Program Overview
Pre-Medical Lab Science Program
The Pre-Medical Lab Science program is designed to prepare students for a career as a medical laboratory scientist. Medical laboratory scientists are responsible for the development, performance, and evaluation of laboratory testing that is needed in patient medical care and clinical research.
Medical Lab Science Prerequisite Classes
The prerequisite classes for the Medical Lab Science program include:
- Biology 2 semesters
- Microbiology 1 semester
- Molecular Biology or Genetics - 1 semester
- Immunology - 1 semester
- Chemistry 2 semesters
- Upper-Level Chemistry 2 semesters
- Math or Statistics 1 semester
- English 1 semester
What to Take at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
The following classes are recommended to be taken at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln:
- Biology LIFE 120/120L & LIFE 121/121L
- Microbiology BIOS 312/314
- Molecular Biology or Genetics BIOS 201*
- Immunology BIOS 443
- Chemistry CHEM 109A/L & 110A/L or CHEM 113A/L, 114, & 221L
- Upper-Level Chemistry CHEM 251/253, 252/254, 221, or BIOC 401/401L, or 431/433
- Math or Statistics MATH 101, 102, 103, 106, or 107, or STAT 218, ECON 215, EDPS 459, or PSYC 350
- English ENGL 150, 151, 254, or 354
Suggested Science Sequencing
The suggested science sequencing is as follows:
- Semester 1: LIFE 120/120L, Math
- Semester 2: General Chemistry I, LIFE 121/121L
- Semester 3: General Chemistry II
- Semester 4: Organic Chemistry I, Genetics (or semester 3)
- Semester 5: BIOS 443, Organic Chemistry II or 2XX CHEM/BIOC, Statistics
- Semester 6: BIOS 312/314, Additional CHEM or BIOS
Extracurricular Involvement and Activities
Pursuing Pre-Medical Lab Science requires more than just coursework. Extracurricular activities, employment, and healthcare experiences like shadowing and volunteering will contribute greatly to success in this field.
Application and Admission
- Application: Apply online to the UNMCs Medical Laboratory Science program.
- Entrance exam: There is no entrance exam required.
- Additional admission requirements: Three letters of recommendation are required. Shadowing and direct observation of clinical labs is highly recommended. UNMC also requires an interview.
Other Notes
- GPA: A minimum GPA of C- is required in each of the pre-requisite courses.
- Community College Credit: UNMC accepts up to 66 credit hours of credit from a community college; 11 credit hours must be taken at a 4-year school.
- Math Requirement: Some required science courses, like chemistry, require math as a prerequisite.
- AP/CLEP: Accepted for non-science pre-requisite courses.
Plan Your Path to Medical Lab Science Program
To plan your path to the Medical Lab Science program:
- Meet with a Pre-Health advisor to create a comprehensive academic and co-curricular plan.
- Research application requirements.
- Apply to medical lab science programs.
- Complete required prerequisite courses.
- Attend Medical Lab Science program (1 year).
Suggested Academic Preparation
The suggested academic preparation includes:
- 77 undergraduate credit hours may vary by program and no UNL major required
- Completion of pre-requisite courses
- Competitive academic record
- GPA in both science and non-science courses
- Full semester loads of 15-17 credits
Explore this Career
To explore this career, consider:
- Shadowing medical lab scientists
- Visiting the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science website
- Meeting with a Pre-Health or Career Advisor in the Explore Center
- Meeting with a professional school to learn more about their program
- Researching medical lab science programs
Local Professional Schools
UNMC College of Allied Health Professions (Omaha, NE) is a local professional school that offers a Medical Laboratory Science program.