Medical laboratory scientists (MLS) are healthcare professionals who primarily work in clinical laboratories in hospitals and other medical facilities. In addition to working in medical laboratories, graduates may choose to have careers as a laboratory information analyst, infection control officer, or product development specialist. Additional possibilities include progression to professional schools, graduate programs in education or science, or advanced certification as clinical laboratory specialists in disciplines including blood banking, hematology, chemistry, microbiology or molecular testing. Additional information about the degree can be found at the school website.
Medical Laboratory Science BS Degree Requirements (124 hours)
Medical Laboratory Science BS Semester Guide
Availability: Hattiesburg Campus
Admission Requirements:
- See University Admission Policies
- If more students are interested in the program than capacity allows, students will be selected to continue based on GPA.
Program Academic Policies and Requirements:
- have a minimum degree GPA of 2.0;
- have earned a C or better in required biological science, chemistry, and math coursework (see degree plan for details);
- have completed MLS 202 and MLS 203 ;
- have completed other prerequisites and corequisites for MLS 301 , MLS 301L , MLS 302 , MLS 302L , MLS 306 , MLS 306L , MLS 315 , MLS 315L ; and
- have earned grades of C or better on all MLS courses.
- Students must make a C or higher in all junior-level MLS courses.
- Students may repeat one junior-level MLS course without permission from the faculty to improve the grade, but a second repeat of the course will require a justification to the faculty and a vote of approval from them.
- In order to proceed into senior-level coursework, students must:
- Maintain a degree GPA and a science GPA of 2.3 (the science GPA includes all BSC, CHE, MAT, and MLS courses in the curriculum);
- Maintain required professional liability insurance, physical report, and vaccinations for hepatitis, influenza, tetanus, and MMR (unless physician indicates contraindications);
- Complete required courses; and
- Demonstrate the qualities and attitudes necessary for a competent professional.
- Students with felony convictions may not be able to complete the degree because they may not be able to perform the clinical experience.
Language Proficiency: Regardless of courses taken previously, if English is not the native language of any student, evidence of English proficiency must be provided prior to admission into the senior year. The English Language Institute (ELI) English Language Proficiency Examination requirement is “Proficiency II” and is preferred by the department. Alternately, an internet-based TOEFL of 71 may be accepted.
Licensure Requirements: Although Mississippi does not have licensure for medical laboratory scientists, other states may require a state license. Graduates of the program who intend to practice outside of Mississippi should consult the state licensing board in the state in which employment is sought.
Internships and Career Development:
- All students in their senior year will be required to complete a 20-week clinical session at one of the affiliated hospitals. Please see the school for details.
- Graduates of this accredited program are able to sit for the national certification exam offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) to earn the credential MLS (ASCP)cm. This certification provides graduates with job opportunities in clinical laboratories.
Accreditation: The MLS program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences, 5600 N. River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018-5119
