They also make important contributions to industries other than hospitals and clinics. Employment opportunities can be found in a wide variety of areas, such as the federal government, public health, and research facilities related to pharmaceuticals, food industry, chemical companies, etc. A strong foundation in Biology and Chemistry can prepare students for successful entry into this in-demand career path.

It takes the typical student, three years to complete the pre-requisite courses necessary for admission to professional school. Professional school typically takes one more year resulting in a bachelor’s degree issued by the professional school.

Sample plan of study

Year 1

BIOL 101/101L General Biology I & Lab 4 hrs
CHEM 131/131L* College Chemistry I & Lab 4 hrs
CHEM 132/132L College Chemistry II & Lab 4 hrs
ES 2 Composition (ENG 135 or 136) 3 hrs
ENG 137 Technical Writing 3 hrs
ES 3 Communication 3 hrs
MATH 142** College Algebra 4 hrs
MATH 232 Applied Statistics 3 hrs
PSYC 131 Intro to Psychology 3 hrs

Year 2

BIOL 240/240L Anatomy & Phys I & Lab 4 hrs
BIOL 242/242L Anatomy & Phys II & Lab 4 hrs
BIOL 241/241L Microbiology & Lab 4 hrs
BIOL 343/343L*** Parasitology & Lab 3 hrs
CHEM 231/231L Survey Organic Chemistry & Lab 4 hrs
ES 10 Human Diversity (FCS 320) 3 hrs
ES 11 Health & Wellness (FCS 247) 3 hrs
SOC 231 Intro to Sociology 3 hrs

Year 3

BIOL 323/323L*** Basic Hematology & Lab 2 hrs
BIOL 430 Immunology  3 hrs
BIOL 456/456L Pathogenic Micro & Lab 3 hrs
CHEM 335/335L Biochemistry & Lab 4 hrs
CHEM 341/341L*** Quantitative Analysis & Lab 4 hrs
ES 7 Humanities (PHIL336) 3 hrs
PSYC 243 or 254 Developmental or Abnormal Psychology 3 hrs
Electives Electives 6 hrs

*Students who did not take high school chemistry are required to take CHEM 121: Introductory Chemistry prior to taking CHEM 131.
**Students with ACT Math score less than 21 are encouraged to take MATH 142 prior to CHEM 131

***BIOL 323/323L is only offered in spring of odd years.  BIOL 343/343L is only taught in the fall of even numbers years.  CHEM 341/341L is only taught in the fall of odd number years.

PLEASE NOTE: This is for informational purposes only. For class schedules & for courses required for admission into specific MLS programs, please see an advisor and your prospective professional school website.

2022-2023 Catalog