Medical Laboratory Science (formerly Medical Technology)

College of Health and Human Services

504 Life Sciences Building, 419-372-8109

The mission of the MLS program is to prepare its graduates to accurately perform laboratory tests on blood and body fluid specimens that aid in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of disease and to advance the knowledge of medical laboratory science.

Certified medical laboratory scientists (formerly medical technologists) perform tests that aid in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. Medical laboratory science is composed of five clinical laboratory sciences: blood banking, clinical chemistry, hematology, immunology, and microbiology. Collectively, applications taken from each of these disciplines enable clinicians to make a comprehensive assessment of each patient. Most medical laboratory scientists work in laboratories. They may be located in hospitals, clinics, physicians' offices, research centers, industrial and commercial settings. Medical laboratory scientists also work in the areas of biotechnology, toxicology, and various specialties such as cytogenetics and transplantation. Medical laboratory scientists may pursue careers in laboratory supervision, management, education, customer training or sales (instrumentation, pharmaceuticals, and new technology).

Students are encouraged to acquire a liberal arts education during the first three years while completing the prerequisite science courses. The senior year is devoted to professional study and training through lectures, laboratory instruction, seminars, and supervised clinical practice at an affiliated hospital laboratory. Upon successful completion of the program, students receive a bachelor of science in Medical Laboratory Science (formerly Medical Technology) and certificate of clinical training, and are eligible to take either of the national certification examinations for medical laboratory scientists. The professional studies program in Medical Laboratory Science (formerly Medical Technology) is fully accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), 8410 West Bryn Maur Avenue, Chicago, IL 60631-3415, (773) 714-8880. The major also prepares students for entry into graduate or professional school.

While acceptance to the program may occur at any time, application to professional training is required and is normally submitted during the junior year. Admission is granted to applicants who have a GPA of 2.5 or higher, have completed all program course requirements with a grade of "C" or better, and are chosen for a clinical practicum position at one of the program's affiliate hospitals. The clinical affiliates of the program include: Blanchard Valley Regional Health Center, Defiance Regional Medical Center, Firelands Regional Medical Center, Flower Hospital, Fremont Memorial Hospital, Fulton County Health Center, University of Toledo Medical Center, Mercy Integrated Laboratories, New Vision Medical Laboratories of St. Rita’s Medical Center, The Toledo Hospital, and Wood County Hospital. The professional studies program provides experience in research as well as in clinical practice. As an alternative, students may apply for their professional training through an accredited hospital-based program that is affiliated with the University.

Students who enter the program as a freshman should complete the degree in four-and-one-half years. Students who transfer from another university or major may require more time to complete the pre-professional portion.

A grade point average of 2.5 or better must be maintained throughout the professional training program. During professional training, no more than one course in which a "D" or "F" has been earned may be repeated. A student may not proceed through the practicum portion until all prerequisites have been completed with a grade of "C" or better.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students in Medical Laboratory Science (formerly Medical Technology) are expected to:

• Perform routine and complex laboratory procedures (blood banking, clinical chemistry, immunology, hematology, and microbiology) accurately;
• Correlate results of laboratory tests to their clinical significance and make appropriate recommendations;
• Perform quality control and assurance procedures, implementing and documenting corrective action as appropriate;
• Recognize unsafe conditions, correct them, and encourage others to improve laboratory safety techniques;
• Communicate effectively with physicians, patients, and other members of the health care team;
• Meet professional expectations with respect to the code of ethics for medical technologists;
• Critically evaluate new instrumentation and methods, and develop new procedures;
• Read and understand medical literature, and critically evaluate research findings.

Fall 2017 course requirements

With departmental approval, students may complete their senior year at an accredited hospital-based training program in medical technology which has an affiliation agreement with BGSU. Courses that comprise the hospital-based program are MEDT 4020 through 4070.