Medical Laboratory Science Professional Program/Internship
Students apply for internship during the year they complete all coursework. You will work closely with your NDSU MLS advisor to prepare for a successful internship application. The professional-level internship is a rigorous full-time, 40-hour/week commitment to learning the theory and competencies of MLS and completed at one of our affiliated sites.
Admission to an internship is selective and based upon
- Declared NDSU MLS major
- Coursework completed and academic progress
- Cumulative and science grade point averages
- References
- Career motivation & related experience
- Personal interview
- Satisfactory criminal background and adherence to conduct requirements
- Ability to complete the essential functions established by the affiliated hospital program
The internship includes lecture and "hands-on" bench instruction in phlebotomy, clinical chemistry, hematology, immunology, immunohematology, urinalysis, microbiology, education, management, and research methods.
Affiliated Sites
- Colorado Center for Medical Laboratory Science (Aurora, CO)
- Mercy College of Health Sciences (Des Moines, IA)
- Mercy Medical Center-Sioux City (Sioux City, IA)
- Nebraska Methodist Hospital (Omaha, NE)
- Sanford Health Medical Center (Fargo, ND)
- St. Luke's College (Sioux City, IA)
- St. Luke's Hospital (Cedar Rapids, IA)
Internship Grading
Students are regularly evaluated by on-site hospital faculty and clinical preceptors during the internship. The internship consists of class and clinical courses for which the hospital program awards letter grades on an official hospital transcript. Clinical performance is evaluated using a competency-based evaluation system. NDSU awards a "P" grade ('Pass') for each semester of enrollment in MLS 496-Field Experience/Internship, signifying satisfactory progress toward completing internship requirements.
Tuition and Expenses
During the internship, students enroll at NDSU for MLS 496-Field Experience/Internship credit. A maximum of 30 credits from NDSU will be awarded for successful completion of internship class and clinical experiences within the affiliated hospital's program. The 30 credits are distributed as follows: 6 credits for one summer session and 12 credits for each fall and spring semester enrolled.
Tuition and student fees are paid to NDSU at the student's regular resident rate. Students who qualify to receive financial aid through NDSU may continue to do so during the internship. NDSU sends each hospital program a designated portion of tuition collected from the student each semester to assist in covering the hospital tuition and expenses associated with internship participation. Internships are exempt from tuition assistance grants such as spouse/dependent and cultural diversity discounts that reduce tuition below the ND resident rate.
Besides NDSU tuition and student fees, student interns may also pay some associated internship fees directly to the hospital program to cover expenses like textbooks, activity or clinical fees, and mock board exams. Uniforms may be purchased through the hospital, a uniform specialty shop or other provider. Once accepted into the internship, the hospital program will provide the student with more information about the non-NDSU-related program expenses. Students are responsible for providing their own living accommodations and transportation during the internship.