What is Medical Laboratory Science?
Medical Laboratory Science is the health profession that provides laboratory testing and analysis which makes possible the accurate diagnosis and treatment of human disease. Previously, Medical Laboratory Science was referred to as Medical Technology or Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS). 70% of diagnoses rely on laboratory testing by Medical Laboratory Scientists. They act as a part of a team of physicians, pathologists, nurses, and other health professionals in the testing, diagnosis, and treatment of disease.
The MLS degree at UT is the only clinical degree program in CNS, similar to Nursing and Pharmacy degrees at UT. Students take 3 years of coursework at UT and complete their final year off-campus at one of four affiliated programs. Students must apply for admission and be accepted to one of these programs. While CNS does not provide guaranteed placement for a program, students work closely with a Faculty Advisor and an Academic Advisor during the application process and most students successfully graduate with their clinical training, Bachelor's degree, and ASCP certification.
The clinical education programs are intended for students to qualify for the examination and certification by the Board of Certification of the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP). Medical Lab Scientists must have a minimum of Bachelor's degree and certification.
The mission of the College of Natural Sciences' Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Program is to contribute to the overall objectives of the university through excellence in education in the medical laboratory sciences, equipping graduates with the knowledge and competencies required for them to become successful Medical Laboratory Scientists in a variety of laboratory settings, such as hospital and clinic laboratories, research laboratories, biotechnology laboratories, and public health laboratories.
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Career Opportunities
A career as a Medical Laboratory Scientist offers job opportunities in a variety of settings, including hospitals, independent laboratories, clinics, business and industry, research, public health, and education. Additional MLS-related careers include jobs in forensic science, genetic research, immunology, and crime labs. For someone who chooses a career in the medical laboratory, the exploration never ends!
Job opportunities are increasing—there are not enough trained Medical Laboratory Scientists to fill the needs of hospitals, independent labs, and clinics. MLS training is also an excellent foundation for further studies in medicine, dentistry, and other scientific disciplines. Most graduates of this program have a career upon graduation with an average starting pay of $60,000 or more in the state of Texas.
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Pre-Health Pathways and MLS
Many students pursing a Medical Laboratory Science degree are also completing pre-medical or other pre-health Pathway prerequisites. You can find pre-health prerequisites for a variety of pathways on the Health Professions Office website. Not all prerequisites are included in the MLS degree plan. Students should meet with their Academic Advisor to make a long-term plan that includes MLS course requirements and pre-health prerequisites. Most students completing the MLS degree and applying for professional schools plan for a gap-year. Gap-year planning can be done through an appointment with the Health Professions Office.
Students complete a one-year training and national certification program, which can be part of a four-year degree plan (with a major in MLS), or can be completed separately with a major other than MLS. All programs for students outside of the MLS degree can be found on the NAACLS website.
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Is MLS right for me?
Are you a problem solver?
Do you enjoy investigative research?
Are you interested in a health-related field of research and laboratory work?
Would you like to work with other health care professionals in an exciting, ever-changing high-tech environment?
Medical Laboratory Scientists must enjoy laboratory work and problem solving, possess a capacity for calm and reasoned judgment, and demonstrate a commitment to patients and respect for the confidentiality of patient's records and diagnoses. They test body fluids, culture materials, and cellular specimens for their biochemical, hematological, immunological, microbial, and histochemical components using a variety of technical procedures and complex instruments.
Degree Planning
The Medical Laboratory Science degree at UT is a 3+1 program. Students take 3 years of courses at UT, and their final 12-16 months off campus at one of UT’s affiliate clinical programs. MLS majors take a variety of Biology, Biochemistry, and Chemistry courses before their clinical program. After completing UT coursework and the clinical program, students take their ASCP exams and receive their Bachelor of Science degree from UT.
Students in Medical Lab Science
Join Students in Medical Lab Science to meet other MLS majors, learn about careers in MLS, find volunteer opportunities, attend social events, and more!
Contact
CNS Admissions
Prospective CNS students should direct inquiries to the CNS Admissions team.
(512) 232-1483