Bachelor of Science - Microbiology - Medical Laboratory Science Option

Program Description

Microbiology continues to be an exciting field that is crucial to understanding everything from natural and man-made ecosystems, human health, clean water, alternative energy, and climate change. The Department of Microbiology & Immunology at Montana State University (MSU) has a unique combination of expertise in pathogen biology, bioremediation, biofuels, immunology, cell and developmental biology, microbial ecology, host/pathogen interactions, biofilm biology, and geomicrobiology. With this diverse expertise, the department strives to provide a broad and thorough curriculum to both undergraduate and graduate students that are encouraged to cross boundaries and push their studies/research via interactions across departments and colleges.

This option is designed to prepare students for careers in Clinical Laboratory Science. Students develop competence in a range of medically-oriented fields including immunology, medical bacteriology, virology parasitology, hematology, mycology, and chemistry. Foundations in molecular biology and statistics are also emphasized.

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology has two plans for students seeking a career in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS), Plan "A" and Plan "B."

Plan A (3+1) allows students to attend classes at MSU for three years and apply for an internship the fourth year with an affiliated MLS program. The Montana Medical Laboratory Science Training Program is located at MSU and meets the professional standards and is approved by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences, 5600 N. River Rd., Suite 720, Rosemont IL 60018-5119, (773) 714-8880. MSU also has an affiliation agreement with the Sacred Heart School of Medical Technology in Spokane and Health One Alliance School of Medical Technology, Denver. Students with a 2.5 GPA or greater who are accepted will spend their fourth year in this program. Upon completion of the one-year internship, students receive a BS degree in Microbiology from MSU and take a national examination through the American Society for Clinical Pathologists or the National Certification Agency. They will then be qualified to practice as a Medical Laboratory Scientist.

Plan B is for students who wish to attend four complete years at MSU and then independently seek an approved hospital training program in MLS for a one-year internship. Once training is complete, they will also be qualified to take a national registry exam and become certified as a MLS. This certification qualifies them for graduate education and careers in:

• clinical analysis (microbiology, hematology, chemistry, and immunohematology)
• medical research
• industry (product development, sales, maintenance of equipment, etc)
• public health laboratories
• health care administration