West Liberty University is the oldest institution of higher learning in West Virginia. Located in the picturesque hills of the northern panhandle of West Virginia, we are approximately one hour from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; two hours from Columbus, Ohio; and fifteen minutes from Wheeling, West Virginia.
The Medical Laboratory Science program at West Liberty University has provided training for medical laboratory scientists (medical technologists) since 1943. The University is accredited through Higher Learning Commission and the Medical Laboratory Science Program is accredited through the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS, 5600 N. River Rd., Suite 720, Rosemont, IL., 60018-5119, 773.714.8880, www.naacls.org).
What is Medical Laboratory Science? Medical laboratory scientists perform laboratory tests on a variety of body fluids and tissues. The results of such studies are used by physicians to diagnose and treat disease, maintain and monitor health, and promote health in the community.
Medical Laboratory Science Areas
Medical laboratory science includes testing in four major areas:
- Hematology
- Clinical Chemistry
- Microbiology
- Blood Banking
Medical laboratory scientists work in hospital laboratories, physicians’ office laboratories, and public health laboratories. In addition, training provides opportunities in basic and health-related research, health management, biotechnology, and marketing and sales. The medical laboratory scientist curriculum is the most versatile of all the allied health programs in regard to career branching.
A bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science at West Liberty University requires four years of study. Students are admitted as pre-MLS students for the freshman and sophomore years; during this time students complete general requirements in liberal arts, chemistry, and biology. After successful admission to the program as juniors, students complete required MLS courses.
Senior-year students rotate through the clinical laboratories of local hospital laboratories with whom we are affiliated. After successful completion of the clinical rotation, students complete the senior level courses required for graduation and to take the Board of Certification (BOC) National Certification Examination.
Outcome Measures
The graduation rate of students entering the Program is 100%, with an attrition rate of 0%. For graduates who actively seek employment the placement rate is 100%. In addition, the majority of graduates pass the national certification examination, often scoring higher than other Universities in several content areas.
