Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University's Medical Laboratory Science program, recognized as a highly successful degree program graduating quality medical technologists, offers a variety of learning opportunities for students in a thriving job market with pay that continues to increase.
Testifying to the program's success, MLS program director Deborah Fox revealed that for the past 20 years, FranU MLS graduates who have applied for positions in the field have had a 100% employment rate immediately upon graduation.
"Our students never have any problem getting a job," she said. "There are always more jobs than there are graduates."
She reports that starting base pay typically averages $26-27 per hour in Baton Rouge and surrounding areas, but salaries are higher for technologists who work evenings, nights, or holiday shifts. Some hospitals even offer an additional sign-on bonus.
Medical Laboratory Scientists, also known as medical technologists, play a critical role in healthcare. They are charged with accurately performing a wide range of tests on blood, body fluids, and tissues. They apply a variety of learned skills and techniques, as well as use sophisticated instrumentation and computers in the analysis of clinical specimens. The laboratory results they provide help physicians and other practitioners correctly diagnose and treat patients every day.
After completing two years of pre-requisite coursework, students are admitted to the clinical program, which lasts 18 months and includes practice within the student lab, a 20-week-practicum at an area hospital, and access to FranU's state-of-the-art Simulated Environment Teaching Hospital (SETH). Through all of these experiences, the student is able to practice both manual skills and the use of a variety of clinical instruments.
"We are excited about the future development of opportunities within the SETH," said Fox. The simulated environment at FranU is very unique because it involves such a large variety of healthcare professionals.
Fox said that by Fall, a simulated electronic record system will also be available, which will allow MLS students to enter lab results that can be utilized by nursing students and other healthcare professionals. This will provide students with first-hand learning experiences, which prompt interprofessional communication and opportunities to evaluate results as well as apply critical thinking skills.
"We are always striving to grow and change each year by increasing the variety of experiences that our students have," Dr. Fox said.
MLS professionals work in hospitals, forensics, public health, biotechnology, and industrial/research laboratories, as well as physician offices, blood banks, and veterinary clinics.
Started in 1951 as a hospital-based program at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, MLS developed into a bachelor's degree program at the University in 1997. For more information about the program, visit franu.edu/mls.
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