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General Catalog

Medical Laboratory Science

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Pathology Bachelor of Science

Program Contact Information

Professional Accreditation

National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)

Program Description

The undergraduate MLS program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). 5600 N. River Rd. Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018-5119. (773-714-8880; http://www.naacls.org).

The performance of laboratory tests and analyses by medical laboratory scientists (MLS) aids in the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of disease and the maintenance of health. Medical laboratory scientists perform diagnostic testing in clinical chemistry, microbiology, immunology, immunohematology, molecular diagnostics, hematology, and their related subspecialties. This NAACLS-accredited degree program provides students with the entry-level knowledge and technical skills necessary to work as a medical laboratory scientist in a modern diagnostic medical laboratory.

Students interested in learning more about the medical laboratory science profession can enroll in the program's introductory course, MD LB 1010: Survey of Medical Laboratory Sciences.

The School of Medicine offers the following tracks for students pursuing certification as a medical laboratory scientist:

  • Traditional 2+2 - two years of general education and preprofessional courses (prerequisites) followed by two years of professional coursework upon acceptance to the MLS program. Culminates in a Bachelor of Science degree. Students may declare as a Pre-MLS major at any time, but admission to the MLS major is not guaranteed.

  • Post-baccalaureate - graduates with a previous bachelor's degree (or higher) in a biological or chemical science complete 18-24 months of professional coursework once accepted into the MLS program. Post-baccalaureate applicants with a degree in other majors will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis for completion of prerequisite courses. Students on this track complete the same professional course requirements as the traditional (2+2) track. Students pursuing a second bachelor's degree on this track must also complete university requirements for general education and a bachelor of science degree.

  • Technologist (categorical) - individuals with a previous bachelor's degree (or higher) from a regionally or nationally accredited college/university may opt to further their education and pursue certification in a specific content area. The bachelor's degree must be in a biological or chemical science, or demonstrate a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry obtained within, or in addition to, the degree. Students on this track complete the same professional course requirements as the traditional (2+2) track within the selected content area.

Students seeking their first bachelor's degree (2+2 track) typically apply to the program during their sophomore year and begin the professional coursework in their junior year. Students may declare as a Pre-MLS major at any time, but must apply and be accepted to the program before they will be declared in the full major. Applications for all tracks are accepted December 1 - February 15 for fall admission.

Once accepted to the program, full-time students complete three semesters of didactic coursework (fall, spring, summer) comprising the first professional year. Clinical experiences (rotations) at local laboratories are completed during the second or final year of study in addition to a capstone correlations course and didactic courses in management, education, and research design. The professional didactic courses for all tracks run concurrently and are only offered once per academic year.

After completing all professional MLS courses, students must successfully pass a comprehensive examination administered by the program.

After completing all of the requirements of the MLS program, students are eligible to take a national certification examination, but it is not a requirement for graduation.

Program Admissions Requirements

Eligibility

  • Completion of all MLS prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of "C-" prior to beginning the program.

  • Minimum cumulative and math/science GPAs of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Note: At the time of application, a combined GPA from all institutions attended will be calculated.

  • Submission of a completed application portfolio.

  • Selection by the MLS Admissions Committee.

  • Note that completion of all general education and bachelor degree requirements prior to starting the MLS program is highly encouraged.

Prerequisites: Completion of all the prerequisite courses is required prior to starting the MLS Program. All prerequisite courses must have a minimum grade of "C-." It is the applicant's responsibility to submit updated transcripts to the University of Utah for all transfer work.

Application Requirements: Applications to the MLS program are accepted through an online application system accessible on the division's website. Application instructions are available on the division's website by Dec. 1. Complete application portfolios received between December 1 and February 15 will be reviewed for fall admission. The following is an overview of the application process:

Phase One - Application Portfolio Submission

  • Completion of the online application form by the deadline.

  • Completion or satisfactory plan for completion of all prerequisite courses prior to beginning the MLS program.

  • Completion or satisfactory plan for completion of all university general education and baccalaureate requirements.

  • Current transcripts from all colleges/universities attended on file with the University of Utah by the application deadline.

  • Cumulative and math/science GPAs of 2.5 or higher.

  • Responses to provided essay prompts received by the application deadline.

  • Updated resume highlighting work experience, community service involvement, and leadership experience received by the application deadline.

  • Two letters of professional reference received by the application deadline.

  • Submitted application to the University of Utah (if not currently an active student).

Only applicants who meet the minimum requirements including submission of all required documents by the application deadline will be advanced for Phase Two review.

Phase Two - Admissions Committee Review

Complete application portfolios are carefully reviewed by the MLS Admissions Committee on the basis of academic qualifications as well as promise for success in the program and potential contributions to the profession. The Medical Laboratory Sciences Division adheres to the University of Utah's policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity in admission decisions. A personal interview may be conducted by the MLS Admissions Committee, if needed, to further assess applicant qualifications.

All applicants will receive notification of the Admissions Committee's decision by email. Admission is contingent upon successful completion of the prerequisite and general education courses with a minimum grade of C minus.

Students conditionally accepted to the MLS program must:

  • Complete a one time, non-refundable acceptance fee.

  • Maintain a minimum cumulative and math/science GPA of 2.5.

  • Provide documentation of immunizations status and/or approved medical/religious exemption, completed health history and physical examination form and negative screening result for tuberculosis.

  • Attend a mandatory on-campus orientation held the week before the first week of fall semester classes.

  • Pass a comprehensive background check and urine drug test prior to beginning their clinical rotations.

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