What is Medical Laboratory Science?
Medical Laboratory Science, (also known as clinical laboratory science or medical technology), is an undergraduate field of study that prepares graduates to become certified medical laboratory scientists (MLS). Medical laboratory scientists are essential healthcare professionals; they perform clinical laboratory tests that aid in the detection, diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of disease. Blood, tissue, urine, and other body fluids are examined and analyzed, and results of these complex chemical, biological, hematological, immunologic, microscopic, and bacteriological tests provide important decision making information to a patient’s medical team. Medical laboratory scientists work primarily in hospital settings; however, job opportunities exist in molecular, research, forensic, and veterinary labs as well as in instrument training/sales, lab management, and education. Medical laboratory scientists are required to use significant analytical and independent judgment; their technical skills are in high demand. Expected employment growth indicates a future with solid job security.
Why Study Medical Laboratory Science at Grand Valley?
- Quality. Our NAACLS-accredited program provides a strong curriculum, expert faculty, and clinical training that prepares students for the ASCP Board of Certification exam.
- Experience. Students benefit from small class sizes, a supportive cohort model, and extensive hands-on clinical rotations.
- Clinical Partnerships. We maintain strong relationships with clinical affiliates in Grand Rapids and across Michigan, offering diverse experiences in both large teaching hospitals and community-based laboratories.
- Location. Clinical courses are taught in the Cook DeVos Center for Health Sciences in Grand Rapids, located in the heart of a vibrant medical and research community.
- Career Outlook. Medical laboratory professionals are in high demand, with strong job placement rates and opportunities for career growth across the healthcare system.
Program Overview
Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) is a Bachelor’s degree program that prepares students for an exciting and dynamic profession in a hospital laboratory, research facility, or clinic where they perform testing to analyze blood, urine, tissue, and other body fluids. These test results play an important role in the prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment of many diseases. Professionals in this field learn how to make decisions about the validity of data to be used by clinicians and are in high demand. Future growth of career opportunities is predicted to increase.
Graduates receive a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in MLS after spending five semesters completing their general education and core science courses, followed by three semesters of MLS professional courses. Pre-requisite science courses include chemistry, human anatomy and physiology, genetics, microbiology, immunology, and physics. After a secondary admission process and upon entering the MLS program, students complete professional coursework in the areas of hematology, clinical chemistry, microbiology, transfusion medicine, immunology, and molecular diagnostics. During this time, the student will also complete 18 weeks of clinical rotations at an affiliated hospital laboratory. Grand Valley State University medical laboratory science graduates are prepared to take the national certification examination that grants them the credentials of Medical Laboratory Scientist (formerly known as medical technologist and/or clinical laboratory scientist).
Admissions Process
Application Deadline: March 15
Students spend two and a half years completing the general education and prerequisite courses. After secondary admission to the competitive MLS program, students complete one and a half years of full-time professional coursework, including clinical rotations.