Program Overview

Medical Laboratory Science Program

The Medical Laboratory Science program is a joint initiative with Saskatchewan Polytechnic, focusing on the analysis of human blood, body fluids, and tissues. This program plays a vital role in healthcare, enabling students to perform and evaluate diagnostic laboratory tests.

Program Overview

Medical laboratory science professionals are among the largest group of healthcare workers in Canada. The program covers subjects including biology, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and genetics. Students will participate in computer-assisted research, statistical analyses of medical experiments and data, safety practice, and infection control. They will also learn about Indigenous perspectives on health and how to provide quality patient care.

Program Structure

The Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science is a four-year program. Students first complete a diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, then apply to the University of Regina to complete an additional two years to earn a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science. The Bachelor of Science degree builds on the practical knowledge obtained in the Medical Laboratory Technology diploma, including scientific theory, workplace management, and professional ethics.

Course Highlights

Some courses in the medical laboratory science degree program include:

• Introduction to Indigenous Health Studies: Emphasizes Indigenous perspectives on health, covering history, theories, personal health, and health careers.
• Introductory Genetics: Covers chromosome theory of inheritance, DNA replication, mechanism of mutation, and population genetics.
• Introduction to Organizational Behaviour: Addresses basic concepts and processes of organizational behaviour, including individual level variables, interpersonal and group processes, and organizational level factors.
• Professional Ethics: Examines philosophical considerations of ethical problems in various professions, including justice, business ethics, biomedical ethics, and environmental ethics.

Career Opportunities

Medical laboratory science graduates are detail-oriented, critical thinkers with an aptitude for math and science. They work in hospitals, medical or research labs, blood banks, scientific supply companies, and more. Potential employers include regional health districts, government health agencies, educational institutions, and both private and public labs.

What Can You Do With a Medical Laboratory Science Degree?

Upon successfully completing the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science, graduates will be ready for the next step in their career. Careers that medical laboratory science graduates go on to include:

• Medical Laboratory Technologist
• Laboratory Technologist
• General Duty Technologist
• Process Operator
• Environmental Inspector
• Research Assistant

Related Programs

Related programs offered by the University include:

• Bachelor of Chemistry and Biochemistry
• Bachelor of Biology
• Bachelor of Art and Science
• Bachelor of Actuarial Science
• Bachelor of Geography and Environmental Studies

Concepts and Goals

The program aims to provide students with a broader context for the work done in a medical lab, including scientific theory, workplace management, and professional ethics. Students will enhance their knowledge in areas such as management communication, organizational behaviour, biomedical ethics, statistical analysis, and Indigenous health perspectives.