Medical Laboratory Science (3+1), BS

The Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science provides students with the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and practical skills required for entry-level practice as a medical laboratory scientist (MLS). The MLS performs routine laboratory procedures in hematology, parasitology, microbiology, immunology and serology, immunohematology, chemistry, and urinalysis. The program prepares students to successfully pass a national certification examination, which once completed allows them to apply for positions in hospitals, clinics, industry, labs, research, quality assurance, quality control, laboratory management, laboratory consulting, and academia. A degree in Medical laboratory Science also benefits students who plan to apply to Medical School, Pathologist’s Assistant (PA), Doctorate in Clinical laboratory Science (DCLS), or other professional programs. The 3+1 track is a blend of face to face and online courses. Upon completion of the curriculum’s general education requirements, major requirements, and additional requirements, students enter a twelve-month practicum that provides professional experience in the hospital laboratory environment at an approved clinical affiliate.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Graduates will demonstrate cognitive, psychomotor, and affective skills necessary to fulfill the roles and responsibilities of the entry-level medical laboratory scientist.

2. Graduates will demonstrate technical skills and delivery of reliable results with assurance and confidence in performing laboratory tasks.

3. Graduates will demonstrate appropriate professional communication skills, attitudes, and ethics required of medical laboratory scientists.

4. Graduates will integrate the role and services of medical laboratory scientists with the roles and services of other health care professionals in the delivery of patient care to the consumer/public.

5. Graduates will recognize that continuing education is necessary for maintenance, certification, and recertification as health care professionals.

6. Graduates will be academically prepared to apply and seek national certification by examination through the American Society for Clinical Pathology-Board of Certification (ASCP-BOC), or equivalent certification examination.

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS), 5600 N. River Rd., Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018-5119 (www.naacls.org); telephone (773) 714-8880; FAX 773-714-8886. Students who successfully complete the program are eligible to seek national certification through completion of the national certification examination.

Admission Requirements

1. Students must be unconditionally admitted to the university and declare Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) as their major.

2. Students must have attained an overall college grade point average of at least 2.5.

3. Students must have completed with a grade of “C” or higher all courses listed under the General Education Requirements and Additional Requirements sections of the MLSC curriculum.

4. Students must be able to meet the program’s technical standards/essential requirements.

Progression Requirements

1. Student must earn a grade of “C” or higher in each course required by the curriculum.

2. Student must maintain an overall grade point average of at least 2.0.

Note: Students may be dismissed from the program if their performance is unsatisfactory and/or if they fail on a second attempt to complete a MLSC course with a “C” or higher. If a student is not enrolled in a MLSC course for a semester, application for readmission to the MLS program is required.

Institutional Affiliations

• Rapides Regional Medical Center
• West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital

Degree Requirements

1. Students must complete all of the requirements pertaining to bachelor degrees as specified in Degree Requirements .

2. Students must earn a grade of “C” or higher in all courses required by the curriculum.