Medical Laboratory Science - Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Program Overview

The University of Toledo's Medical Laboratory Science program prepares students for certification as medical technologists through a combination of coursework, laboratory experiences, and a clinical externship. Graduates are highly sought after in clinical laboratories and other healthcare settings, with an average starting salary of $52,000.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

Medical Laboratory Science is a 4-year Bachelor of Science (B.S.) program at the University of Toledo.

Objectives:

• Prepare students for certification as medical technologists, who are healthcare professionals responsible for conducting laboratory tests and procedures, analyzing the results, and communicating findings to healthcare providers to aid in the diagnosis of disease and treatment.
• Provide hands-on training through laboratory and clinical experiences.
• Emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, which are highly valued in the field of medical technology.

Program Description:

The program combines coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and math, along with specialized medical technology courses and laboratory experiences. Students apply to the clinical program in their junior year and complete a clinical externship during their fourth year at ProMedica, University of Toledo Medical Center or another affiliated clinical laboratory.

Outline:

Content and Structure:

The program's curriculum consists of three core components:

• Basic sciences, including biology, chemistry, and physics.
• Clinical science and medical technology courses
• Clinical externship, a year-long, full-time placement in a clinical laboratory where students work with experienced professionals to gain hands-on experience and develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary to perform accurate and reliable diagnostic testing.

Course Schedule:

The specific courses required and their sequencing within the program may vary, but the core components are generally taken in the following order: Basic sciences in years 1 and 2 Clinical science in year 3 Clinical externship year in year 4

Individual Modules:

Assessment:

• Traditional methods such as quizzes, exams, presentations
• Hands-on laboratory assessments
• Clinical performance is also a component of the evaluation
• Program uses a combination of written exams, practical observations during lab sessions, and student portfolios or other forms of cumulative work as assessment tools

Teaching:

Teaching methods and faculty:

• Lectures
• Laboratory sessions with expert faculty and practitioners in the field
• Clinical supervision during externship
• Faculty members actively participate in research, ensuring the integration of cutting-edge knowledge and technology

Unique teaching methods/approaches

Individualization, hands-on, experiential learning through lab work and the externship

Careers:

Potential career paths:

• Most MT/CLS professionals are employed in clinical labs
• Others may find roles in physicians' private labs and clinics, the military, public health agencies, research and medical device companies
• Average Starting salary : $52,000
• Job placement rates have historically been very high due to demand for qualified MLT professionals