Medical Laboratory Science (B.S.)
The profession of Medical Laboratory Science has developed rapidly into one of the most significant areas of the healthcare 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 healthcare 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 opportunities.
The Medical Laboratory Science Program consists of prerequisite coursework in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and general studies. In the sophomore year there are two Medical Laboratory courses that are available to be completed by WLU students. One is an introductory medical laboratory science course that introduces the student to phlebotomy, quality assurance, & laboratory fundamentals for successful completion of the program. The second, is an MLS Pathology course to provide a deeper understanding of pathophysiology as it relates to the field of Medical Laboratory Science. The MLS Program includes courses in clinical chemistry, hematology, immunology, immunohematology (blood banking), microbiology and molecular diagnostics that are completed during the junior year and first term of senior year to prepare the students for senior level clinical rotations at one or more of following:
- East Ohio Regional Hospital, Martins Ferry, OH
- Reynolds Memorial Hospital, Glen Dale, WV
- J.W Ruby Medical Hospital (WVU Medicine),Morgantown, WV
- Washington Health Systems, Washington, PA
- Wetzel County Hospital, New Martinsville, WV
- Wheeling Hospital, Wheeling, WV
- Weirton Medical Center, Weirton, WV
- Vitalant Laboratories, Pittsburgh, PA
In addition, medical laboratory science students will complete additional lecture & laboratory courses for future skills needed in the Clinical Laboratory, to develop research opportunities with a current researcher, 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 their 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:
1. Submit a completed Medical Laboratory Science application form. Application forms are available on the Medical Laboratory website.
2. 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 CLS 210 Introduction to Medical Laboratory Science and CLS 220 MLS Pathophysiology.
a. An overall grade point average of 2.5 or higher
b. A minimum grade point average of 2.5 in all the prerequisite/support courses in Math and Science.
c. All MLS support courses i.e. Biology & Chemistry must have a C or better. A “D” course grade must be repeated.
3. Demonstrate professional attitudes and aptitude and writing and communication skills as evidenced by the Professional assessment by Medical Laboratory Science faculty.
4. The MLS student (Jr. & Sr. level) must maintain an overall grade point average of 2.5. In addition, the student must earn a minimum grade of “C” in each 300 and 400 level 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.
All MLS seniors must pass the comprehensive final with a 70% before they can graduate with a BS degree in MLS.
Requirements
Required Prerequisite Courses
Required CLS Courses