Program Overview

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Medical Laboratory Science, B.S.

The Medical Laboratory Science program at Saint Louis University is designed to prepare students for a career in medical laboratory science. The program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science and has been continuously accredited since 1933.

Program Overview

The program is a four-year bachelor's degree that includes coursework in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and laboratory sciences. Students also participate in clinical practicum experiences in hospital laboratories, where they gain hands-on experience in medical laboratory testing.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the program, students must have a minimum high school GPA of 3.00 and must have completed four years of high school math and English, with some physics recommended. Transfer students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Curriculum

The curriculum includes coursework in:

• General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution
• General Biology: Transformations of Energy and Matter
• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• General Chemistry 1 and 2
• Organic Chemistry 1
• Public Speaking
• Advanced Strategies of Rhetoric and Research
• Human Physiology
• Research Methods
• Urinalysis and Body Fluids
• Medical Biochemistry 1 and 2
• Principles and Techniques in Molecular Biology
• Medical Microbiology
• Immunohematology
• Hematology
• Clinical Education and Laboratory Management
• Laboratory Operations
• Analytical Chemistry
• Clinical Chemistry Practicum
• Clinical Hematology Practicum
• Clinical Microbiology Practicum

Clinical and Research Opportunities

Students participate in clinical practicum experiences in hospital laboratories, where they gain hands-on experience in medical laboratory testing. Students can also conduct research and produce projects and papers for publication and presentation at professional conferences.

Careers

Graduates of the program are qualified to work in five major areas of the laboratory: blood bank, chemistry, hematology, immunology, and microbiology. They can also pursue careers in research, forensic science, and laboratory management.

Accreditation

The program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science.

Certification and Licensure

Graduates of the program are eligible to take a nationally administered certification exam. Passing this exam indicates a knowledge base and skill set necessary to function as a healthcare professional. License and certification vary depending on the state in which you will practice.

Program Outcomes

The program has a high certification rate, with graduates consistently passing the certification exam at a rate higher than the national average. The program also has a high job placement rate, with graduates finding employment in medical laboratories, research institutions, and other healthcare settings.

Tuition

The tuition for the program is $56,960 per year, with additional fees for books, supplies, and other expenses.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

The university offers scholarships and financial aid to help students pay for tuition and other expenses. Students can also apply for federal and state financial aid programs.

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 to continue in the program.

Roadmap

The program has a roadmap that outlines the courses and milestones that students must complete to graduate. The roadmap includes coursework, clinical practicum experiences, and other requirements.

2+SLU Program

The university offers a 2+SLU program that provides a guided pathway for students transferring from a partner institution. The program includes coursework and clinical practicum experiences, and students can earn a bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science.

Professional Performance Standards

The program has professional performance standards that outline the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for professional practice. Students must demonstrate respect for human life, communicate accurate laboratory information, apply critical reasoning, integrate knowledge of laboratory theory into practice, and adhere to the principles found in the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) Professional Code of Ethics.

Essential Requirements

The program has essential requirements that outline the physical and cognitive abilities necessary for professional practice. Students must be able to apply theoretical knowledge, assimilate mathematical and scientific data, physically manipulate themselves and small objects, display functional use of their senses, utilize effective communication skills, and comprehend and adhere to policies and regulations.

• The medical laboratory science student must be able to apply theoretical knowledge, ethical practice, and sound judgment in following problem situations to their logical conclusions.
• The medical laboratory science student must be able to assimilate mathematical and scientific data to allow the application of basic principles in concrete situations related to laboratory practice and test interpretation.
• The medical laboratory science student must be able to physically manipulate themselves and small objects (20 pounds or less) within the laboratory/clinical/research setting in a safe and effective fashion.
• The medical laboratory science student must be able to display a functional level of manual dexterity in the performance of laboratory testing, including phlebotomy and numerous other laboratory procedures requiring delicate manipulations, and in the utilization of computerized instrumentation.
• The medical laboratory science student must be able to demonstrate functional use of their senses, including but not limited to:
  • Visual acuity in distinguishing colorimetric endpoints and subtle microscopic differences between diagnostic elements in clinical specimens when examined under a microscope and/or displayed on a monitor.
  • Sense of touch to distinguish temperature discrimination for safety purposes.
  • Visual acuity and accurate transcription in the reporting of testing data and quality control information in a written or computer-generated format.
• The medical laboratory science student must be able to utilize effective and respectful written and oral communication skills in professional interactions with patients, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals.
• The medical laboratory science student must be able to accurately perform complex technical procedures under stressful working conditions (e.g., emergency situations, ambiguous orders, heavy workload, and a distracting and noisy environment) and within reasonable time constraints.
• The medical laboratory science student must be able to comprehend and adhere to policies and regulations as prescribed by appropriate governing agencies.
• The medical laboratory science student must be able to submit to and receive a satisfactory report on criminal background checks and drug testing for substances of abuse, and must be up to date on their vaccinations.
• Transfer applicants will be accepted on the basis of clinical site availability.