Medical Laboratory Science

CALUMET COLLEGE OF ST. JOSEPH’S MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE PROGRAM SUPPORTS YOUR PASSION TO SERVE PEOPLE THROUGH QUALITY MEDICAL CARE.

The Medical Laboratory Science degree prepares you to serve a vital role in the diagnosis, treatment, management, and prevention of disease.

This degree is designed to be a 3+1 configuration built on a partnership between the Science department at CCSJ and School of Medical Laboratory Science. Students will complete the science curriculum at CCSJ within three years and, upon acceptance, spend the fourth year at the accredited School of Medical Laboratory Science associated with the Community Healthcare System or Northern Indiana Franciscan Alliance Healthcare System.

In the fourth year, you will complete coursework consisting of classroom instruction in clinical laboratory sciences and hands-on laboratory activities, as well as training with actual laboratory testing.

In the Medical Laboratory Science program, you will:

Advance your scientific knowledge and critical thinking skills
Hone your research skills and problem-solving ability
Develop specific expertise in areas of sample preparation, data analysis, scientific calculations and more
Learn to communicate the results of scientific research verbally and in writing
Solidify your awareness of the relevance of biological and chemical knowledge to human health and welfare

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Program Highlights

$60,780 Median Salary

Medical Laboratory Scientists enjoy a median salary of $60,780 annually, with new graduates starting at around $45,000.

5% Job Growth Increase by 2032

The need for skilled Medical Laboratory Scientists is expected to grow by 5% from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations, based on BLS.gov data.

Certification and Licensure Preparation

The program prepares students for national certification and state licensure, ensuring they meet all professional standards.

Faculty

Nicole Griffin, MA, MLS (ASCP) (CM), SM (CM)

Adjunct Faculty, Clinical Education Coordinator; Lab Clinical Education

David Harnish, M.L.I.S.

Library Director; Bookstore Manager; Adjunct Faculty, Chemistry & Biology Lab Coordinator; SI Instructor

Michael Keiderling, Ph.D.

Adjunct Faculty, Physics

Ahmed Lakhani, Ph.D.

Program Director; Chairperson, Department of Biomedical & Health Sciences; Associate Professor of Chemistry

Daniel Stroik, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Biology

Career

Options

Career Options with this major include but are not limited to:

Genetic Counselors – $95,770
Microbiologists – $85,470
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists and Technicians – $77,580
Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians – $60,780
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians – $43,740

In addition, students may pursue Business Management to prepare for graduate school.

Salary Data Source

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Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT CERTIFICATIONS ARE NECESSARY TO WORK AS A MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENTIST?

To work as a Medical Laboratory Scientist, individuals must typically obtain certification from a recognized accrediting body after completing their degree. The most common certifications include:

American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Certification: This is the most widely recognized certification for Medical Laboratory Scientists. Graduates must pass the ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) exam to become certified.
State Licensure: In some states, additional licensure is required to practice as a Medical Laboratory Scientist. The requirements vary by state, so it’s important to check with the specific state board for details.

WHAT IS THE JOB PLACEMENT RATE FOR GRADUATES OF THE MLS PROGRAM?

The job placement rate for MLS graduates can vary depending on the institution and the geographic region. However, MLS graduates typically enjoy strong job prospects due to the high demand for qualified laboratory professionals. Nationally, many programs report job placement rates of over 80% within six months of graduation, with some programs reaching nearly 100% placement for their graduates. Factors contributing to this high placement rate include the growing healthcare industry and the critical role of laboratory testing in patient care.

ARE CLINICAL ROTATIONS A PART OF THE PROGRAM CURRICULUM?

Yes, clinical rotations are an integral part of the MLS program curriculum. These rotations typically occur in the final year of the program and provide students with hands-on experience, such as:

Hospital Laboratories: Students gain experience in clinical chemistry, hematology, microbiology, and blood banking. During these rotations, students apply their classroom knowledge to real-world situations, working under the supervision of experienced laboratory professionals. Clinical rotations are essential for developing the practical skills to become a competent Medical Laboratory Scientist.

WHAT ARE THE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES OF A MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENTIST?

Medical laboratory scientists are responsible for performing various laboratory tests that are critical for diagnosing and treating diseases. Their primary responsibilities include:

Analyzing Blood, Tissue, and Other Specimens: Performing tests to detect diseases, monitor patient health, and assess the effectiveness of treatments.
Operating and Maintaining Laboratory Equipment: Ensuring laboratory instruments are functioning correctly and calibrating them as needed.
Recording and Interpreting Test Results: Accurately documenting test outcomes and interpreting them in the context of the patient’s condition.
Quality Control: Implementing and monitoring quality control measures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of test results.
Communicating with Healthcare Providers: Providing test results and consulting with doctors and other healthcare professionals.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COMPLETE THE MLS PROGRAM?

The duration of an MLS program typically depends on whether the student is entering with previous college credits or is starting as a freshman. Generally:

Bachelor’s Degree Program: at CCSJ, MLS programs are structured as four-year bachelor’s degree programs. The first three years will cover general education and foundational science courses, while the final years focus on specialized MLS coursework and clinical rotations.

WHAT TYPES OF EQUIPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY WILL I LEARN TO USE?

During the MLS program, students will learn to operate a wide range of laboratory equipment and technology, including:

Automated Analyzers: Instruments for performing high-volume blood and other specimen tests.
Microscopes: Essential for examining cells, tissues, and microorganisms.
Centrifuges: Machines that separate components of blood and other fluids based on density.
PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) Machines are used to amplify DNA samples, which is crucial in genetic testing and disease diagnosis.
Spectrophotometers: Instruments that measure the amount of light absorbed by a sample, commonly used in chemistry assays.
Laboratory Information Systems (LIS): Software for managing patient data, test results, and laboratory workflow.

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Program

Objectives and requirements

121 credit hours

The 3+1 Medical Laboratory Science program requires students closely adhere to the following plan of study:

OBJECTIVES

Scientific Knowledge and Critical Thinking:

Students will demonstrate a level of competency for understanding core principles.
Students will demonstrate the ability to locate and critically evaluate scientific information.

Research Skills and Problem-Solving Ability:

Students will demonstrate the ability to design studies to test the biological and chemical hypothesis.
Students will demonstrate the ability to learn independently and to critically evaluate the significance of research results.

Specific Expertise:

Students will develop and justify a range of sample preparation, data analysis, various scientific calculations (enzyme kinetics, molarity, stoichiometry).
Students will be able to validate techniques of analytical balances, autoclave, UV/Vis spectrometer, IR spectrometer, gel electrophoresis, simple and fractional distillation, PCR, DNA extraction, titrations, pH analysis and normalization.

Communication:

Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate the results of scientific research verbally and in writing.

Ethics and Advocacy:

Students will demonstrate the ability to design studies that meet professional ethical standards.
Students will demonstrate an awareness of the relevance of biological and chemical knowledge to human health and welfare.