Medical Laboratory Science

These highly skilled scientists discover the presence or absence of disease and provide data that helps physicians determine the best treatment for the patient.  With the use of advanced skills and sophisticated biomedical instrumentation, medical laboratory scientists work behind-the-scenes to determine the levels of chemicals constituents in blood and body fluids, classify cells for abnormalities, identify bacteria and viruses causing infection and uncover markers for cancer and inherited genetic diseases. In addition, they confirm the accuracy of test results and monitor the quality of testing procedures.

Individuals interested in a career in medical laboratory science must have a keen interest in science and mathematics and enjoy problem solving. They must work well under pressure, be organized to finish a task once started, expect quality in their work and be able to work with minimal supervision. Patient contact is limited.

To prepare for a career in medical laboratory science, a student must have a bachelor's degree in science plus clinical education in an accredited medical laboratory science program. Many colleges and universities offer a degree in medical laboratory science via two routes of entry: a "3+1" or a "4+1" route.

In the "3+1" route (also known as a university-based program), students complete approximately three years of appropriate prerequisite courses at an accredited college or university that is affiliated with a clinical laboratory. During the fourth year, they complete an internship at an affiliated clinical laboratory which is usually located in a hospital. In this route, the student will be granted a bachelor of science degree in medical laboratory science from the college or university upon successful completion of the clinical internship.

Students who elect a "4+1" route (also known as a hospital-based program) first complete their baccalaureate degree at a college or university that offers the appropriate prerequisite medical laboratory science courses. During the senior year, they apply and interview for admission into an accredited hospital-based medical laboratory science program.  The student then completes the clinical internship after graduation from the university.

Upon successful completion of either route, students are eligible to take the national Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) certification examination offered by the ASCP Board of Certification.

American Society for Clinical Pathology

Laboratory Science Students Career Page
33 West Monroe, Suite 1600
Chicago, IL 60603
Phone: 312.541.4999
Email: info@ascp.org

American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science

Career Center: What is a Medical Laboratory Science Professional
6701 Democracy Boulevard, Suite 300
Bethesda, Maryland 20817
Phone: 301.657.2768
Email: ascls@ascls.org

• What's My Next
  Jump into an exciting, high-demand career in laboratory medicine; interactive career exploration directed towards high school students.
• Explore HEALTH Careers.org
  Up-to-date description of the clinical laboratory career.

The program curriculum includes lectures, activities, and clinical rotations in:

Lectures will include synchronous and asynchronous delivery with expected after-hours study to complete homework assignments and prepare for exams.

Clinical rotations will be hosted at various hospital campuses in the Corewell Health East or West regions with primary residency at one of the larger medical centers - the William Beaumont University Hospital in Royal Oak (East region students) or the Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids (West region students). Students will also be scheduled for short one-to-four-day rotations at nearby regional campuses when possible. Students will be given the opportunity to indicate their hospital campus preferences for these shorter rotations based on city of residence.

Upon successful completion of the clinical program, graduates are eligible to take a national certification examination for Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS). 

The following organization administers the MLS certification examination

American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification
33 W. Monroe Street, Suite 1600
Chicago, Il 60603
Phone: 312.541.4999

Upon program completion, the graduating student will be expected to demonstrate:

• Entry-level competency to perform the full range of clinical laboratory testing in a state-of-the art clinical laboratory. This includes pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical components of laboratory services in the disciplines of chemistry, hematology/hemostasis, immunohematology, immunology, microbiology, molecular pathology, urinalysis & body fluid analysis, and point-of-care testing
• Entry-level competency to interpret, problem-solve, troubleshoot and evaluate clinical procedures and laboratory test results including the use of statistical methods to evaluate data in accordance with quality assurance protocols and regulatory standards

• Compliance with government regulations and accreditation standards relevant to clinical laboratory practice, including adherence to established laboratory safety, quality assurance, competency assessment and proficiency testing protocols

• Professional conduct that includes respecting confidentiality, privacy, inclusivity, equity, diversity and accessibility among patients and the healthcare team as well as displaying appropriate composure under stressful conditions

• Appropriate skills to communicate laboratory test information to the healthcare team, patients and the public and establish effective interprofessional working relationships with other healthcare professionals demonstrating comprehension of and respect for their roles and patient welfare

• Basic knowledge of laboratory operations including the principles and practice of administration, personnel management, quality assurance, process improvement, patient safety activities, and financial resource management within the clinical laboratory setting

• Skills in education and research to (a) evaluate clinical research studies and data sets for applicability and validity; (b) provide instruction to users of laboratory services regarding test procedure utilization and interpretation; (c) acknowledge requirements for continuing education and development to maintain professional competence

The above graduate competencies are modeled after the Description of Career Entry-Level Competencies of the Medical Laboratory Scientist in the NAACLS Standards (October 2022 and October 2024).

Check out current and historical program outcomes for Medical Laboratory Science.

The degree coursework must include:

• A combination of 32 credit hours in biology and chemistry:
  • 16 semester hours in biology; three courses with laboratory
  • 16 semester hours in chemistry; three courses with laboratory
• Biology and chemistry courses with laboratory as outlined on the Corewell MLS Program Academic Course Plan
• Math (intermediate algebra or higher required) and statistics (preferred)

Applicants with a foreign degree must submit an education evaluation agency verification of the U.S. equivalent of B.S. degree including GPA and course breakdown with grades.

All applicants must have completed the following in-person baccalaureate-level courses at a U.S. academic institution within the last 7 years and before the program start date.   Applicants with a Medical Laboratory Science major should already meet all academic requirements based on their program of study.

• INTRODUCTION TO CLINICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE – proof of enrollment required at interview.
  In-person course offered through one of these universities or colleges
  • CDS 4500 – Oakland University - Contact: lim@oakland.edu
  • CLSC 203 and 204 – Eastern Michigan University – Contact: lshetron@emich.edu
  • BLD 213L and BLD 314L - Michigan State University

  • BIOL 175: Medical Lab Techniques – Schoolcraft College

  • CLS 101: Medical Lab Assistant – Intro to Clinical Lab – Dorsey College, Grand Rapids 

  • MDA 1770: Medical Assisting Laboratory Procedures - Oakland Community College
  • Similar university/college course with laboratory component upon approval by program director
    
• CHEMISTRY - 16 credit hours including:
  • BIOCHEMISTRY (one course with passing grade – or with/without a laboratory component)

    • CHEM 212 Biochemistry w/Lab – Portage Learning (Online)

    • BIO 322 Biochemistry w/Lab - Southern California University of Health Sciences (Online)

    • CHM 250/251 – Biochemistry with Lab - Grand Rapids Community College

  • ORGANIC CHEMISTRY (at least one course with passing grade – with/without laboratory)

    • CHEM 219 Principles of Organic Chemistry w/Lab – Portage Learning (Online)
      

• BIOLOGY - 16 credit hours including:
  • GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY with laboratory (required)

    • BIOL 243 – Schoolcraft Community College

    • BI 127 – Grand Rapids Community College

    • Other comparable college level course
      

• HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY (required) / ANATOMY (preferred)

  • Online option:  UExcel Anatomy & Physiology: Study Guide & Test Prep – 2 semester version offered through www.study.com 

Applicants are expected to determine their eligibility by completing the Corewell MLS Program Academic Course Plan document (Excel) and analyzing it for any gaps in courses marked *required.  This includes providing an action plan at the interview to complete outstanding coursework by the program start date. Applicants will be advised which online course(s) will be accepted during the in-person interview.

NOTE:

• Proof of course enrollment must be provided by October 1st for entry into the MTIMPM Match by the admissions committee
• Documentation of course completion will be required before the program start date

• Proficient skills in Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams, OneDrive) plus Internet and email applications
• Permanent U.S. resident or authorization to work in the U.S.
• Good faculty and/or employer recommendations (three)
• Previous full-time work experience

Note: Substitutions to the above academic requirements may be permitted upon review of academic transcript and in-person interview. Alternate online courses credits may not be accepted by the ASCP BOC certifying agency unless transferred to a regionally or nationally accredited educational institution.

August 15: Application, academic course plan, processing fee, official transcript(s)

September 30: Interview

September 15: Recommendation forms/letters

October 5: MTIMPM Match Registration postmark

Applications will be accepted April 1 through August 15 in the year prior to the program start date (Note: MTIMPM off-cycle candidate information forms will be considered outside the normal interview season if the program has open positions)

• Application. This should be downloaded from the MTIMPM website
• Personal statements.  Written response (handwritten or typed), in your own words, to the Corewell MLS program specific prompts on page 5 of the application
• Corewell MLS Program academic course plan
• Return the completed application, personal statements and academic course plan together via U.S. mail (regular or priority mail only; not certified) or email to MLSprogram@corewellhealth.org
• Request official copies of your transcripts by August 15 from your university (or the National Student Clearinghouse)
• Three recommendations (MTIMPM form or written letter) by September 15 - preferably from one employer and two science faculty. Letters from family members or friends will NOT be accepted (Three faculty will be accepted if never employed)
• Send official transcripts and recommendation letters to the program director nancy.ramirez@corewellhealth.org
• Foreign transcripts must be evaluated by a recognized agency. The evaluations MUST show grades, credit hours and GPA from all colleges and universities attended. (See listing below for preferred transcript evaluation agencies)
• Permanent resident documentation from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services if you are not a U.S. citizen
• U.S. passport if you are a non-citizen national of the U.S.

Scanned PDF copy of your university diploma, if you have already graduated (No .jpeg file attachments will be accepted)

IMPORTANT: It is recommended you submit the completed application one to two months prior to the application deadline to guarantee your preferred interview date/time.

• Interviews are conducted Monday through Friday from June 1 through September 30 in the year prior to the start of the clinical program
• Applicants will be notified via e-mail upon review and approval of all requested documents with further instructions for scheduling an on-site interview

• After the interview, the student must complete and submit their MTIMPM student match registration form and fee to the MTIMPM administrator (or their university advisor if required). This form must be postmarked no later than October 5
• Interviewed applicants will be informed of their admission status (match outcome) in early November via email from the program director
• Applicants must confirm acceptance to the clinical program’s offer of a student position within one week of e-mail notification

Acceptance into the School of Medical Laboratory Science program is dependent upon the outcome of the MTIMPM match. The clinical program will determine a student’s match ranking based upon many factors including the student's academic grades, letters of recommendation, statement of career goals, academic, work and volunteer experiences, interview, and assessment by the admissions committee of a candidate's potential ability to meet the essential functions (published on the MTIMPM website) and the program's academic requirements.

Applicants will be given an information packet during the interview that summarizes the program structure, calendar, curriculum, admission process, fees and key guidelines from the student handbook governing acceptable personal and academic conduct.

A official student handbook, including student grievance policy and appeals, will be provided upon acceptance into the program and upon request after the interview. 

Refer to the Program Admission section for additional criteria that must be met upon successful match with the program.

Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
P.O. Box 92970
Milwaukee, WI 53202-0970
Call 414.289.3400
Email: eval@ece.org

International Education Research Foundation, Inc.
P.O. Box 3665
Culver City, CA  90231
Call 310.258.9451

World Education Services, Inc.
Midwest Office
PO Box 11623
Chicago, IL 60611-0623
Call 312.222.0882
Email: midwest@wes.org

A student who wishes to voluntarily discontinue the program shall tender a written resignation. Until written notification of withdrawal is received, the student shall be expected to comply with all requirements of the program. A student who withdrawals from the program must reapply for any future admission.

Upon acceptance to the Corewell Health School of Medical Laboratory Science, final admission into the program will be dependent upon completion of the following:

• All required coursework by the program start date
• Corewell Health immunization requirements (see below)
• Completion of pre-program agreement documents by indicated due date
• Successful background checks performed by human resources

The student will be declined their offered position in the program if any of these criteria are not met.

Students accepted into the program must have successfully completed all required university coursework – didactic and laboratory - as identified under the academic requirements.

Students will also be requested to submit a final, official transcript from their university (or the National Student Clearinghouse) and a scanned copy of their college diploma before the program start date. The official transcript must indicate the title of the degree earned and date the degree was conferred.

Students accepted into the program will be asked to provide MDHHS immunization records for the following:

• COVID vaccine (voluntary)
• Influenza vaccine (annual requirement; exemption requests allowable)
• Hepatitis B vaccine (required)
• MMR vaccine (required)
• Meningitis A and B vaccine (required for microbiology laboratory)
• TDAP vaccine (required)
• TB test (must be completed no sooner than 30 days prior to the program start date)

Accepted students may also be asked to provide drug, alcohol and nicotine testing results.  Anyone who tests positive for the above will be declined their offered position in the program.

Refer to the fees and scholarships section.

Application fee: $10 (check or money order only; sent to the program’s mailing address or delivered in-person at the interview)

Stipend: The program does not offer any stipend.

Tuition: The program is tuition-free with a 2-year work agreement upon program graduation. See Tuition Waiver option below for details.

• Program tuition is $5,000 IF student wishes to elect this option
• Payment will be due in full the first day of the month of the scheduled program start date
• Payment will be accepted via credit card or check/money order payable to: Corewell Health School of Medical Laboratory Science
• Any student who misses the tuition payment will automatically default to the 2-year work agreement option
• Any student who withdraws or is dismissed from the program will receive no refund of previous tuition payment

Textbooks (approximate): $300-400 (Students are expected to purchase on their own from provided list.)

Uniform scrubs/shoes: Students are expected to purchase on their own

• Scrubs - dark pewter grey (East students); teal (West students)
• Shoes - non-canvas, non-slip work or athletic shoes with closed toe and heel

National certification exam fee: $260 (paid to ASCP BOC upon program graduation)

Housing, food, and living expenses: $ varies per student. Note: There are no meal, housing or stipend programs.

Transportation: $ varies per student based on place of residence

Tuition waiver option: The program tuition may be waived for a 2-year work agreement upon program graduation. Employment can be at any Corewell Health campus and any shift, full-time or part-time. The signed tuition waiver agreement will be due at a program orientation. The program director will provide additional details during the interview.

The program does not offer any stipend or scholarships.

Scholarships from various laboratory professional organizations are available to qualified students. Information and applications can be found at the professional organization websites listed below:

American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP)

• ASCP Foundation Scholarship Program 

American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS)

• Awards and Scholarships

American Proficiency Institute

• Applications can be found under "News"

Students can work in contingent lab assistant positions outside program hours, but it must be limited to less than 10 hours per week. Please visit the Corewell Health Careers page to search for open positions.

When are the deadline dates to apply for program admission to the MLS program and what is the GPA requirement?

• Applications are accepted from April 15th through September 15th of the previous year for the following year January and July admission
• A minimum GPA of 2.7 is required - both science and overall. Exceptions may be allowed upon discussion with the applicant at the interview

How do I go about applying to the MLS program? I graduated with a degree in biology and wanted to know if there are any specific classes I need to take before applying to the program?

• Please review the academic requirements section of our webpage
• After review of the above-mentioned webpage and FAQ’s, feel free to email any other unanswered questions

I saw that three recommendation letters were needed, one from an employer and two from science or MLS faculty to apply to the program. I just wanted to ask if the faculty had to be a professor, or could it be an advisor?

• We will accept a recommendation from an advisor as long as we have at least one from a professor

I understand that the application asks for three references from an advisor, professor, and employer, but I have yet to be employed so I would be short one reference. Should I get another reference from an advisor/instructor, ask an organizer from volunteer work, or omit the third reference in my application? More specifically, what would your program prefer?

• We will accept a third recommendation from an advisor, professor or your volunteer work organizer in lieu of an employer

When writing personal statements for the application is there a certain length that is preferred for each question?

• There is no word count for the personal statements. We prefer written personal statements that are no longer than 1-3 paragraphs per question. Full page statements are too wordy and time consuming to read

I have a bachelor’s degree in forensic science and a minor in chemistry which includes all the required courses listed on the program website, and the forensic degree itself focuses on principles of biology, chemistry, and instrumentation with lab components and later applying those concepts to evidentiary analysis. I was wondering if this degree is acceptable to the program?

• Yes, given your degree is in a science field with 16 semester credits in biology and 16 semester credits in chemistry including laboratory courses

I will be graduating with a bachelor of science degree in neuroscience, and I have been on the pre-med track for the past couple of years, but I am unsure whether I want to follow that pathway now. Can I apply to this program with this type of major?

• Yes, given your degree is in a science field with 16 semester credits in biology and 16 semester credits in chemistry including laboratory courses

Do the pre-requisite courses need to be completed before applying to the program or before the program begins?

• All pre-requisite coursework must be completed with supporting transcript provided to the program director before week 1 orientation

Regarding the microbiology pre-requisite course, is there a specific institution that I would need to take these through?

• There is no specific academic institution requirement for the microbiology courses

I have decided to apply to both the 26-week and 44-week programs. Should I submit two separate applications with two processing fees, or will you accept one application and processing fee for both programs?

• The 26-week program will become inactive effective January 2025
• One (1) application for either 46-week session (winter or summer) and one (1) processing fee is acceptable

Regarding the Introduction to clinical laboratory science pre-requisite course, is it required that I take them through Oakland University, Eastern Michigan University or Michigan State University?

• Yes, we prefer that applicants complete an in-person introduction to clinical laboratory science course at an area university because of its laboratory component. These applicants will receive higher preference in the match process
• We will consider an alternative online course via www.study.com if there are extenuating circumstances. Please contact the program director for details

I have a question regarding alternative courses at Michigan State University to satisfy the introduction to clinical science lab requirement. Would BLD 213L and BLD 313L be acceptable?

• Yes, we would accept BLD 2131 and BLD 313 together as an acceptable alternative to the CLS introduction requirement

How do you prefer I send in my application for the MTIMPM MLS program and processing fee?

• U.S. mail is preferred - Regular or Priority Mail only
• IMPORTANT: Please do not send it via certified mail
• Processing fee is payable via check or money order. NO cash please
• Applications can also be emailed with payment of the processing fee via check or money order at the time of the interview

What should I do if I do not hear back from you regarding my application?

• Please be patient. We assure you that you will receive a response one way or the other. In addition, please communicate with us using one (1) email address only – not a school and personal email address together. Using two different emails causes conflict and increased time in tracking email replies to the applicant

What if I am unable to make the scheduled interview appointment due to illness or other personal emergency?

• Please contact our office right away if you are sick or experience any emergency, either through email (preferred) or telephone to reschedule your appointment

What is the cost of tuition for the medical science laboratory program?

• This information is provided under the program fees and scholarships accordion drop down above
• The program tuition cost is $5,000 (non-refundable) and is due the first day of the month of the scheduled program start date
• However, the program tuition may be waived for a 2-year work agreement. Employment can be at any Corewell Health campus and any shift, full-time or part-time. The program director will provide additional details during the interview

Are there scholarship opportunities available for students to offset the cost of tuition?

• The program does not provide any stipend or scholarship
• Scholarships are available from many different laboratory professional organizations
• For more information, please refer to the program fees and scholarships accordion drop down above