Career Options
Getting a Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) from WLU is a perfect blend of science, medicine, and technology; it provides students with strong reasoning and technical skills while successfully preparing them for rewarding and meaningful careers. While many students go on to work in healthcare facilities or laboratories, others use their training and knowledge in other career settings, like:
- Public health (like the CDC or a local health department)
- Education/teaching
- Physician offices
- Fertility clinics
- Forensic laboratories
- Genetic testing
- Research laboratories/clinical trials
- Laboratory administration
- Medical informatics
- Industry & sales
Advanced Degree
While students graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in MLS easily gain employment in a diverse and growing field, others decide to pursue an advanced degree. West Liberty University’s MLS Bachelor’s Degree provides an excellent foundation for students who wish to continue on for an advanced degree in professional areas such as medical, dental, veterinary, or pharmacy. Additionally, others continue on to pursue master or doctoral level degrees in Biology, Chemistry, Molecular Diagnostics, and public health. Regardless of future plans, West Liberty MLS graduates are in high demand and often gain employment within months of graduation.
Though we are behind the scenes….we are the heroes of the health care team solving today’s medical mysteries.
Did You Know?
It is estimated that 70 – 80% of all physician decisions are based on laboratory tests performed by the Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS).
In fact, two-thirds of a patient’s medical records are laboratory tests.
There is currently a shortage of the MLS in the U.S.
The American Society of Clinical Pathologists Board of Registry found vacancy rates for the MLS at between 7-20% depending on the job type and location.