Why Medical Laboratory Science?
Medical laboratory scientists play a critical role in the collaboration of the diagnosis and treatment of patients. Although often working behind the scenes, these professionals ensure patients receive precise diagnoses and treatment through accurate, time-sensitive testing. In addition to examining and analyzing bodily fluids, cells, and tissues, Medical Laboratory Scientists also perform, develop, evaluate, correlate and assure accuracy and validity of laboratory information.
Do I have what it takes?
Essential functions are important technical requirements that are critical for completion of the MLS Program and employment in the field. These technical skills are not only important in this job field but also necessary for success in the MLS program.
Students must be able to:
- Read and write English
- Manipulate a microscope
- Physically adjust the instrument properly
- Possess visual acuity to locate specimens of a slide
- Discriminate between colors on special stains
- Stand or sit for prolonged periods of time
- Communicate effectively with peers, other health care professionals
- Exhibit manual dexterity to perform phlebotomy (venipuncture), slide preparation, and culture isolation techniques
- Manipulate automatic pipetting devices and other standard laboratory glassware and equipment
- Accurately transcribe information from computer generated or other written forms to other formats
- Transport low to medium weight objects from one point to another
- Bend, stretch, reach, or stoop within reason to obtain materials or to operate equipment
- Academic 4-Year Plan(s)
- BS-Medical Laboratory Science 4 Year Plan
Tuition for the MLS program consists of the base WLU tuition (depends on residency location) plus the differential cost associated with all courses in the College of Sciences. While there are no additional fees for MLS students, there may be other WLU charges and fees that may apply.
Successful Character Traits
There are several character attributes that are important in this field. Successful Medical Laboratory Scientists are:
- Dependable.
- Effective communicators.
- Organized.
- Safety conscious.
- A team player.
- Moral and ethical
- Positive.
Why Choose West Liberty University?
The MLS Program at West Liberty University strives to educate and train students to become competent, career-entry level Medical Laboratory Scientists. Within the beautiful, rural landscape of the West Virginia hills, students navigate through nationally-accredited curriculum that provides the successful groundwork for fulfilling medical careers.
West Liberty’s MLS Bachelor’s Degree program is a 4-year, dynamic process which promotes and encourages professional development and problem solving among students. The freshman and sophomore years are devoted to studying basic science and general study courses. Near the completion of the sophomore year, students may apply for admission into the MLS Program. After consideration of course grades and faculty recommendations, the candidate is offered acceptance into the program beginning in August of the next academic year.
The third (junior) year of the program includes in-depth coursework in MLS specific curriculum, while the senior year is dedicated to clinical practicum rotations at local clinical affiliate sites. Progression through and graduation from the program is contingent upon the student passing all required coursework in general studies and clinical laboratory science, and successfully completing the clinical practicum.
Students are not required to complete a national certification examination in Medical Laboratory Science as a condition for graduation. However, the American Society of Clinical Pathologists Board of Certification (ASCP-BOC) offers a national certification examination. Certification is strongly recommended.