Bachelor’s in Medical Laboratory Science
One of the largest face-to-face programs of its kind in the United States, the accredited medical laboratory science bachelor’s program at Tarleton is a 3+1-year, university-based professional degree program. This means you complete three years of required undergraduate course work at Tarleton or another college or university, then transfer to Tarleton’s Fort Worth campus for a professional year of medical laboratory science training.
The 16-month cohort program includes a period of intensive study in lecture classes and basic laboratory and instrumentation techniques, with graduate-level coursework, followed by a period of clinical practice. Program graduates will be awarded a Professional Certificate from Tarleton and are eligible to take the national MLS Board of Certification exam through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
Our accredited bachelor’s degree program in medical laboratory science will prepare you as a certified laboratory professional for leadership roles in Texas and across the country. Work in an exciting, changing field with new techniques and technologies for a meaningful career in health care.
What is Medical Laboratory Science?
Medical laboratory science is also known as clinical laboratory science, medical technology and laboratory medicine. Medical laboratory scientists examine, analyze, identify, test and evaluate data for identifying and treating disease. These professionals use sophisticated instrumentation and medical technology, as well as highly skilled manual techniques, to uncover and provide vital laboratory analyses for accurate and effective diagnoses that save lives and improve global health. Medical laboratory scientists are essential health care workers responsible for ensuring the quality of testing and results.
Our certified medical laboratory scientists excel at combining theoretical knowledge with clinical training to achieve results. If you love math and science, are fascinated by the human body and enjoy solving puzzles, a career as a laboratory professional may be right for you. According to Jobs Rated Almanac, jobs in medical laboratory science are growing at a rate of 25%. Currently, many parts of the country are experiencing a shortage of laboratory professionals, resulting in good job opportunities and security, as well as higher salaries, for our graduates.
What Can You Do With Your Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Laboratory Science?
Estimated Completion
120 Credit Hours (4 years)
Application Process
Cost
Locations Available
1Admission to some outreach locations, excluding select programs in Fort Worth, requires a minimum of 24 transferable credit hours, a 2.0 GPA and that a student be TSI complete.
College
Certified medical laboratory scientists can find jobs in a variety of fields, such as research, forensic science and law enforcement, health care administration, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, organ donation and blood banking, veterinary medicine, sales and service, cosmetics and food science.
The Tarleton MLS bachelor’s degree program has a reputation of excellence in the region, and our graduates are highly sought after. Most of them work in clinical laboratories, but a variety of MLS jobs are available, such as:
- Laboratory Information Systems Manager
- Research and Product Developer
- Laboratory Computer Specialist
- Laboratory Manager
- Chief Technologist
- Laboratory Supervisor
- Cytogenetics Technologist
- Senior Clinical Technologist
- Quality Assurance Manager
Higher levels of training, which you can get through Tarleton’s MS in Medical Laboratory Science, also are available, if you want to specialize in a particular field.
Careers in Medical Laboratory Science
Our accredited bachelor’s degree program in medical laboratory science has a proven track record of educating undergraduate students to become contributing members of the laboratory profession. In recent years, 100% of our graduates have received national certification, and 100% of our graduates are either employed or seeking continued education within six months of graduation.
How Much Do Medical Laboratory Science Graduates Make?
The median annual salary for medical laboratory scientists in Texas is over $67,000, according to the American Society of Clinical Pathology.
Why Major in Medical Laboratory Science?
Our accredited bachelor’s degree program in medical laboratory science thoroughly prepares undergraduate students for successful careers by providing an excellent education with hands-on training.
The Tarleton State University Medical Laboratory Science (MLS/MT) program is fully accredited by NAACLS, the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences.
Undergraduate students in the accredited MLS BS degree program are guaranteed placement for clinical rotations. We work with over 30 area laboratories to offer you a clinical practicum experience that best fits your interests and goals.
Undergraduate research is built into the curriculum. We provide several opportunities throughout the bachelor’s degree program to get involved with research, with possibilities for presenting research posters at professional conferences in Texas and the United States.
As an MLS major, you may be able to broaden your education, expand learning opportunities and enhance your college experience by studying abroad.
We are committed to quality teaching through expansive clinical experiences, innovative course work and scientific research. With doctoral degrees and national certification in medical laboratory science, we have a broad range of research interests and will foster your own interests and development.
Medical laboratory science majors may qualify for program scholarships, in addition to private and university scholarships and federal financial aid.
What Classes Will You Take as a Medical Laboratory Science Major?
The first period of our bachelor’s degree program in medical laboratory science focuses on intensive course work and basic training in medical technology instrumentation and manual techniques. Explore topics in immunohematology (blood banking), clinical microbiology, hematology and hemostasis, parasitology, medical diagnostics, urinalysis, molecular pathology, laboratory management and more.
View all required classes for the medical laboratory science bachelor’s degree.
Accreditations
How Do You Get Started on Your Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Laboratory Science?
Take the next step toward earning your bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science. We have the resources to help you get started.
Learn more about the accredited bachelor’s degree program in medical laboratory science on campus in Fort Worth. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are holding virtual open house sessions until June.
Tarleton’s BS/MLS dual degree program features an integrated curriculum that allows you to earn your bachelor’s degree with certification and master’s degree in medical laboratory science in the same length of time as it would take to earn your bachelor’s. Students have to meet certain eligibility requirements and standards to get accepted into this program.
Join student and professional organizations such as the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science and the American Society for Clinical Pathology for educational, professional development and networking opportunities.