Medical Laboratory Technician to Medical Laboratory Science

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The online degree completion program in medical laboratory science is designed for students who hold an Associate degree in Medical Laboratory Science and wish to complete their Bachelor’s degree. Online degree completion programs offer students the flexibility to complete their degree when they do not live close to the University campus or have time commitments preventing them from attending a traditional program.

The Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) program prepares graduates to analyze clinical specimens through the use of specialized skills and sophisticated instrumentation. Information from the analysis of specimens provides data critical for patient diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, or disease prevention. Scientists work in hospitals, forensics, public health, industrial/research laboratories, physician offices, and blood banks.

School
School of Health Professions
Career
Medical laboratory scientists in hospitals, labs or clinics. Job opportunities in the field of MLS may also be listed by alternative names including medical lab technologist or clinical laboratory scientist.
Program Contacts

100% Online!

Admission Requirements

  1. An earned associate degree in MLS/CLS from a NAACLS accredited program. The earned associate degree must include pre-requisite courses in biological sciences, chemistry and mathematics.
  2. Certified as a MLT/CLT by BOC (ASCP), NCA, or equivalent certifying agency.
  3. Two years of full-time clinical experience (minimum 4,000 working hours) as a practicing MLT in an accredited laboratory (accredited by CLIA, CAP, or similar)
  4. Currently practicing as a MLT with access to TJC/CAP/COLA/CLIA laboratory, capable of providing a multidisciplinary laboratory experience (hematology, microbiology, chemistry, and immunohematology)
  5. If accepted to the MLT-MLS online program, the student will be required to obtain a Statement of Support from their current laboratory employer ( Laboratory Director/Supervisor). A qualified Medical Laboratory Scientist preceptor must be chosen from the student's employment site who will serve as a preceptor and validate clinical competencies.
  6. Proof of current license in states that require licensure
  7. Completion of all required general education courses and program pre-requisites
  8. Minimum grade of "C" in all prerequisite courses
  9. Access to a computer and the internet (preferably high-speed access), including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Powerpoint)

Program Mission

The mission of the Medical Laboratory Science program of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is to educate and form highly skilled servant leaders who model professional ethics and exhibit critical thinking skills in order to serve patients by producing quality laboratory test results.

Program Goals

The goals of the Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) program are to:

  1. Admit, retain, and graduate a diverse population of academically qualified students
  2. Provide a high quality educational experience which 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 practitioner
  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 program, the graduate will be able to:

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

FAQ

How long does this program take?

2 years as a part-time student

What is the application deadline for this program?

During which semester are students admitted into this program?

Spring semester

How much does this program cost?

Approximately $22,500

Is there a national certification test that I have to take to be a medical laboratory scientist?

Students who complete the MLT to MT online program will be qualified to take the Board of Certification (BOC) exam for Medical Laboratory Scientist offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).

Resources

Document TitleTypeFile Size
Document Title: MLS HandbookType: pdfFile Size: 698.87 KBDownload
Document Title: NAACLS-Defined Program OutcomeType: pdfFile Size: 64.9 KBDownload
Document Title: MLT MLS Course SequenceType: pngFile Size: 553.094 KBDownload

Accreditation

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Questions about accreditation of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

The Medical Laboratory Science Program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences, 5600 N River Rd., Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018; 773-714-8880.