Program Details
Medical Laboratory Sciences, Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of ScienceVirginia Commonwealth University
Medical laboratory scientists receive training in the following areas: clinical chemistry, the study of chemical reactions that occur in normal and diseased processes; hematology, the study of the cellular elements of the blood and blood-forming tissues and hemostatic mechanism; urine and body fluids analysis, the study of principles and practices of urinalysis, kidney function, and analyses of cerebrospinal fluid and other body fluids; microbiology, the study of microbiological aspects of infectious disease and the isolation and identification of pathogenic bacteria; immunohematology, the application of theory and principles of blood banking, cell typing, compatibility testing and antibody identification; and immunology, the study of the immune system and the serological and molecular techniques used for diagnosing infectious disease. With the rapid advancement of knowledge in the field of laboratory medicine, there is a growing need for highly skilled and knowledgeable clinical laboratory scientists. Employment is found in hospitals; physicians’ offices; research facilities; molecular diagnostics, biotechnology and public health laboratories; industrial quality control; veterinary clinics; and sales and service of health care equipment. In addition to the technical arena, opportunities as managers or consultants exist for graduates of this program. Upon graduation the student is eligible to take the national examination for Medical Laboratory Scientists given by the Board of Certification of the American Society for Clinical Pathology.
Outcomes
Upon completing this program, students will demonstrate: Demonstrate knowledge: Students will demonstrate knowledge of the basic underlying scientific concepts and proficiency in performing the full range of laboratory tests in the areas of hematology, clinical chemistry, immunohematology (blood banking), microbiology, body fluids, serology/immunology and molecular diagnostics. Environment conducive for student learning: VCU will provide a high quality educational setting for the development of students' professional skills. Success in workplace: The program will provide the community with competent and professional medical laboratory scientists who can function effectively upon entrance into the field. Professional conduct: Students will demonstrate appropriate professional conduct and leadership characteristics to include effective communication skills, ethical conduct and problem-solving abilities.
Program Overview & Guidance
| Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Considerations for Selecting Degree | The program includes classroom, laboratory, and hands-on experiences. Students in the traditional program can expect to have academic responsibilities Monday through Friday. Students participate in multiple full-time clinical laboratory rotations at facilities including VCU Health, Central Virginia VA Health Care system, University of Virginia Health System, Bon Secours Health Partners Laboratory, and more. An on-site program is also available at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon, VA. MLTs who meet the exemption eligibility requirements for the junior level laboratory portions of the curriculum may take the MLS coursework online. |
| Program Requirement Notes | Program Requirement Notes All students will have fulfilled core and general education requirements and a minimum of 60 transferable semester credits at an accredited college or university including: Biology: 12 hours to include general biology; human physiology and anatomy recommended Chemistry: 12 hours to include eight hours of general chemistry; remaining four hours can be (in order of preference) quantitative analysis, organic chemistry or qualitative analysis English: six to nine hours of composition (VCU: UNIV 111-UNIV 112 and UNIV 200 or their equivalents) Mathematics: three hours of college algebra or higher level; additional mathematics or physics recommended Humanities/arts: three hours (selected from courses in history, philosophy, political science, religion, foreign languages, literature, art history or art appreciation) Social sciences: three hours (selected from courses in anthropology, economics, geography, psychology or sociology) Applicants should possess the following essential technical abilities and skills for admission consideration: Manual dexterity: ability to use hand(s) or prosthetic devices with coordination Fine motor: ability to manipulate small objects with fingertips or adaptive devices Mobility: ability to maneuver in the laboratory and around instruments and in patient-care settings Vision: ability to distinguish red, yellow, blue and green colors; to distinguish clear from cloudy; and to distinguish objects through a microscope Hearing: ability to hear with assistive devices (i.e., phone receivers, hearing aid, etc.) Speech: ability to verbally communicate in English Writing: ability to communicate effectively in written form in English Reading: ability to read, understand and follow directions printed in English Emotional and physical stability: ability to work accurately and safely under stress, adapt to changing environments and prioritize tasks Personal attributes: must demonstrate integrity, responsibility, tolerance and respect |
| Considerations When Selecting Courses |
Applicants with no previous medical laboratory training must complete all prerequisite coursework by the summer preceding desired fall admission and bring in a minimum of 60 transferable credit hours. Applicants with prior Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) training must have a minimum of 44 non-MLT semester hours of transferable credit for admission as a full-time student (38 hours for part-time admission).
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| Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
| Doing More With Your Degree | The accelerated B.S. and M.S. program allows qualified students to earn both the B.S. and M.S. in Medical Laboratory Sciences in a minimum of three years after entry into the medical laboratory sciences baccalaureate program by completing approved graduate courses during the final year of the program. Additionally, the MLS program offers other opportunities such as MLS specific scholarships and student worker positions. The opportunity to become employed as a student worker allows students to gain additional hands-on experience while completing the program. |
| Program Successes & Highlights | All Medical Lab Sciences majors complete practica in clinical chemistry, hematology, clinical microbiology, and blood banking. Graduates have a 3-year average ASCP Board Certification pass rate of >90%. Graduates have a 3-year average placement rate of >98%. VCU offers the largest MLS program in the Commonwealth and at least 55% of the clinical laboratory positions in the Richmond area are filled by graduates of VCU's MLS program. |
Program Credit Requirements
If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
- Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
- View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.
Applicable Admissions Agreements
There are no Applicable Admission Agreements for the Program.
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
| Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Students who earn an Associate of Arts, Associate of Arts & Sciences, Associate of Fine Arts, Associate of Science, General Education Certificate, or Uniform Certificate of General Studies from the Virginia Community College System, Richard Bland College, or the College of Southern Maryland may be eligible to participate in the Guaranteed Admission Agreement. Students with one of these degrees may also be eligible to have the majority of their general education requirements waived. Students who have earned a transfer-oriented associate degree from any regionally accredited institution or the Uniform Certificate of General Studies from the Virginia Community College System before enrolling at VCU will have their General Education requirements satisfied. VCU has also developed a transfer map for students who have completed the Associate of Applied Science in Medical Laboratory Technology from the Virginia Community College System or the College of Southern Maryland. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | Students who have earned a transfer-oriented associate degree from any regionally accredited institution or the Uniform Certificate of General Studies from the Virginia Community College System before enrolling at VCU will have their General Education requirements satisfied. VCU has also developed a transfer map for students who have completed the Associate of Applied Science in Medical Laboratory Technology from the Virginia Community College System or the College of Southern Maryland. |
| Credit for Prior Learning | VCU accepts a variety of types of credit for prior learning, including but not limited to Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), military experience, Cambridge, and industry certifications that are recommended for credit by the American Council on Education or the National College Credit Recommendation Service. |
| Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information
| College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Is This College Right For Me? | VCU is a large, research-driven institution nestled on two campuses in downtown Richmond, Virginia, offering a vast array of degree programs from arts to dental hygiene to engineering to education. VCU students have access to hundreds of student organizations, which is a great way to connect with others whether or not you choose to live in one of our many on-campus residence halls. Take advantage of VCU's location with access to the James River and its park system, internship and job opportunities, community engagement, and interstates to travel to the beach, the mountains, and Washington, D.C.. |
| Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by the student's first semester of degree-seeking attendance at VCU. |
| First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by the student's first semester of degree-seeking attendance at VCU. |
| Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | https://admissions.vcu.edu/apply-to-vcu/undergraduate/transfer/ |
Where Can This Degree Transfer
| Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Averett University | Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Averett University | Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Medical Laboratory Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate in Applied Science Degree in Medical Laboratory Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | Hybrid |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Medical Laboratory Technology, A.A.S. | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Medical Laboratory Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Medical Laboratory Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Medical Laboratory Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Radford University | BS in Medical Laboratory Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences, Major in Medical Technology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Mary Baldwin University | Bachelor of Arts in Clinical Laboratory Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| George Mason University | Medical Laboratory Science, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Old Dominion University | Medical Lab Science-BSMLS | Bachelor | BS in Medical Lab Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
Careers Where This Degree Applies
| O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29-2011.01 | Cytogenetic Technologists | Analyze chromosomes or chromosome segments found in biological specimens, such as amniotic fluids, bone marrow, solid tumors, and blood to aid in the study, diagnosis, classification, or treatment of inherited or acquired genetic diseases. Conduct analyses through classical cytogenetic, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) or array comparative genome hybridization (aCGH) techniques. | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations |
| 29-2011.02 | Cytotechnologists | Stain, mount, and study cells to detect evidence of cancer, hormonal abnormalities, and other pathological conditions following established standards and practices. | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations |
| 25-1071.00 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 29-2011.04 | Histotechnologists | Apply knowledge of health and disease causes to evaluate new laboratory techniques and procedures to examine tissue samples. Process and prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May solve technical or instrument problems or assist with research studies. | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations |
| 29-2011.00 | Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists | Perform complex medical laboratory tests for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May train or supervise staff. | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations |
Cost To Complete