Email: ejator@lamar.edu
McFaddin Ward Health Sciences Building
Office #229
Beaumont, TX 77705

Mission

The Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences provides comprehensive education that prepares students to become competent laboratory professionals who perform and interpret laboratory testing on a variety of patient specimens, including blood, body fluids, and other biological specimens. Students apply evidence-based practices, specialized diagnostic techniques, and technical expertise to support accurate diagnosis and patient care. Aligned with Lamar University’s mission, the department prepares career-ready practitioners who contribute to the healthcare workforce locally, regionally, and beyond.

Vision

The Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences aims to be recognized for excellence in Medical laboratory sciences education, advancing the preparation of skilled laboratory professionals who promote excellence in diagnostic testing and improved patient outcomes.

Overview

The Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences currently offers one academic program-the MLS program. As the department expands, it plans to develop additional programs to address evolving workforce needs in laboratory science. These new offerings will broaden educational pathways and strengthen the department’s role in preparing highly skilled laboratory professionals.

Launch Your MLS Career at Lamar

Learn from board-certified Medical Laboratory Science experts and gain hands-on experience in clinical chemistry, diagnostic microbiology, blood banking, immunology, hematology, urinalysis, and laboratory management. Our program combines rigorous instruction with personalized mentorship and real-world clinical experience, preparing graduates to enter the workforce as confident, skilled medical laboratory scientists ready to make an immediate impact.

Medical Laboratory Science Program

Program Mission

The Medical Laboratory Science program trains students to become skilled, entry-level medical laboratory scientists ready for their careers through rigorous coursework and supervised clinical rotations. The curriculum emphasizes technical skills, critical thinking, scientific principles, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and professionalism to ensure accurate diagnostic testing that supports safe and effective patient care.

Program Description

The Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science is a four-year program designed to prepare students for careers in diagnostic medicine and national certification through rigorous on-campus lectures and laboratory coursework, along with supervised clinical rotations at affiliated hospital laboratories. This structure ensures graduates have the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical experience to achieve national certification and excel in clinical laboratory careers.

The program highlights technical skills, critical thinking, problem-solving, and professional behavior. Students engage in on-campus lectures and laboratory coursework, along with supervised clinical rotations at affiliated hospital laboratories. This structure ensures graduates have the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical experience to achieve national certification and excel in clinical laboratory careers.

Clinicians rely on Medical Laboratory Science professionals to provide critical diagnostic information essential for disease prevention, detection, and therapeutic monitoring.

Core areas of study within the curriculum include hematology, clinical chemistry, diagnostic microbiology, immunohematology, immunology, and laboratory operations, with concepts of molecular diagnostics integrated throughout upper-level courses, ensuring that students develop competency in both traditional and molecular-based laboratory methods. Students develop competencies in high-complexity laboratory testing, quality assurance and quality control, laboratory safety, instruments operation and troubleshooting, and all phases of testing, including pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical processes. They also gain proficiency in laboratory information systems and laboratory workflow management.

Program Goals

The Medical Laboratory Sciences program is designed to:

1. Prepare graduates for entry-level practice in medical laboratory sciences.
2. Develop and enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary to ensure accurate and timely diagnostic testing.
3. Instill professionalism and a commitment to ethical practice.
4. Foster effective communication and teamwork with other healthcare professionals.
5. Encourage lifelong learning and professional growth
6. Prepare students for eligibility and success on the Board of Certification examination.
7. Apply quality control and quality assurance principles and comply with regulatory standards.

Career and Advancement Opportunities

Medical Laboratory Scientists are in high demand, offering graduates strong job prospects and opportunities for career growth. This program prepares students for rewarding careers in a wide variety of settings, including hospital and reference laboratories, physician office laboratories, public health agencies, research institutions, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, blood centers, forensic laboratories, and academic environments.

Graduates may choose to enter the workforce immediately upon graduation or continue their education to obtain an advanced degree in medical laboratory science, public health, biomedical research, or related healthcare fields. No matter the path, graduates leave the program with a strong foundation of knowledge, hands-on skills, and confidence to succeed in the laboratory and other professional settings.

The Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences is a newly established program developed in accordance with the standards and requirements of the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) and intends to seek programmatic accreditation as soon as possible.

NAACLS is the recognized accreditation agency that supports excellence in program standards and the preparation of competent laboratory professionals.

Admission

Admission Pathways

The Medical Laboratory Science program offers multiple entry pathways into the professional phase, including 3+1 and 4+1 options, as well as applicants who hold a graduate degree in a related field.

In the 3+1 pathway, students complete three years of pre-requisite coursework followed by a competitive application process for admission into the 12-month professional phase consisting of intensive MLS coursework and clinical rotations.

In the 4+1 pathway, students first complete a four-year bachelor’s degree in a related discipline (typically biology or chemistry) and then apply for admission into the 12-month professional phase.

Applicants who hold a graduate degree in a related discipline may also apply to the professional phase, provided they meet prerequisite coursework and admission requirements.

Students from all entry pathways are admitted into and complete the professional phase together as a single cohort.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Medical Laboratory Science Program is based on program requirements and accreditation standards. Applicants must satisfy all admission requirements to be considered for acceptance into the program.

To be eligible for admission, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Prerequisite Coursework

Applicants must have completed all required prerequisite coursework, including immunology, microbiology, anatomy and physiology I and II, genetics, general chemistry I and II, and organic chemistry or biochemistry, along with the required Lamar University core curriculum.

Academic Performance

Applicants are required to meet a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 and a science GPA of 2.5, earning at least a grade of “C” in each prerequisite course.

Application Submission

A completed application to the Medical Laboratory Science Program must be submitted by the published deadline.

Official Transcripts

Applicants must submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.

Technical Standards

Applicants must meet established technical standards and any additional program requirements necessary for both didactic and clinical settings.

Interview Requirement

Selected applicants are required to participate in a formal interview as part of the admissions review process.

Please note that admission may be competitive, and not all qualified applicants may be accepted due to limited clinical placement capacity.

Apply to the Medical Laboratory Science Program

Follow the steps below to complete your application:

1. Complete the online application Submit the application with all required documents and official transcripts.
2. Submit three letters of recommendation Provide two academic references and one professional reference who can speak to your academic ability and potential for success in the program.
3. Submit a personal essay Describe your interest in Medical Laboratory Science, career goals, and motivation for applying to the program.
4. Meet academic prerequisites and GPA requirements All required coursework must be completed with a minimum grade of C.
5. Participate in an interview (if invited) Interviews are conducted to assess readiness for the academic and clinical demands of the program.
6. Receive acceptance and attend orientation Orientation provides information on program policies and next steps.

Progression and Re-admission

• MLS courses must be completed in a specific sequence. Failure in a course prevents progression to subsequent courses.
• Re-admission into the program is based on space availability and academic review of prior performance, and re-admission is not guaranteed.
• Failure to meet performance expectations in clinical courses will result in a failing grade

Program Expenses 

In addition to tuition and fees, MLS students are responsible for the following expenses:

• Scrubs, patches, and lab coats
• Liability insurance
• Health Examinations
• Health insurance (if not already covered)
• Vaccinations (required if not already up to date)
• Background check
• Drug screen
• Certification exam fees
• Clinicals tracking software
• Record tracking software
• MLS pin
• CPR training (if needed)
• Textbooks and software