Medical Laboratory Science
Fostering Vital Science Careers since 1952
The medical laboratory scientist is qualified by academic and applied science education to provide service and research in clinical laboratory science and related areas in rapidly changing and dynamic healthcare delivery systems. Medical laboratory scientists perform, develop, evaluate, correlate and assure accuracy and validity of laboratory information; direct and supervise clinical laboratory resources and operations; and collaborate in the diagnosis and treatment of patients. The medical laboratory scientist has diverse and multi‐level functions in the principles, methodologies and performance of assays; problem‐solving; troubleshooting techniques; interpretation and evaluation of clinical procedures and results; statistical approaches to data evaluation; principles and practices of quality assurance/quality improvement; and continuous assessment of laboratory services for all major areas practiced in the contemporary clinical laboratory. Medical laboratory scientists possess the skills necessary for financial, operations, marketing, and human resource management of the clinical laboratory. Medical laboratory scientists practice independently and collaboratively, being responsible for their own actions, as defined by the profession. They have the requisite knowledge and skills to educate laboratory professionals, other health care professionals, and others in laboratory practice as well as the public. The ability to relate to people, a capacity for calm and reasoned judgment and a demonstration of commitment to the patient are essential qualities. Communications skills extend to consultative interactions with members of the healthcare team, external relations, customer service and patient education. Medical laboratory scientists demonstrate ethical and moral attitudes and principles that are necessary for gaining and maintaining the confidence of patients, professional associates, and the community.
The School of Medical Laboratory Science offers education and training in this challenging and vital health care career. The program has been in continuous operation since its beginning in 1952. The school has provided well-trained medical laboratory scientists for this and other locales for more than sixty years.
The program is a “rotation-based” clinical experience, i.e. there is no student laboratory. Students spend most of their days at the bench training alongside certified medical laboratory scientists. Please click on the Program Details link below to see the academic requirements for entry to the program.
The medical laboratory science program holds an active and current accreditation status with the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), located at 5600 N. River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018. To contact NAACLS, call 773-714-8880 or visit their website for more information, www.naacls.org.
Access program documents here:
For more information about the School of Medical Laboratory Science, please contact the Program Director at 812-885-3361 or by email at MLSProgramDirector@gshvin.org.
If you would like to learn more about the role of a Laboratory Scientist, check out this video created by MLS students at Bowling Green State University.
