Program Overview

Medical Laboratory Science - Master's

The Master of Science degree programs in Medical Laboratory Science seek to provide students with skills and knowledge for professional enhancement. The programs are structured to provide students with an area of specialization or expertise. Graduates may be candidates for positions as managers, educators, information specialists, research laboratory technologists, etc.

Program Overview

Medical laboratory scientists (MLS) are healthcare investigators who use laboratory analyses to assist healthcare providers in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and disorders.

What Will I Learn?

The on-campus program is for students with BS degrees in Biology or Chemistry who do not hold certification as a medical laboratory scientist. This program includes a practicum. The students will complete the MLS BS course and 18 hours of 600 level coursework. Upon completion, students are eligible to sit for a nationally recognized certification exam.

• Clinical Bacteriology
• Clinical Chemistry
• Clinical Hematology
• Clinical Immunohematology
• Principals of Clinical Administration and Education

The online program is for Medical Laboratory Science BS degree individuals who hold ASCP certification. Students will complete 36 hours of coursework online.

• Management
• Education
• Oncology
• Toxicology
• Epidemiology
• Microbial Pathogens
• Research
• Current Topics

Accreditation and Certification

The program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences. Program graduates are eligible to apply for the certification examination offered by the American Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP-BOC).

Program Performance

| | |
---|---|---|---
Graduation Rate | 100% | 100% | 100%
ASCP Pass Rate 1st attempt | 14/15
93.3% | 11/12
91.7% | 15/16
93.8%
Placement Rate within 6 months | 100% | 100% | 100%

Professional Development

The department faculty are continually working to provide students with the qualifications that they need to be competent certified laboratory professionals. Our department faculty work closely with our students through professional development activities such as directed research projects, discussion boards, and comprehensive evaluation of curriculum content. Students will complete both written and oral comprehensive exams on trending healthcare topics with specific attention on laboratory-related aspects.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

Completion of The University of Southern Mississippi Medical Laboratory Science degree program does not guarantee employment in the medical/clinical laboratory profession. Prior to enrollment, students are responsible for confirming all education, certification, and licensing requirements in the medical/clinical laboratory profession as the requirements may vary state to state. The USM Medical Laboratory Science degree program is designed to meet the ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology) certification requirements and may not meet licensing requirements for all states.

Availability

• Medical Laboratory Science MS: Hattiesburg, Online 100%

Career Options

• Laboratory Director
• Regulatory Inspector
• Laboratory Education Educator
• Quality Control Manager
• Biomedical Research
• Infectious Disease Director

Recent Program Alumni

• G. Shane Hendricks, MS, MT (ASCP)
• Alicia Williams BS, MLS (ASCP)
• James J. Hamilton MS, MLS (ASCP)
• Jennifer Fendinger MS, MSED, MT (ASCP)
• Cassie D. Scherff, Capt. USAF BSC
• Beth P. White, MS, MT(ASCP) BS