Medical laboratory scientists are members of the professional healthcare team. They apply their scientific background and skills to the performance and supervision of an ever-broadening range of complex laboratory diagnostic and research activities. Course requirements for the B.S. with a Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) major include an interdisciplinary blend of courses from chemistry, including general chemistry, organic chemistry and biochemistry, molecular biology, zoology, microbiology, mathematics/statistics, and fulfillment of the Miami Plan requirements.
Upon graduation, medical laboratory scientists may opt to become generalists or to specialize within the medical laboratory in hematology, clinical chemistry, toxicology, molecular diagnostics, bacteriology, immunology, immunohematology, mycology, parasitology, or virology. The Medical Laboratory Science major is also excellent preparation for those interested in pursuing additional professional education such as medical school, public health, forensics, doctoral graduate studies.
Students completing the Medical Laboratory Science major are eligible to take the professional National Certification Examination administered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology to become medical laboratory scientists, Medical Laboratory Science(ASCP).
