Medical Laboratory Science
Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) is a biology and chemistry-based degree that prepares students for a challenging and rewarding medical career.
Medical Laboratory Scientists are medical professionals who perform laboratory diagnostic tests on a variety of bodily fluids and tissues using scientific areas such as hematology, clinical chemistry, microbiology, and blood banking. The results of the analyzation and evaluation aid physicians and other health professionals in both the diagnosis of disease and the management of health.
Program Specific Options
There are currently two program pathways under Medical Laboratory Sciences at West Liberty University, each preparing students to enter a career in this rewarding, medical discipline. West Liberty University students get experiential, hands-on learning which prepares them to work in hospital, physician office, and public health laboratories. In addition, the valuable training students receive provides opportunities in basic and health-related research, health management, biotechnology, marketing, and sales.
This 4-year program begins with student admission as a pre-MLS student for the freshman and sophomore years. During that time, students complete general college requirements in areas including liberal arts, chemistry, and biology. After successful admission to the MLS program as juniors, students complete the required in-depth MLS courses. As seniors, students then complete clinical laboratory clinicals at local affiliated hospitals. After successful completion of the clinical portion, students finish the remainder of their senior level courses required for both graduation and the board certification examination.
Biology students or graduates that are interested in working in the Clinical Laboratory setting can use this certificate to sit for the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Registry exam. This is a unique pathway that allows Biology seniors or graduates three semesters to earn an MLS certificate. The first two semesters would include MLS-specific coursework on campus followed by a third semester of clinical practicum/rotations at one off the local clinical affiliates.
Bachelor's Degree
This 4-year program begins with student admission as a pre-MLS student for the freshman and sophomore years. During that time, students complete general college requirements in areas including liberal arts, chemistry, and biology. After successful admission to the MLS program as juniors, students complete the required in-depth MLS courses. As seniors, students then complete clinical laboratory clinicals at local affiliated hospitals. After successful completion of the clinical portion, students finish the remainder of their senior level courses required for both graduation and the board certification examination.
Certificate
Biology students or graduates that are interested in working in the Clinical Laboratory setting can use this certificate to sit for the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Registry exam. This is a unique pathway that allows Biology seniors or graduates three semesters to earn an MLS certificate. The first two semesters would include MLS-specific coursework on campus followed by a third semester of clinical practicum/rotations at one off the local clinical affiliates.
An Inside Look!
Program Outcomes
West Liberty University Medical Laboratory Science Program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). NAACLS accreditation involves “A process of external peer review in which NAACLS grants public recognition to education programs that meet established education standards in clinical laboratory science disciplines..” https://www.naacls.org/About.aspx Accreditation status is dependent on meeting NAACLS benchmark outcome measures including certification, graduation, graduate placement, and attrition rates.
The MLS program at West Liberty University has successfully provided training for Medical Laboratory Scientists since 1943. The University is accredited through the Higher Learning Commission and the MLS Program specifically is accredited through the following:
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science
5600 N. River Road, Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018-5119
Phone: 773-714-8880
www.naacls.org
The Medical Laboratory Department is committed to a policy of Equal Opportunity and does not discriminate based on race, color, sex, age, religion, handicap, veteran status, sexual orientation, or national origin in the administration of its educational program, activities or with respect to admission.