Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science

Medical Laboratory Science is a four-year degree program divided into two: the first three years involve courses offered within the Bachelor of Science in Biology, Program Mercy College of Ohio. Courses for the fourth year will be done at the integrated laboratory of St. Vincent. Students will enter the medical laboratory portion of the program in the Fall semester of the preclinical year. The admission criteria are based on the academic record, letters of recommendation, and the results of a personal interview. The number of positions in each class for the clinical year is limited.

The coursework taught at St. Vincent's integrated laboratory is approved by NAACLS (National Accreditation Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science). The Medical Laboratory Science Program is approved by the Higher Learning Commission and the Ohio Department of Education. Graduates of the program receive a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science. They also qualify for the national certification examination for Medical Laboratory Scientists administered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).

The Role of Clinical Laboratory Scientists in Patient Care

Clinical laboratory scientists (CLS) are highly equipped professionals who handle data from a laboratory in order to help ascertain the presence of disease or absence in an individual. They are healthcare detectives who work out of the public eye. They help the physician derive the treatment plan of the patient based on data and science. Many important medical decisions that can change the course of life for patients are made based on laboratory results arising from medical laboratory scientists.

Mercy College of Ohio's Medical Laboratory Science degree opens diverse career paths in hospitals, industry, research, public health, and more, while also paving the way for advanced healthcare studies in medicine, dentistry, and nursing. This versatility ensures graduates are well-prepared for various professional landscapes or further education.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 5% growth for Medical Laboratory Science careers from 2022 to 2032, driven by an aging population and the need for diagnosing diseases like cancer and diabetes. This trend highlights the importance of medical lab technician schools, MLT programs, and medical technologist education in meeting healthcare demands.

The curriculum for the new program at Mercy College is designed to provide comprehensive training in medical laboratory science, preparing students for careers in healthcare diagnostics. Through a blend of theoretical learning and practical training, students will gain the necessary skills to excel in various medical laboratory settings.