Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science

The BS in Medical Laboratory Science prepares students for careers in hospitals and clinics as well as in biotechnology and industrial laboratories.

Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) is a profession of highly knowledgeable and skilled individuals who perform clinical laboratory tests on blood, other body fluids, or tissue samples. This is a critical part of health care, as the results obtained by these laboratory tests are vital tools for physicians in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.

A successful MLS student is an individual who enjoys studying the biological, chemical, and physical sciences. They may also find personal satisfaction and intellectual reward in applying scientific methods to the diagnosis and evaluation of disease.

Exam Preparedness

Upon graduating with a BS in Medical Laboratory Science, students are able to sit for the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) certification exam. If they are able to pass the exam they will then become certified MLS. Anyone who wants to become a certified MLS must complete a one-year clinical rotation, which our program requires, in order to sit for the exam. All of Mason’s past students have passed the ASCP MLS exam within one year of completing the MLAB program.

Concentrations

Choosing a concentration will allow students to complete their clinical rotations in that specific area. Upon graduation, the Molecular Biology or Microbiology (depending upon the concentration chosen) board certification test may be taken.

Molecular Biology Concentration: This concentration is a pathway leading to eligibility for categorical certification as a Certified Technologist by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification (BOC) . The concentration is one year long, consisting of about 20% classroom and 80% hands-on laboratory experience. Instructors include the expert clinical scientists and technologists of Quest Diagnostics, Chantilly, Virginia.

Microbiology Concentration: This concentration is a pathway leading to eligibility for categorical certification as a Certified Technologist by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification (BOC). The concentration is one year long, consisting of about 20% classroom and 80% hands-on laboratory experience. Instructors include the expert clinical scientists and technologists of Quest Diagnostics, Chantilly, Virginia.

People trained as medical laboratory scientists may work in a variety of settings. Many work in clinical laboratories in large medical centers, hospitals, or clinics. Some do research in industrial, public health, or medical laboratories. Others teach in hospitals, colleges, or universities. An MLS may practice as a generalist, using knowledge in several of the scientific disciplines, or may specialize in one scientific area in larger hospitals.

Degree Requirements

Total credits: minimum 120

Students must complete the requirements outlined below, choosing one Professional Study/Concentration option:

Not choosing a concentration ("Professional Study: Generalist Option") will provide students with generalist training. Upon graduation, the board certification test may be taken and would allow graduates to practice in any area of a hospital or laboratory.

Choosing a concentration will allow students to complete their clinical rotations in that specific area. Upon graduation, the Molecular Biology or Microbiology (depending upon the concentration chosen) board certification test may be taken.

Biology Core

• BIOL 213 Cell Structure and Function 4
• BIOL 214 Biostatistics for Biology Majors 4
• BIOL 311 General Genetics 4

Total Credits 12

MLAB and BIOL Additional Courses

• MLAB 200 Introduction to Medical Laboratory Science 1
• MLAB 300 Science Writing 2
• BIOL 305 Biology of Microorganisms 3
• BIOL 306 Biology of Microorganisms Laboratory 1
• BIOL 430 Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology I 4
• BIOL 431 Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology II 4
• BIOL 452 Immunology 3
• BIOL 453 Immunology Laboratory 1

Total Credits 19

Chemistry

• CHEM 211 & CHEM 213 General Chemistry I (Mason Core) and General Chemistry Laboratory I (Mason Core) 4
• CHEM 212 & CHEM 214 General Chemistry II (Mason Core) and General Chemistry Laboratory II (Mason Core) 4
• CHEM 313 Organic Chemistry I 3
• CHEM 315 Organic Chemistry Lab I 2

Select one from the following: 4-5

• BIOL 483 General Biochemistry
• CHEM 314 & CHEM 318 Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry Lab II

Total Credits 17-18

Mathematics

Credits Select one from the following: 3-6

• MATH 111 Linear Mathematical Modeling (Mason Core) or MATH 113 Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (Mason Core)
• MATH 123 & MATH 124 Calculus with Algebra/Trigonometry, Part A and Calculus with Algebra/Trigonometry, Part B (Mason Core)

Total Credits 3-6

Information Technology

Select one from the following: 3

• CDS 130 Computing for Scientists (Mason Core) 1
• Any course(s) which fulfills the Mason Core: Information Technology requirement

Total Credits 3

Professional Study: Generalist Option

Senior students are registered at the university through special procedures.

The senior year spent off campus requires the following special interpretation of university policies:

• Transfer students must present at least 16 credits of 300 to 400-level biology or chemistry coursework taken at Mason.
• No unsatisfactory grades (less than 'C') may be presented for courses in the senior year of professional study.
• Transfer students entering with more than 45 transfer credits are often unable to complete the pre-professional phase of their program in the usual three years of full-time study.

Students may have up to 30 credits of professional study during the senior year awarded for clinical education at an affiliated school of medical technology. No more than 30 professional credits may be applied toward the degree.

MLAB 401 Orientation to the Problems and Practices of the Clinical Laboratory

• MLAB 402 Clinical Hematology and Coagulation
• MLAB 403 Clinical Microscopy
• MLAB 404 Serology and Immunohematology
• MLAB 405 Clinical Microbiology
• MLAB 406 Clinical Chemistry
• MLAB 407 Clinical Molecular Biology

Total Credits 30

Notes:

Students are encouraged to elect additional basic science courses during their pre-professional years. Recommended courses include:

• BIOL 465 Histology 4
• BIOL 483 General Biochemistry 4
• BIOL 484 Cell Signaling and Disease 3
• BIOL 485 Cell Signaling Laboratory 2-3
• CHEM 321 Quantitative Chemical Analysis 4
• PHYS 243 College Physics I (Mason Core) 3
• PHYS 244 College Physics I Lab (Mason Core) 1
• PHYS 245 College Physics II (Mason Core) 3
• PHYS 246 College Physics II Lab (Mason Core) 1

Mason Core and Electives

In order to meet a minimum of 120 credits, this degree requires an additional 32-36 credits, which may be applied toward any remaining Mason Core requirements (outlined below), Requirements for Bachelor's Degrees, and electives. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with their advisors to ensure that they fulfill all requirements.

Mason Core

Some Mason Core requirements may already be fulfilled by the major requirements listed above. Students are strongly encouraged to consult their advisors to ensure they fulfill all remaining Mason Core requirements.

Foundation Requirements

• Written Communication (ENGH 101) 3
• Oral Communication 3
• Quantitative Reasoning 3
• Information Technology and Computing 3

Exploration Requirements

• Arts 3
• Global Understanding 3
• Literature 3
• Natural Science 7
• Social and Behavioral Sciences 3
• Western Civilization/World History 3

Integration Requirements

• Written Communications (ENGH 302) 3
• Writing-Intensive 3
• Synthesis/Capstone 3

Total Credits 40