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Medical Laboratory Science

Medical Laboratory Scientists (also known as Clinical Laboratory Scientists or Medical Technologists) are highly skilled laboratory scientists who perform and evaluate laboratory procedures using a variety of sophisticated instruments. They perform, supervise and provide consultation for laboratory analyses on blood and various body fluids to obtain data from which a diagnosis is made and appropriate therapy initiated. The major disciplines in laboratory science are:

  • Hematology
  • Immunohematology (blood banking)
  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Urinalysis
  • Mycology
  • Parasitology

An individual may specialize in one of these disciplines or remain a generalist, depending on the type of laboratory and the needs of the facility in which they are employed. A career in medical laboratory science provides opportunities for work that are both personally rewarding and challenging.

As cost consciousness in health care delivery has increased, Medical Laboratory Scientists have become increasingly valuable to the health care system. This is because Medical Laboratory Scientists are knowledgeable about cost effective ways to deliver quality care and are trained to make the kinds of decisions that make effective lab services possible. Medical Laboratory Scientists assume positions of increasing responsibility in clinical laboratories and within institution management structure. Their functions include managing the laboratory and directing the work of others performing complex laboratory analyses and making judgments about the quality of laboratory results before they are reported. Medical Laboratory Scientists must be experts in clinical laboratory science as well as in the administrative and managerial functions necessary to ensure the effective operation of clinical laboratory services.

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Application Information

2025 applications are now open.

Early Application Deadline: December 1
Regular Application Deadline: April 1
Late Application Deadline: June 15

 

MLS Program Outcomes

Year Graduation (%)  Combined BOC/AMT Pass Ratesb (%)  Employment RatesC (%)  Attritiona (%) 
2021 95 94 100 5
2022 100 100 83d 0
2023 100 90 100 0
2024 100 100 100 9
Average 99 96 96 4

*Required program outcomes are reported to NAACLS annually with dates from July 1-June 30.

aNAACLS defines attrition based on the number of students who start year 2 of the program. 

bPass rates within one year of graduation from the program for the ASCP BOC and the AMT Certification Exams.
 
cStudents who were employed in the field or a closely related field and/or continued their education within one year of graduation from the program.

dThe rate of employment was 100% for those students seeking employment.  
 

Minimum requirements for becoming a medical laboratory scientist includes satisfactory completion of two years of pre-professional college work, including certain prescribed courses. Students may then be admitted to a two-year professional program approved the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). High school students can prepare for a career in Medical Laboratory Science by taking courses in physical and biological sciences, along with other college preparatory courses.

Last Published: Feb 3, 2025