Medical Laboratory Science

MLS Program Highlights

• Multifaceted learning - The methods of instruction used in MLS courses will include formal lectures, case study discussions, audiovisual presentations and web-based exercises. Students will participate in active discussions of case studies and web-based exercises, developing students’ comprehension, problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Students will also participate in state-of-the-art interdisciplinary simulated learning experiences through FranU’s Simulation Environment Teaching Hospital (SETH).

• Hands-on laboratory experience - Most professional lecture courses have a correlating student laboratory course and the student laboratory is available for use outside of the regularly scheduled class meetings for additional practice. Students are encouraged to make use of this extra time to develop competency and ensure mastery of the material.

• Clinical exposure - Students pursuing the bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science will participate in four, 5-credit hour clinical practicum at an area hospital, providing a vital opportunity for students to put their knowledge into practice in a medical setting.

• MLS certification prep - Students successfully completing the Medical Laboratory Science degree are eligible to sit for the Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) certifying examination offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).

• Student organizations - The Medical Laboratory Science Association (MLSA) is a student organization whose purpose is to broaden the career scope of the membership. Members are encouraged to participate in professional and community activities and to disseminate information about the career of medical laboratory science.
• Student scholarships and awards - The Joy Holm and Betty Lynn Theriot Memorial Scholarships are awarded annually to students in medical laboratory science by the Louisiana Society for Clinical Laboratory Science. The LSCLS also sponsors a student paper award of $150 for the best-written scholarly papers across five different categories.
• Career support - FranU clinical laboratory science students have access to career support through Elite Learning Healthcare Jobs, American Society for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (ASCLS) Career Center and American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Job Finder. These resources are available to assist graduates in identifying employment opportunities.

Medical Laboratory Science Program Features

Admission Requirements

A new cohort of MLS students are admitted to the program each summer. The prerequisite general education requirements provide a necessary academic foundation. The applicant’s performance in such prerequisite coursework is an indicator of the applicant’s potential for success within the clinical program.

Priority is given to applicants who have completed the prerequisite coursework at a level that indicates their potential for success in the program and who have provided evidence of understanding the demands of the profession. The academic coursework within the clinical program itself is very demanding.

Students accepted into the program must pass a criminal background check and drug screen in order to meet clinical agency requirements, and final program acceptance is contingent upon background check/drug screen results. Information on the procedure for completing the criminal background check is in the student health packet distributed by the Office of Health and Campus Safety.

A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required for program admission. For further details regarding admissions materials and requirements, visit the Admissions page.

Program Goals

The goals of the Medical Laboratory Science degree program are to:

1. Admit, retain and graduate a diverse population of academically qualified students.
2. Provide a high-quality educational experience that imparts to the students the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure success as a clinical laboratory professional.
3. Provide the healthcare community with knowledgeable and skilled entry-level practitioners.
4. Promote within the classroom and encourage in the clinical setting the development of: a) Franciscan values as defined by the University mission statement and Ex Corde Ecclesiae and b) professional ethics and conduct according to the standards of the profession and the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Healthcare Services.

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

Upon completion of the Medical Laboratory Science program, students will be able to:

• Apply knowledge of basic/advanced laboratory science concepts and theories to the practice of clinical laboratory medicine.
• Evaluate discipline-specific case studies, accurately interpreting the results of laboratory testing.
• Competently perform manual and automated laboratory science procedures as an entry-level practitioner.
• Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills within the academic and clinical setting.
• Demonstrate Franciscan values and professional ethics/conduct within the academic and clinical setting.

Gain Clinical and Lab Experience in the Medical Laboratory Science BS Degree Program

By enrolling in the Medical Laboratory Science degree program at FranU, you’ll be supported from classroom to career and gain hands-on experience in your field through both clinical and laboratory learning experiences.

Learn more about the MLS program by Requesting Information. Ready to take the next step? Begin your application now.

Regional Accreditation

For information about our SACSCOC accreditation, please visit our Institutional Accreditation page.

• Institutional Accreditation

NAACLS Accreditation

The Medical Laboratory Science program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Medical Laboratory Science (NAACLS, 5600 N. River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018 or call (773)-714-8880).