Dec 03, 2024  
2024 2025 Academic Catalog 
    
2024 2025 Academic Catalog

Medical Laboratory Science, B.S.

Location(s): Main Campus


Dana Hall
Telephone (203) 576-1271
Fax: (203) 576-4262

Program Director
Dana Hall, Room 162
Telephone: (203) 576-4268

Curriculum and Program Requirements

A B.S. degree in Medical Laboratory Science provides exciting opportunities for individuals with an interest in science who wish to pursue a career in a health/medical profession or other laboratory-related field. Medical Laboratory Scientists, also called Medical Technologists, analyze human blood and other body fluids using a variety of methods and precision instruments. The results of these analyses are used to determine the presence or absence of disease, help determine appropriate treatment, monitor therapy, and assess health. In addition to performance and interpretation of laboratory procedures, clinical laboratory scientists may be involved in the selection of lab methods or analyzers, as well as training, supervision, and consultation with other health care professionals.

The program is currently licensed by the State of CT to offer the program. Completion of the degree will lead to eligibility for certification by the Board of Accreditation of the American Society of Clinical Pathology as a Medical Laboratory Scientist.   

Granting of the degree/certificate IS NOT contingent on passing any type of external certification or licensure examination.

The UB Medical Laboratory Science program is accredited through the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences, 5600 N. River Rd., Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018-5119

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will:

  • Be proficient in performing the full range of clinical laboratory tests in areas such as hematology, clinical chemistry, immunohematology, microbiology, serology/immunology, coagulation, molecular, and other emerging diagnostics;
  • Be able to participate in the development and evaluation of test systems and interpretive algorithms;
  • Responsibilities in areas of analysis and clinical decision-making, regulatory compliance with applicable regulations, education, and quality assurance/performance improvement wherever laboratory testing is researched, developed or performed;
  • Possess basic knowledge, skills, and relevant experiences in consultative interactions with members of the healthcare team, external relations, customer service and patient education; financial, operations, marketing, and human resource management; information management, and; research design/practice sufficient to evaluate published studies as an informed consumer.
  • Be proficient in maintaining necessary operations for the general functions of the clinical laboratory, including specimen collection.

Program Requirements and Features

Completion of the Medical Laboratory Science degree requires 28 weeks of supervised clinical work in a hospital laboratory, provided by our clinical affiliates.

Since the curriculum includes laboratory work done under professional supervision, the degree candidate not only must satisfy the customary expectations of academic work but also must meet the high-quality standards demanded of a professional medical laboratory scientist. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.50. MLS students are required to maintain a grade of C or better in all required courses. MLS students must pass a comprehensive pre-clinical examination prior to pursuing their clinical rotations. Individual professional liability insurance maybe required of each student and can be purchased through American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS).

Criminal background checks and urine drug toxicology screens are required before clinical rotations. A background check that is not “clear” or a failed drug screen may preclude rotations at some hospitals and prevents employment at most healthcare facilities.  The University can not guarantee placement at a clinical site. 

As a closure requirement for graduation, students must pass a comprehensive department examination covering all aspects of clinical laboratory science. 

Pre-Physician Assistant and Health Professional Options

  • Successful graduates of the Medical Laboratory Science program are highly competitive for other medical, health, and research oriented graduate programs.
  • If a student wishes to apply for an advanced degree, an effort will be made to customize their plan of study to include additional courses.  

  • A categorical certificate option for people already possessing a BS degree and meeting the necessary pre-requisites is available and requires a customized plan of study, please see the program director for further information and a consultation. A categorical option is available in each major section of the laboratory.         

Summary of Requirements - 124 Credit(s)


Program Requirements


General Education Requirements - 35 Credit(s)


Suggested Program - 125 Credit(s)


Freshman Year


Sophomore Year


Fall Semester - 16 Credit(s)


Spring Semester - 15 Credit(s)


Junior Year


Senior Year


(Clinicals)