MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE

The medical laboratory scientist uses analytical procedures and complex instruments to perform tests on blood, body fluids and tissues. Because the tests performed are so vital in medical treatment, the medical laboratory scientist must know not only how to perform these tests with scientific precision and accuracy, but must be well educated in the underlying scientific principles and clinical significance of the results.

Background Information

Students interested in pursuing a medical laboratory science program should have an interest and aptitude in the sciences, particularly chemistry and biology. Laboratory work plays a vital role in the daily routine of the medical laboratory scientist and, while usually not having direct contact with patients, these individuals enjoy being a member of the health care team that provides the physician with information crucial to the diagnosis of the patient's medical problem. A medical laboratory scientist can expect to do some or all of the following:

1. Perform and evaluate tests on blood, body fluids and tissues in hospital, private clinical and public health laboratories;
2. Supervise laboratory personnel who work with medical laboratory scientists as part of a laboratory medical team;
3. Conduct research and develop new tests and methodologies;
4. Monitor quality to maintain test performance of the highest standard.

Career Opportunities

Certified medical laboratory scientists may readily find employment throughout the United States in hospitals, medical and diagnostic laboratories, and other healthcare services. According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of clinical laboratory workers is expected to grow faster than average for all occupations through 2018. Mean annual earnings are $58,120 (www.bls.gov; “National Occupational Employmentand Wage Estimates”, May 2010).

The Program

NDSU's Bachelor of Science degree with a major in medical laboratory science, includes three years of academic course work on campus followed by an 11 to 12 month full-time internship in an affiliated accredited school of medical laboratory science. Graduates are eligible to take a national certification exam offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification. To remain certified, medical laboratory scientists must earn continuing education credits.

College academic work includes college algebra, biological sciences, chemistry and statistics, along with humanities and social sciences electives. The full-time internship consists of classroom and clinical "bench instruction" in clinical chemistry, hematology, immunohematology, microscopy/urinalysis, microbiology, serology, phlebotomy, education, management and research methods.

Internship Selective Admission

Admission to internship programs is selective. Criteria for admission are established by each hospital affiliate and generally include the student's cumulative and science grade point average (GPA), courses completed, related experience, references and an interview. In addition, students must also comply with criminal background and student conduct requirements.

To assist students, North Dakota State University maintains affiliation with seven medical laboratory science programs. These include: Sanford Medical Center (Fargo, ND), Mercy Medical Center (Sioux City, IA), St. Luke's College (Sioux City, IA), St. Luke's Hospital (Cedar Rapids, IA), Mercy College of Health Sciences (Des Moines, IA), Colorado Center for Medical Laboratory Science (Denver, CO) and Fairview Health Services (Minneapolis, MN). All affiliated programs are accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science.

It is highly recommended that students interested in this major meet with an advisor for more information about internship admission at least one year prior to their anticipated internship application. Application occurs annually in the fall.

Sample Curriculum

This sample curriculum is not intended to serve as a curriculum guide for current students, but rather an example of course offerings for prospective students. For the curriculum requirements in effect at the time of entrance into a program, consult with an academic advisor or with the Office of Registration and Records.

Contact Information

Department of Allied Sciences
North Dakota State University
Dept #2680
Po Box: 6050
Sudro Hall 118U
Fargo, ND 58108-6050

Tel: (701) 231-8713
Fax: (701) 231-7606
Email: Kris.Errett@ndsu.edu
Web: www.ndsu.edu/alliedsciences/

Office of Admission

North Dakota State University
Ceres 114
Dept 5230, PO Box 6050
Fargo, ND 58108-6050

Tel: (701) 231-8643
Fax: (701) 231-8802
Email: NDSU.Admission@ndsu.edu
Web: www.ndsu.edu/admission/

(09/12)