The Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) program prepares graduates for careers as Medical Laboratory Scientists. This four-year program will provide a sound scientific base and the technical competencies required for entry-level practice in medical laboratory science. Students will acquire knowledge and demonstrate competency in performing, analyzing, and interpreting laboratory tests on blood, body fluids, and other biological specimens. They will apply critical thinking to accurately evaluate results, contributing to the detection, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.

The MLS program will be offered in a 3+1 (or 4+1) format targeting students who either already hold a bachelor’s or graduate degree in biology, chemistry, or a related field, as well as junior-level students pursuing their first degree. Students who have completed pre-professional coursework at other accredited institutions may transfer eligible credits into the program. The program’s courses will be taught by board-certified medical laboratory professionals with expertise in clinical chemistry, diagnostic microbiology, blood banking, hematology, and laboratory management.

Completion of the degree requires a total of 120 credit hours. Students may apply to the MLS program during the fall semester of their junior year or during/after their senior year and will participate in an interview as part of the admission process. Upon admission to the professional phase, students complete 11 credit hours during Summer I and II, followed by 16 credit hours of MLS coursework in the fall semester, and conclude with 17 credit hours of full-time clinical practicum, along with a board exam review course in the spring semester. So, students will engage in both on-campus lectures and laboratory experiences, as well as supervised clinical rotations at affiliated hospital laboratories. Throughout the program, students will develop essential professional, critical-thinking, and communication skills necessary for practice in hospital laboratories and other healthcare settings.

Upon completing all requirements, students will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science (BSMLS) degree. All students who complete the professional phase of the Medical Laboratory Science Program receive a certificate of completion and are eligible to sit for a national board examination. Texas is a non-licensure state for medical laboratory science, allowing graduates to work without a state license; however, national certification is highly encouraged and may be required by many employers. Awarding the Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science degree and the program certificate does not depend on passing any external certification or licensure examination.

Students must meet the following requirements to be admitted to and succeed in the program:

1. Admission to the professional phase of the program will be very selective. Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance since acceptance is based on multiple factors.
   1. Admission would require that students:
      1. Students are required to maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher and a GPA of 2.5 or higher in math and science coursework.
      2. Earn a minimum grade of “C” in all pre-professional science courses, including 16 hours of biology, 16 hours of chemistry (including organic and/or biochemistry), microbiology, and Lamar University’s core courses.
      3. Complete all prerequisite courses before entry into the professional phase.
      4. Submit a program admission application packet, including an application, three letters of reference, personal essay, and official transcript(s).
      5. Participation in an interview.
      6. Await notification of admission decision.
      7. Attend program orientation/expectations before the start of the program.
2. Clinical Rotation requirements
   1. Students must:
      1. Complete a criminal background check and drug screen.
      2. Submit proof of required immunizations and other documentation.
      3. Complete all assigned clinical rotations in affiliated hospital laboratories.
      4. Demonstrate competency and satisfy program competency assessments in all the major laboratory disciplines, including clinical chemistry, hematology, microbiology, and immunohematology.
      5. Exhibit superior professional behavior. Unprofessional behavior, academic dishonesty, or violation of safety standards may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from the program.
      6. Abide by the policies and procedures of each affiliate.
      7. Students are responsible for their transportation to clinic sites and housing, if applicable.
3. Technical standards
   1. Students must:
      1. Adhere to the program’s technical standards and essential functions.
4. Graduation
   1. To graduate, students must:
      1. Complete a total of 120 credit hours and meet all Lamar University degree requirements.
      2. Maintain satisfactory academic and clinical performance throughout the program.
5. Dismissal and Readmission
   1. Failure of any course, including a clinical course, during the professional phase will result in dismissal from the program.
   2. Students who are dismissed may reapply for admission to the program in a future admission cycle.
   3. Readmission is not assured and will be based on space availability, prior academic performance, and review by the program admissions committee.

Graduates will be eligible to sit for the MLS certification examination offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification (BOC).

Program