Why study Medical Laboratory Science?

The University of Cincinnati Medical Laboratory Science certificate is designed for students who have already earned a bachelor's degree in a science discipline or who will complete one prior to starting the program who are interested in becoming a medical laboratory scientist. The program consists of medical laboratory science courses and clinical rotations required for NAACLS-accredited* Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) programs.

Graduates of the NAACLS* accredited MLS program are prepared for the Board of Certification (BOC) exam sponsored by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) for the Medical Laboratory, MLS (ASCP) credential.

Medical laboratory scientists are allied health professionals who participate in patient care by performing laboratory procedures that  assist in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases. The analysis performed by medical laboratory scientists include chemistry, microbiology, hematology, immunology, toxicology, blood banking and molecular procedures. Laboratory scientists perform manual and automated procedures and utilize laboratory information computer systems to analyze and transmit patient data. Medical laboratory scientists are also responsible for the quality control and quality assurance procedures in the laboratory.

The education of a medical laboratory scientist combines a curriculum common to most undergraduate majors in the medical field with a clinical program designed to produce individuals who possess a high level of technical proficiency.

Certificate students complete the clinical (fourth) year of the Bachelor of Science - Medical Laboratory Science (BS - MLS) curriculum. The clinical year starts only in the fall, lasting for three full-time semesters or as a part time or co-op option, both of which require two years to complete. Students apply in the fall preceding the intended starting fall semester.

Students take courses delivered in different formats: online, demonstration, traditional classroom lecture, collaborative learning and in laboratory settings. They gain technical proficiency and professional experience from clinical rotations in laboratories and blood banks. Locations and schedules vary depending on the corresponding content.

The most recent program outcomes can be found on the Program Outcomes page. 

Career Possibilities

Medical laboratory scientists work both independently and with a team in in a variety of settings, including:

• Hospital laboratories
• Independent laboratories
• Clinics and physicians' offices
• Research and development laboratories
• Public/government health agencies
• Forensics laboratories
•  Pharmaceutical companies.

Regardless of the setting, clinical laboratory scientists consistently work in a challenging, fast paced and collegial environment. 

Most jobs for medical laboratory scientists require a bachelor's degree and certification. To be eligible to sit for a board of certification exam, most credentialing organizations require completion of an MLS program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). Advanced certification is available in each laboratory area for those who choose to pursue a higher level of training, education and experience. Graduate training in one of the laboratory disciplines will allow individuals to advance to supervisory positions and intermediate level research positions

Due to the high demand for Medical Laboratory Scientist professionals, virtually all of our graduates are employed and generally choose from several entry-level technologist positions.

Major Maps

• Guide: Certificate in Medical Laboratory Science curriculum

Admission Requirements

For information on prerequisites and how to apply to the certificate program, visit the Admissions Information webpage.

Accreditation

The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS):5600 N. River Rd., Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018; Phone 773-714-8880; Fax 773-714-8886; info@naacls.org; www.naacls.org.