Bachelor of Health ScienceMedical Laboratory Science

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Bellarmine offers several ways to obtain your MLS degree

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Medical Laboratory Science

The Bachelor of Health Science in Medical Laboratory Science program teaches analytical skills, clinical correlation, and technical expertise in clinical chemistry, medical microbiology, immunohematology, hematology and clinical immunology. Upon successful completion of the degree program, MLS graduates are eligible for the ASCP national Board examination.

Medical Lab Science

The traditional MLS program includes two years of general education requirements and biology and chemistry prerequisites. Students apply for the Medical Laboratory Science program in their sophomore year and enter during their junior year for two years of specialized study including a clinical practicum at an affiliated Louisville-area hospital.

Looking for a graduate-level MLS degree? Learn more here.

“Bellarmine is a relatively small university with really high-quality education. I always had close contact with my professors. The small class sizes mean they are able to take time with each student to be sure we are able to digest what we have learned.”
 —Fei Wang ’18 MLS

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Medical Lab Scientist do?

Medical Laboratory Scientists (formerly Clinical Laboratory Scientists or Medical Technologists) provide the science that supports healthcare. Most diagnostic and therapeutic medical decisions are based on laboratory test results generated by a Medical Laboratory Scientist. They apply skill and instrumentation to analyze blood cells and body fluids, to identify disease-causing bacteria and viruses, and to perform testing prior to transfusions and transplantation.

Where are Medical Lab Scientists employed?

MLS graduates are employed primarily in hospital laboratories, but also enjoy career opportunities in biomedical research, forensics, biotechnology, toxicology, health care administration, pharmaceuticals, and other industries. An MLS degree also provides excellent preparation for medical, dental, or graduate school.

Where are clinical lab career opportunities?

Our clinical affiliates include: Baptist Hospital, Louisville KY; Clark Memorial Hospital, Jeffersonville, IN; Floyd Memorial Hospital, New Albany, IN; Jewish Hospital, Louisville KY; Norton Hospital, Louisville KY; University of Louisville Hospital, Louisville KY; and Veterans Administration Hospital, Louisville KY.

What kind of classes will I take?

Students complete hands-on technical courses in Clinical Chemistry, Hematology, Medical Microbiology, Clinical Immunology, and Immunohematology (Blood Banking), as well as additional online courses related to professional practice and leadership.

Do I need to have an undergraduate degree in MLS?

No. Our program is entry level. Qualified applicants who have completed the prerequisite course work are admitted regardless of their undergraduate field of study. This is a great program for those who have undergraduate degrees in the physical sciences and want a practical hands-on career choice.

What are the prerequisite course requirements for a master’s in Medical Lab Science?

We require proof of completion of: 12 hours of Biology, including Cell Biology (at least 4 credit hours at 200-level or higher); Immunology and Molecular Biology are strongly recommended; 12 credit hours of Chemistry, including Organic Chemistry or Biochemistry; 3 credit hours of Mathematics (Pre-calculus or higher, or Statistics).

How much time would I need to spend outside of class to be prepared for class?

On average, we recommend three hours outside of class to prepare for each hour of instruction. However, this will vary with the content of the courses(s) you are taking each semester.

Tuition and Fees

Visit our Graduate Tuition Rates page for the most up-to-date tuition and fees information.

Funding Assistance

As a degree seeking student in the MLS program, students should be eligible for federally supported forms of student aid. Financial aid questions should be directed to the Financial Aid Office at Bellarmine University (finaid@bellarmine.edu or 502.272.7300).

Learning Outcomes

After completing the Bellarmine MLS program, graduates will be able to:

  1. Establish a personal scientific knowledge base that prepares them to read, to interpret, and to utilize scientific knowledge in clinical practice. This includes the ability to:
  1. Correlate test results with patient information
  2. Evaluate and interpret scientific literature, with an understanding of experimental design and statistical analysis
  3. Evaluate and validate new procedures and instrumentation
  4. Pursue professional development opportunities
  1. Demonstrate critical thinking ability and problem-solving skills. This includes the ability to:
  1. Employ discipline-specific knowledge in the context of clinical decision making
  2. Collect and analyze pertinent information
  3. Interpret data
  4. Apply systems thinking to medical laboratory science practice
  5. Draw conclusions and make judgments or recommendations
  6. Incorporate current best evidence to evaluate/develop testing guidelines
  1. Perform a full range of laboratory tests with accuracy and precision. This includes the ability to:
  1. Competently and safely collect and/or process appropriate biological specimens for a particular test procedure
  2. Operate laboratory instrumentation and perform preventative/corrective maintenance
  3. Evaluate the acceptability of test data; identify any problems with specimens, procedures, or instrumentation; and take appropriate corrective action
  4. Utilize quality assurance to monitor analyses, equipment, and technical competency
  5. Report results clearly and accurately
  6. Effectively utilize computers, laboratory software, and information systems to record and report results
  7. Apply and interpret laboratory safety regulations and compliance measures
  8. Apply principles of quality management systems
  1. Demonstrate appropriate professional behavior. This includes the ability to:
  1. Maintain appropriate confidentiality of patient results
  2. Consider ethical responses to difficult situations
  3. Practice effectively in interprofessional teams 
  4. Communicate effectively and professionally with other healthcare professionals, the public, and patients
  5. Promote patient-centered healthcare through diagnostic and therapeutic support
  6. Apply principles of leadership and management to maximize productivity and efficiency of the laboratory
  7. Design, implement and evaluate programs of instruction for students and employees
  8. Provide professional leadership through local, regional, and national groups

Faculty

  • Brenda Davis, Ph.D., MLS(ASCP), Assistant Professor, Associate Program Director (email)
  • Daniel Golemboski, Ph.D., Associate Professor (email)
  • Karen Golemboski, Ph.D., MLS (ASCP), Chair, Professor (email) 

Technical Standards

Since a degree in Medical Laboratory Science indicates mastery, not only of knowledge, but also of technical skills, and since these skills are to be applied in clinical situations, all MLS students are expected to meet certain criteria for admission to and progress in the professional program. These criteria include minimum standards of observation, motor function, behavioral-social capabilities, and communication. Learn more about the Technical Standards.

Accreditation

National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science

  • 5600 N. River Rd, Suite 720, Rosemont IL 60018-5119
  • Phone: 773.714.8880
  • Fax: 773.714.8886
  • Email: info@naacls.org

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