Medical Laboratory Science

The medical laboratory science curriculum offers preparation to those who wish to do professional diagnostic laboratory work. These professionals may find challenging opportunities in hospitals, clinics, doctors’ offices, research, industry, and educational institutions.

The major characteristics desired in an applicant include high moral standards, scientific curiosity, manual dexterity, academic ability, and a genuine interest in people. In addition to completing the academic college program, students must make application, meet the designated entrance requirements, gain acceptance, and satisfactorily complete the professional year of study before they can receive the baccalaureate degree in medical laboratory science from College of Saint Mary. The process and standards by which applicants are selected for admission to the professional year vary slightly with each clinical institution. The medical laboratory science advisor will assist the student in the application and registration procedures for entrance to the clinical facility during the fall semester prior to the professional year of study. A minimum GPA of 2.5, reference letters, college transcripts, and a personal interview are required for entrance to the clinical facility. Specific admission information can be obtained directly from the clinical institution. Upon graduation, students are eligible to take national certifying examinations.

Enrollment in the clinical facilities is limited and competitive. Therefore, those students who do not meet the professional admissions requirements during the academic portion of the program are encouraged to pursue other programs. A student in the ‘3 + 1’ program who is not accepted into a professional program or who chooses not to continue may complete a biology degree at College of Saint Mary by completing a 4th year of study.

Courses for the professional year of study are offered at a medical institution with which College of Saint Mary has an affiliation agreement. These courses will be entered on the CSM transcript. The medical laboratory science advisor can provide information about affiliated institutions.

Degrees and Certificates

Courses

MLS 406: Basic Laboratory Concepts

This course introduces basic clinical laboratory practices and techniques, principles of laboratory safety and infection control, professional ethics, specimen collection, handling and processing, laboratory math concepts, and phlebotomy.

MLS 408: Clinical Immunology Serology

The course introduces the study of the immune system and the laboratory tests used to identify its disorders, with practical application of immunologic and serologic principles to aid in the diagnosis of infectious and autoimmune diseases. The theory and application of basic molecular diagnostic tools are also addressed. A laboratory component is included in this course.

MLS 410: Clinical Chemistry I

This is the first semester of a two semester series on clinical chemistry. This course introduces the theory, technical performance, and evaluation of clinical chemistry laboratory procedures. Basic physiology of organ systems and clinically significant analytes are emphasized. Correlation of clinical laboratory data with the diagnosis and treatment of endocrine disorders is also introduced. The course will include instrumentation, methodologies, and quality control. A laboratory component is included in this course.

MLS 411: Clinical Chemistry II

This is the second semester of a two semester series on clinical chemistry. This course expands on the theory, technical performance, and evaluation of chemistry laboratory procedures introduced in MLS 410 Clinical Chemistry I. Practical application and correlation of clinical laboratory data with disease states and treatment is emphasized, with a thorough examination of methodologies and problem-solving concepts. Advanced analytical skills, improved laboratory testing efficiency, workload management, and the resolution of unexpected laboratory results are covered in this course. Quality management which includes quality control, quality assurance, and instrument maintenance will also be included. A laboratory component is included in this course.

MLS 412: Clinical Hematology I

This is the first semester of a two semester series on clinical hematology and hemostasis. The course involves the study and testing of red blood cells, white blood cells, and blood clotting factors. In addition, the function of blood and the blood-forming organs is taught in this course. The course includes an overview of basic microscopy. Practical application and correlation of clinical laboratory data with disease states is emphasized. A laboratory component is included in this course.

MLS 413: Clinical Hematology II

This is the second semester of a two semester series on clinical hematology and hemostasis; the course builds on the material introduced in MLS 412 Clinical Hematology I. Theoretical aspects of specialized hematology and coagulation techniques are reviewed, with a thorough examination of testing methodologies and problem-solving concepts. Hematology and coagulation disease states are thoroughly studied and correlated to the clinical laboratory data. Emphasis is placed on advanced analytical skills, improved laboratory testing efficiency, workload management, and the resolution of unexpected laboratory results. Quality management which includes quality control, quality assurance, laboratory techniques, and instrument maintenance will also be included. A laboratory component is included in this course.

MLS 414: Clinical Immunohematology I

This is the first semester of a two semester series on immunohematology. This course introduces the study of blood group antigens and antibodies as applied to the transfusion of blood and blood components. The course involves the study of the principles, procedures, and clinical significance of transfusion medicine. Included will be a brief overview of genetics, immunology, and regulations governing blood banks. Recognition of unexpected laboratory results will be emphasized. Quality testing which includes quality control, basic transfusion medicine laboratory techniques and procedures, and safety will also be included.

MLS 415: Clinical Immunohematology II

This is the second semester of a two semester series on immunohematology. The course continues the study of the principles, procedures, and clinical significance of transfusion medicine introduced in MLS 414 Clinical Immunohematology I. Advanced immunohematology theory and laboratory techniques are taught, with a thorough examination of methodologies and problem-solving concepts. These include, but are not limited to: compatibility testing, adverse transfusion events, hemolytic anemia, differentiating multiple blood group antibodies, and the resolution of unexpected laboratory results. Emphasis is placed on advanced analytical skills, improved laboratory testing efficiency, and workload management. Quality management which includes quality control, quality assurance, laboratory techniques, and instrument maintenance will also be included.

MLS 416: Clinical Microbiology I

This is the first semester of a two semester series on clinical microbiology. This course introduces the study and laboratory identification of bacteria of clinical significance using culture, biochemical, molecular, and microscopic methods, as well as, the performance and interpretation of bacterial antibiotic susceptibility testing. The course introduces the study of viruses and their detection and identification. Instrumentation and quality control are also included in this course.

MLS 417: Clinical Microbiology II

This is the second semester of a two semester series in clinical microbiology; the course builds on the material introduced in MLS 416 Clinical Microbiology I and MLS 408 Clinical Immunology and Serology. This course advances the study and laboratory identification of bacteria of clinical significance, with a thorough examination of methodologies and problem-solving concepts, including the resolution of unexpected laboratory results. The course includes the study of viruses, parasites, and fungi, and their detection and identification. The course continues the study of serologic principles and methods to aid in the diagnosis of infectious diseases. Emphasis is placed on advanced analytical skills, improved laboratory testing efficiency, and workload management. Quality management which includes quality control, quality assurance, laboratory techniques, and instrument maintenance will also be included.

MLS 418: Clinical Microscopy I

This is the first semester of a two semester series on clinical urine and body fluid analysis. Study of urine includes physiology of renal function, as well as, the significance of cellular and chemical constituents of urine. Microscopic evaluation of other significant body fluids and clinical diagnoses are introduced. A laboratory component is included in this course.

MLS 419: Clinical Microscopy II

This is the second semester of a two semester series on clinical urine and body fluid analysis. This course expands on the theory, technical performance, and evaluation of laboratory procedures introduced in MLS 418 Clinical Microscopy I. The physiology of renal function and the significance of cellular and chemical constituents of urine are reviewed, with a thorough examination of methodologies and problem-solving concepts. Practical application and correlation of clinical laboratory data along with patient diagnosis is emphasized. Students develop multi-tasking and trouble-shooting skills to aid in workload management. Quality management which includes quality control, quality assurance, laboratory techniques, and instrument maintenance will also be included. A laboratory component is included in this course.

MLS 420: Clinical Laboratory Management I

This course introduces the study of the basic concepts and principles of the management process with particular emphasis on laboratory operations. Laboratory safety, quality control, professionalism, scope of practice, research applications, and educational methodologies are topics included in this course.

MLS 421: Clinical Laboratory Management II

This course builds on the study of the basic concepts and principles of the management process introduced in MLS 420 Clinical Laboratory Management I. Laboratory compliance and regulatory issues, financial resource management, human resource management, method validation, professionalism and educational methodologies, and quality management are topics included in this course.

MLS 423: Medical Laboratory Science Clinical Correlation

This is a comprehensive course that uses lecture and case studies as an in-depth review of the theory and laboratory findings in all areas of the clinical laboratory including: immunology & serology, chemistry, hematology, immunohematology, microbiology, and microscopy. Practical application and correlation of clinical laboratory data, disease states, and diagnoses are emphasized.