Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences (2024)

The Medical Laboratory Sciences Program is offered through the Division of Biology. The medical laboratory scientist becomes increasingly important as new and more effective techniques of laboratory diagnosis are developed. In addition, positions are frequently available in medical research. Career opportunities are found throughout the country in large and small communities.

Our program is designed to prepare the student as a member of the health services team and leads to a Bachelor of Science degree. The student completes the pre-clinical phase during the first three years in the program and begins the clinical sequence in the senior year.This clinical rotation consists of both formal classes (hematology, parasitology, etc.) and hands-on laboratory training. Clinical rotation sites areapproved by TWU and the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). TWU currently has four affiliate sites for completion of clinical training:

Certification

Completion of the program qualifies the Medical Laboratory Sciences student to take the National Registry Examination for certification as MLS (ASCP).

Marketable Skills

Definedby the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's 60x30 Strategic Planas,"Those skills valued by employers that can be applied in a variety of work settings, including interpersonal, cognitive, and applied skills areas. These skills can be either primary or complementary to a major and are acquired by students through education, including curricular, co-curricular, and extracurricular activities."

  1. Written and oral communication skills.
  2. ​Demonstrate critical thinking by using logic and reasoning to interpret scientific results.
  3. Ability to design and conduct properly controlled experiments.
  4. Utilize modern scientific instruments and methods.
  5. ​Work collaboratively as part of a team to perform, analyze, interpret, and present research.
  6. ​Ability to understand and comply with laboratory safety guidelines.

Admissions

All applicants must meet the general undergraduate admission requirements.

Admission to Clinical Rotations

In the third year of the program, Medical Laboratory Sciences students must submit an application and be accepted for clinical rotations at an affiliate site. TWU currently has four affiliate sites for completion of clinical training:

Degree Requirements

Total Semester Credit Hours (SCH):122-123

Major: 34 SCH;Required Minor:20-21 SCH (Chemistry)

Program Code: MEDTECH.BS; CIP Code:51.1005.00

Lecture and lab must be taken concurrently.A minimum grade of C is mandatory in all required courses for Medical Laboratory Sciences majors.

Texas Core Curriculum

Course List
Code Title SCHs
ENG1013Composition I3
ENG1023Composition II3
Mathematics3
Life & Physical Sciences6
Language, Philosophy, & Culture3
Creative Arts3
HIST1013History of the United States, 1492-18653
HIST1023History of the United States, 1865 to the Present3
POLS2013U.S. National Government3
POLS2023Texas Government3
Social & Behavioral Sciences3
CAO: Women's Studies3
CAO: First Year Seminar, Wellness or Mathematics3
Total SCHs42

Courses Required for Major

Course List
Code Title SCHs
BACT3113
&BACT3111
General Microbiology
and General Microbiology Laboratory
4
BACT4113
&BACT4111
Immunology
and Immunology Laboratory
4
BIOL4813
&BIOL4811
Molecular and Cellular Biology: Gene Expression
and Molecular and Cellular Biology: Gene Expression Laboratory
4
ZOOL4243
&ZOOL4241
Medical Physiology
and Medical Physiology Laboratory
4
BIOL4681Biology Seminar1
Biology Elective from BACT, BIOL, or ZOOL9

Biology Elective hours must include coursework appropriate for science majors. The following courses are not acceptable electives: BACT1003/BACT1001, BIOL1013, BIOL1023, BIOL1033, BIOL1223, ZOOL2013/ZOOL2011, and ZOOL2023/ZOOL2021.

Total SCHs26

Departmental Requirements

Course List
Code Title SCHs
BIOL1113
&BIOL1111
Principles of Biology I
and Principles of Biology I Laboratory
4
BIOL1123
&BIOL1121
Principles of Biology II
and Principles of Biology II Laboratory
4
Choose one of the following:4

CHEM1113
&CHEM1111

General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry Laboratory I

CHEM1213
&CHEM1211

Principles of Chemistry I
and Principles of Chemistry Laboratory I
Choose one of the following:4

CHEM1123
&CHEM1121

General Chemistry II
and General Chemistry Laboratory II

CHEM1223
&CHEM1221

Principles of Chemistry II
and Principles of Chemistry Laboratory II
CHEM2213
&CHEM2211
Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
4
CHEM3223
&CHEM3221
Organic Chemistry II
and Organic Chemistry Laboratory II
4
Choose one of the following:4-5

CHEM3333
&CHEM3331

Quantitative Chemical Analysis
and Quantitative Chemical Analysis Laboratory

CHEM3633
&CHEM3632

Biochemistry I
and Biochemistry I Laboratory
MATH1303College Algebra3-4
orMATH2014 Calculus I
MATH1703Elementary Statistics I3
Choose one of the following:4

PHYS1133
&PHYS1131

Principles of Physics I
and Principles of Physics Laboratory I

PHYS2153
&PHYS2151

General Physics I
and General Physics Laboratory I
Total SCHs38-40

Electives

Course List
Code Title SCHs
Medical Laboratory Sciences Clinical Rotation27
Total SCHs27

Students must satisfy the 3 SCH global perspectives graduation requirement.

During the first three years of this program, students complete Core and degree requirements toward preparation for clinical training at an approved affiliate site. Students may need to complete some of this coursework during summer sessions in order to finish classes within a three year period. The senior year will be spent at an affiliate hospital with a contractual agreement with TWU.

General types of courses in the senior year include studies in the areas of microbiology, parasitology, clinical chemistry, hematology, serology, urinalysis, mycology, and histology.

Clinical year arrangements are made with the Director of the Medical Laboratory Sciences Program. Medical Laboratory Sciences majors must submit a cross-registration form to the Division of Biology for each semester of the clinical program. The clinical component semester credit hours will be transferred to Texas Woman's University as 30 or more advanced semester hours credit.

Minor

No minor is offered in Medical Laboratory Sciences. The minor in chemistry is incorporated within the medical technology curriculum.

Course List
Code Title SCHs
Required Courses
CHEM1113
&CHEM1111
General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry Laboratory I
4
CHEM1123
&CHEM1121
General Chemistry II
and General Chemistry Laboratory II
4
CHEM2213
&CHEM2211
Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
4
CHEM3223
&CHEM3221
Organic Chemistry II
and Organic Chemistry Laboratory II
4
Choose one of the following4-5

CHEM3333
&CHEM3331

Quantitative Chemical Analysis
and Quantitative Chemical Analysis Laboratory

CHEM3633
&CHEM3632

Biochemistry I
and Biochemistry I Laboratory
Total SCHs20-21

Recommended Plan of Study

First Year
FallTCCNSCHs
BIOL1113
&BIOL1111
Principles of Biology I
and Principles of Biology I Laboratory
BIOL 1406
& BIOL 1106
4
CHEM1113
&CHEM1111
General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry Laboratory I
CHEM 1311
& CHEM 1111
4
MATH1303College Algebra MATH 13143
ENG1013Composition I ENGL 13013
UNIV1231Learning Frameworks: First-Year Seminar EDUC 1100, EDUC 1200, EDUC 13001
SCHs15
SpringTCCN
BIOL1123
&BIOL1121
Principles of Biology II
and Principles of Biology II Laboratory
BIOL 1407
& BIOL 1107
4
CHEM1123
&CHEM1121
General Chemistry II
and General Chemistry Laboratory II
CHEM 1312
& CHEM 1112
4
MATH1703Elementary Statistics I MATH 13423
ENG1023Composition II ENGL 13023
Multicultural Women's Studies CAO Core3
SCHs17
Second Year
FallTCCN
BACT3113
&BACT3111
General Microbiology
and General Microbiology Laboratory
4
CHEM2213
&CHEM2211
Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
CHEM 2323
& CHEM 2123
4
POLS2013U.S. National Government GOVT 23053
HIST1013History of the United States, 1492-1865 HIST 13013
Biology Elective (in consultation with advisor)3
SCHs17
SpringTCCN
ZOOL4243
&ZOOL4241
Medical Physiology
and Medical Physiology Laboratory
4
CHEM3223
&CHEM3221
Organic Chemistry II
and Organic Chemistry Laboratory II
4
POLS2023Texas Government GOVT 23063
HIST1023History of the United States, 1865 to the Present HIST 13023
Creative Arts Core3
SCHs17
Third Year
FallTCCN
BIOL4813
&BIOL4811
Molecular and Cellular Biology: Gene Expression
and Molecular and Cellular Biology: Gene Expression Laboratory
4
PHYS1133
&PHYS1131
Principles of Physics I
and Principles of Physics Laboratory I
PHYS 1301
& PHYS 1101
4
Biology Elective (in consulation with advisor)3
Social/Behavioral Science Core3
Language, Philosophy & Culture Core3
SCHs17
SpringTCCN
BACT4113
&BACT4111
Immunology
and Immunology Laboratory
4
Chose one of the following4-5

CHEM3333
&CHEM3331

Quantitative Chemical Analysis
and Quantitative Chemical Analysis Laboratory

CHEM3633
&CHEM3632

Biochemistry I
and Biochemistry I Laboratory
BIOL4681Biology Seminar 1
Biology Elective (in consultation with advisor)3
SCHs12-13
Fourth Year
FallTCCN
Clinical Rotation - Upper Level14
SCHs14
SpringTCCN
Clinical Rotation - Upper Level13
SCHs13
Total SCHs: 122-123
Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences (2024)

FAQs

Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences? ›

The degree in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS), also known as Clinical Laboratory Science, combines biology and chemistry with a Bachelor of Science degree that prepares students for an exciting career in medical diagnostics.

What is Bachelor of science in laboratory science? ›

Medical laboratory scientists are educated to work in clinical chemistry, hematology, immunohematology, immunology, and microbiology with various sub-specialties in each of those major areas.

Is medical laboratory science a good major for med school? ›

Many take positions in clinical, hospital and research laboratories, but the major inmedical laboratory science is also excellent preparation for medical and graduate schools.

What is a bachelor's degree in medical laboratory technology? ›

BMLT stands for Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Technology, which is a three to four year undergraduate degree program. The program focuses on in-depth study, and provides students with a broad understanding of subject matter such as laboratory science and technology.

What is the difference between biomedical science and bachelor of medical laboratory science? ›

A “medical lab” is doing sample analysis via very well documented and regulated techniques and tools. This is more of a bench chemistry setting. Biomedical is building those standards, processes and equipment, which a medical lab would follow, and usually in a research setting.

How many years is medical laboratory science in the USA? ›

Educational requirements include: 4 year degree in Medical Lab Science. Required clinical internship (aka practicum) Pass a national certification exam.

What major is best for medical laboratory science? ›

Common higher education requirements for medical laboratory scientist jobs include: Completing a bachelor's degree in medical technology or clinical laboratory science. A bachelor's degree in a science or health-related field (e.g. chemistry or microbiology) may also be considered.

Is a medical laboratory science degree hard? ›

Medical Laboratory Science, often seen as the backbone of clinical diagnosis and treatment, is undeniably a challenging major. It's not just about understanding complex scientific concepts; it also demands hands-on proficiency in laboratory techniques and technologies.

Is medical laboratory science stressful? ›

The intense nature of medical laboratory work can lead to high levels of stress and burnout.

Why choose medical laboratory science as a career? ›

Testing of blood, body fluids, and tissues requires accurate interpretation of these laboratory results, a function that laboratorians can assist in, thus providing a more complete picture of a patient's health. This process includes: making accurate and informed disease diagnoses. determining patient wellness.

Is a medical lab technician the same as a phlebotomist? ›

Although they have similar duties, they are two separate roles. While both a lab technician and phlebotomist collect blood samples. A phlebotomist works solely with blood samples and does clerical work, and a medical lab technician can deal with all bodily fluids including blood and also runs sample testing.

What is the difference between medical laboratory technician and medical laboratory science? ›

An MLS performs more complicated tests and laboratory procedures than an MLT. They may prepare specimens and perform detailed manual tests. They may also work as specialists in disciplines that include: Blood bank technologist: collecting and classifying blood by type, as well as preparing blood transfusions.

What is the meaning of medical laboratory science? ›

A Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) or Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) or Medical Technologist (MT) performs diagnostic testing of blood and body fluids in clinical laboratories.

What is the difference between medicine and medical laboratory science? ›

A medical lab focuses on diagnostic tests and analysis of samples, while clinical medicine involves direct patient care and treatment.

What is the difference between medical microbiology and medical laboratory science? ›

Essentially, microbiologists specialize in topics that help them understand microbes, whereas medical laboratory scientists include some microbiology but also include other essential health related subjects.

Is a medical laboratory scientist the same as a biomedical scientist? ›

Biomedical Scientists, also known as Medical Laboratory Technicians (formally known as Medical Laboratory Scientific Officers), carry out a range of laboratory tests to assist doctors in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Their work is highly varied and is both practical and analytical.

What is the difference between a bachelor of science and a BSc? ›

It's easy to get confused by the terminology, but a Bachelor of Science" (BS or BSc) and Bachelors of Science are essentially the same thing. The slight variation in phrasing is due to the different ways people refer to the degree.

Where can a science laboratory technologist work? ›

Hospitals, Educational institutions, Food industries, Oil companies, Breweries, Petrochemical industries, Pharmaceutical companies, Agro-based industries, Cosmetics industries, Quality control officers in different companies, Some others include water industry, pharmacology research labs, Physiology research labs, ...

What does BS MLT stand for? ›

BS in Medical Lab Technology (BS-MLT) is a four-years degree program that equips students with knowledge and skills in lab test used in the detection, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases.

What is BSc lab? ›

A biological safety cabinet (BSC) is a primary engineering control used to protect personnel against biohazardous or infectious agents and to help maintain quality control of the material being worked with as it filters both the inflow and exhaust air.

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