Medical Laboratory Science, B.S.

Saint Louis University's Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) degree prepares graduates to take a national certification exam to become a certified laboratory professional for a career as a health care professional in laboratory medicine. Medical laboratory science professionals save lives by performing and assuring the reliability of tests that provide objective information used in the early detection, diagnosis, monitoring and effective treatment of disease.

Up to 80% of all clinical decisions are impacted by clinical laboratory testing. The knowledge and skills required of medical laboratory professionals are diverse, involving both scientific detective work and managerial competence. Each day offers a challenge, and the opportunities to learn are endless.

Additional program highlights include:

• SLU's MLS program was one of the first in the country; it has over 85 years of continuous accreditation.
• SLU's MLS program has guaranteed placement in clinical practicum training sites.
• SLU's MLS program boasts both a low student-faculty ratio and state-of-the-art medical laboratory science labs — both of which help to substantially enhance the experience of students.
• SLU's MLS graduates’ exam pass rates are consistently at or near 100%, as is the graduate career placement rate.

• Students in SLU's medical laboratory science program have numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth through faculty, professional and peer interactions. They have the opportunity to join professional organizations such as the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) and the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP).

Curriculum Overview

Following two years of core courses in basic sciences and the liberal arts, and one year of pre-clinical laboratory-related coursework, students will enter the practicum phase of the curriculum in a clinical setting under supervision.

Seniors spend 16 weeks in practicum at a variety of hospital laboratories in the St. Louis and surrounding areas.

Clinical and Research Opportunities

Clinical practicum experiences in clinical practice settings (e.g. hospitals, reference labs, etc.) are a required component of the medical laboratory science curriculum and are guaranteed upon admission.

Students will have the opportunity to conduct research and produce projects and papers for publication and presentation at professional conferences.

Careers

Medical laboratory scientists are vital members of health care teams. As highly skilled bioanalysts, graduates contribute data critical to disease diagnosis and to patient treatment. In a typical laboratory setting, the medical laboratory scientist performs a full range of laboratory tests, from blood smears to detect anemia to highly complex procedures used to diagnose and monitor the status of patients suffering from various forms of cancer.

SLU's medical laboratory science program facilitates the attendance of its students at state professional meetings. In addition, clinical affiliates in the St. Louis area frequently request that students seek part-time employment to garner clinical experience and are often retained as full-time employees upon graduation.

The benefits of SLU's medical laboratory science program include several career opportunities. Medical laboratory scientists are qualified to work in five major areas of the laboratory: blood bank, chemistry, hematology, immunology and microbiology.

Throughout the course of a typical workday, graduates from this program might examine specimens under the microscope, operate complex computerized instrumentation, use immunologic methods to prepare units of blood for transfusion and/or identify disease-causing microorganisms.

While most medical laboratory science graduates work in a clinical laboratory in diagnostic testing and laboratory management, some choose positions in research, forensic science/crime laboratories, laboratory equipment companies or pharmaceutical/biotechnology industries. Many graduates choose to go directly to graduate, medical or professional schools. According to the most recent American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) wage survey, across the nation, staff-level MLS/MT/CLSs are paid an average salary of $68,240.

Admission Requirements

Freshmen Applicants

Solid academic performance in college preparatory coursework is a primary consideration when we review your freshman application. 

Admission criteria include:

• Minimum high school GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.
• Four years of high school math (with algebra) and English, with some physics recommended.
• Saint Louis University has a test-optional admission process for all undergraduate programs. Applicants may submit standardized test scores, but those who choose not to will not be disadvantaged in any way in the admission process. 

Transfer Applicants

Transfer applicants must possess a 2.5 cumulative GPA. Interested applicants who do not meet all the admission requirements should still apply for individual consideration.
 
The number of transfer students admitted into the Medical Laboratory Science B.S. program is based on the availability of clinical placement sites for practicum experiences. No student will be accepted into the program until clinical placement for practicum experiences has been secured.
 
In the event of a limited number of available placement spots, a competitive entry process based on GPA, previous coursework, and letters of recommendation will be used to admit students. 

Background Check

Regulations require all students in this program to complete a criminal background check and a drug test at least once during the Program; either or both may be repeated as agency requirements demand. Positive results from the criminal background check or drug tests may result in ineligibility to graduate from the program. A felony conviction will affect a graduate’s eligibility for professional certification and professional practice.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:

• Scholarships: Awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need. In addition to University scholarships, the Doisy College of Health Sciences offers a scholarship to sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students.
• Financial Aid: Provided in the form of grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, applicants should apply for admission by Dec. 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.

For more information, see the Doisy College Scholarship page.

Accreditation

The Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science at Saint Louis University has been continuously accredited since the graduation of its first class in 1933.

We are one of the oldest programs in the nation founded in 1929 and boast over 80 years of educational service to the medical laboratory science profession.

Program Outcomes

The program is accredited by:

National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science 5600 N. River Road, Suite 720 Rosemont, IL 60018

phone: (773) 714-8880
fax: (773) 714-8886
www.naacls.org

1. Graduates will  demonstrate respect for human life with regard to all aspects of laboratory testing.
2. Graduates will communicate accurate laboratory information to members of the healthcare team.
3. Graduates will apply critical reasoning to solve laboratory-based case studies.
4. Graduates will integrate knowledge of laboratory theory into practice.
5. Graduates will adhere to the principles found in the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) Professional Code of Ethics.

Program Outcomes

 Graduate placement rates demonstrating that an average of at least 70% of respondent graduates either find employment in the field or a closely related field (for those who seek employment), or continue their education within one year of graduation.

Students in Saint Louis University's medical laboratory science major take the following courses. 

Standard Track

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a minimum 2.50 grade point average (GPA).

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester.  Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Standard Track

Program Notes

Suggested Elective Options:

• Literature: Any 2XXX or 3XXX course which is designated as “Literature” requirement for English.
• Fine Arts: any course in: ART, ARTH, DANC, FPA, MUS, THR
• Social Science:  PSY 1010 General Psychology (3 cr) (recommended for all majors; required for students taking the MCAT), SOC 1100 Introduction to Sociology (3 cr) (required for students taking the MCAT), any course in: ANTH, PSYCH, SOC
• Philosophy/Theology: Any 2XXX level or above Philosophy (PHIL) or Theology (THEO) course.

Apply for Admission

Contact Doisy College of Health Sciences:
Julie Miller
Recruitment Specialist
314-977-2570
dchs@health.slu.edu