Medical Laboratory Science (B.S.)
The profession of Medical Laboratory Science has developed rapidly into one of the most significant areas of the health care process and offers unlimited possibilities for those persons who desire a career in the clinical sciences and who wish to become an important member of the health care team. The medical laboratory scientist performs the multitude of laboratory tests upon which physicians rely for diagnosis and treatment. Opportunities are also available for the medical laboratory scientist who chooses to work in research, biotechnology laboratory management and supervision, education, and/or forensics, just to name a few career choices.
The Medical Laboratory Science Program consists of prerequisite course work in biology, chemistry, mathematics and general studies. An introductory medical laboratory science course taken during the sophomore year introduces the student to the professional requirements of the program. Course work completed in the campus laboratories and lectures during the junior year prepare the students for senior level clinical rotations at the East Ohio Regional Hospital, Martins Ferry, Ohio; Reynolds Memorial Hospital, Glen Dale, WV; Washington Health Systems, Washington Co., PA; Wetzel County Hospital, New Martinsville, WV; Wheeling Hospital, Wheeling, WV; Weirton Medical Center, Weirton, WV; and Vitalant Laboratories, Pittsburgh, PA. In addition, senior medical laboratory science students develop problem solving, interpersonal and managerial skills required for the health professions.
Educational Programs in medical laboratory science must be accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS, 5600 N. River Road., Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018, 773-714-8880). The Medical Laboratory Science Program received initial accreditation in October 1978.
Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be awarded a B.S. degree in Medical Laboratory Science.
Admission Process
Students are not officially admitted into the Medical Laboratory Science Program until the end of the sophomore year. Freshman and sophomore students are designated as Pre-Medical Laboratory Science majors. At the end of the sophomore year, only those Pre-Medical Laboratory Science majors with the most competitive qualifications will be selected to enter the Medical Laboratory Science Program as juniors.
The Medical Laboratory Science Program accepts only its most qualified Pre-Medical Laboratory Science majors into the available positions. To be considered for admission to the Program, the applicant must:
- Submit a completed Medical Laboratory Science application form.
- Demonstrate scholastic competence (as evidenced by cumulative grade point average and by science/mathematics grade point average) and have earned a minimum grade of:
- “C” in each of the following Medical Laboratory Science courses: 210, 250; and
- An overall grade point average of 2.5 or higher and a minimum grade point average of 2.5 in Math and Science.
- Demonstrate professional attitudes and aptitude, and writing and communication skills as evidenced by:
- References submitted from one science and one non-science faculty member or laboratory assistant.
- Interview with representatives of the Medical Laboratory Science Admissions Committee.
- Professional assessment by Medical Laboratory Science faculty.
A student must maintain an overall grade point average of 2.0; in addition, the student must earn a minimum grade of “C” in each Medical Laboratory Science course that is required for the B.S. degree in Medical Laboratory Science.
A student who earns a “D” or “F” in any of the above-required courses will immediately be placed on probation. The course must be repeated, with a grade of “C” or better, during the next regular term that the course is offered.
A student may repeat such a course only once—i.e. a minimum grade of “C” must be earned the first time a course is repeated. Failure to earn a minimum grade of “C” will result in suspension from the program.
The second time a student earns a grade of “D” or “F” in a Medical Laboratory Science course the student will be suspended from the program.
Requirements
Required Courses
All students are required to pass a final comprehensive exam covering all areas of medical laboratory science during the final term before graduation. The exam will be given near the end of spring term and will constitute the final grade for CLS 400 and CLS 490 Comprehensive Review. Successful passage of the exam is required to pass CLS 400 and CLS 490. Failure to pass CLS 400/490 will postpone graduation until the course is repeated and the student earns a passing grade. Students are not required to complete a national certification examination in Medical Laboratory Science as a condition for graduation. However, the American Society of Clinical Pathologists Board of Certification (ASCP-BOC) offers a national certification examination. Certification is strongly recommended.