Medical Laboratory Science
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Program Contact Information
Website: http://medicine.utah.edu/pathology/medical-laboratory-science/
Health Sciences Building 379
27 S. Mario Capecchi Drive
Salt Lake City, UT 84113
Phone: 801-581-7913
Email: MLSAdvising@path.utah.edu
External Program Accreditation
Program Description
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 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 Medical Laboratory Sciences Division offers the following tracks for students pursuing certification as a medical laboratory professional:
Traditional (2+2) - This track is for students pursuing their first bachelor's degree. On this track, students complete two years of general education and prerequisite courses followed by two years of professional courses upon admission to the MLS program. Students may declare as a Pre-MLS major at any time, but admission to the MLS major is not guaranteed. Culminates in a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree. Graduates of the program are eligible to apply for certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist.
Post-baccalaureate - This track is for students with a previous bachelor's degree (or higher) from a regionally or nationally accredited college/university that want to further their education and pursue certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist. Transcripts will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis for completion of prerequisite courses. On this track, students complete 18-24 months of professional courses after admission to the MLS program. Students on this track complete the same professional courses 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. Students that complete all requirements of the program are eligible to apply for certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist.
Students seeking their first bachelor's degree (traditional, 2+2 track) typically apply to the program during the spring semester of their sophomore year and begin the professional coursework in the fall semester of their junior year. Students may declare as a Pre-MLS major at any time, but must apply and be admitted to the program before they will be declared in the MLS major.
Applications for all tracks are accepted Dec. 1st - Feb. 15th for fall admission.
Following admission to the program, full-time students complete three semesters (fall, spring, summer) of didactic coursework (3000- and 4000-level MD LB courses) comprising the first professional year. Students following a part-time schedule complete the didactic coursework over five semesters (fall, spring, fall, spring, summer). The professional didactic courses for all tracks run concurrently and are only offered once per academic year.
Clinical experiences (rotations) are completed at local laboratories during the final year of study as scheduled by the program in addition to a capstone correlations course and didactic courses in management, education, and research design (5000-level MD LB courses).
After completing all professional MD LB courses, students on the traditional (2+2) and post-baccalaureate tracks must successfully pass a comprehensive examination administered by the program.
After completing all of the requirements of their program of study, students are eligible to take a national certification examination, but it is not a requirement for degree completion or graduation.
Program Admissions Requirements
Eligibility:
Completion of all MLS prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of (C-).
Completion of all general education (GE) and bachelor degree (BD) requirements prior to starting the MLS program is highly encouraged. Applicants with numerous incomplete GE/BD requirements may be deferred pending review and discussion with the MLS Undergraduate Program Director.
Minimum cumulative and math/science GPAs of 2.5 (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 Undergraduate Admissions Committee.
Applying to the MLS Program:
Instructions for the current year are linked on the program's website by Dec. 1st.
Applications are submitted through an online application system accessed via the instructional document.
Complete application portfolios received between Dec. 1st and Feb. 15th 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 and submit all of the required documents by the application deadline will be advanced for Phase Two review. Late applications may be accepted depending on class size.
Phase Two - Admissions Committee Review
Complete application portfolios are carefully reviewed by the MLS Undergraduate 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 to further assess applicant qualifications, if deemed necessary by the admissions committee.
All applicants will receive notification of the admissions committee's decision by email in early April.
Admission is contingent upon:
Successful completion of all prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of (C-).
Maintaining a minimum cumulative and math/science GPA of 2.5 (4.0 scale).
Completion of a one time, non-refundable acceptance fee.
Submission of documentation of immunization status and/or approved medical/religious exemption.
Submission of a completed health history and physical examination form.
Submission of documentation of negative screening result for tuberculosis.
Completion of required safety trainings.
Participation in mandatory on-campus orientation sessions held the week before the first week of fall semester classes.
Note that students must pass a comprehensive background check and urine drug test prior to beginning their clinical rotations.