Medical Laboratory Science, BS
The BS in Medical Laboratory Science prepares students for careers in hospitals and clinics as well as in biotechnology and industrial laboratories.
Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) is a profession of highly knowledgeable and skilled individuals who perform clinical laboratory tests on blood, other body fluids, or tissue samples. This is a critical part of health care, as the results obtained by these laboratory tests are vital tools for physicians in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.
Program Highlights
A successful MLS student is an individual who enjoys studying the biological, chemical, and physical sciences. They may also find personal satisfaction and intellectual reward in applying scientific methods to the diagnosis and evaluation of disease.
Course Catalog
Review admission and course requirements for this degree:
Career Paths
People trained as medical laboratory scientists may work in a variety of settings. Many work in clinical laboratories in large medical centers, hospitals, or clinics. Some do research in industrial, public health, or medical laboratories. Others teach in hospitals, colleges, or universities. An MLS may practice as a generalist, using knowledge in several of the scientific disciplines, or may specialize in one scientific area in larger hospitals.
Exam Preparedness
Upon graduating with a BS in Medical Laboratory Science, students are able to sit for the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) certification exam. If they are able to pass the exam they will then become a certified MLS. Anyone who wants to become a certified MLS must complete a one-year clinical rotation, which our program requires, in order to sit for the exam. All of Mason’s past students have passed the ASCP MLS exam within one year of completing the MLAB program.
Concentrations
Choosing a concentration will allow students to complete their clinical rotations in that specific area. Upon graduation, the Molecular Biology or Microbiology (depending upon the concentration chosen) board certification test may be taken.
Molecular Biology Concentration
This concentration is a pathway leading to eligibility for categorical certification as a Certified Technologist by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification (BOC) . The concentration is one year long, consisting of about 20% classroom and 80% hands-on laboratory experience. Instructors include the expert clinical scientists and technologists of Quest Diagnostics, Chantilly, Virginia.
Microbiology Concentration
This concentration is a pathway leading to eligibility for categorical certification as a Certified Technologist by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification (BOC). The concentration is one year long, consisting of about 20% classroom and 80% hands-on laboratory experience. Instructors include the expert clinical scientists and technologists of Quest Diagnostics, Chantilly, Virginia.