Medical Laboratory Science

Major

As a medical laboratory scientist students will be playing a key role in the ever growing healthcare system. Nearly 70% of all tests ordered by physicians are performed by certified medical laboratory scientists. These test results aid in patient diagnosis and treatment as well as provide for monitoring and prevention of the spread of disease in the community.

Once students earn their MLS degree, their knowledge and skills will put them in a select group of highly sought after professionals. There is a serious growing demand for medial laboratory scientists in hospital labs, private biomedical service laboratories, medical research labs, etc. all across the country.

Thomas More University is affiliated with the clinical laboratory program of Saint Elizabeth Hospital in Covington, Kentucky. The medical laboratory science program at St. Elizabeth is accredited by the National Accreditation Agency for Clinical Lab Science (NAACLS) of Chicago, IL.

The first three years of the program are accomplished at Thomas More University and give students a strong background in biology, chemistry, and the liberal arts. During the third year, students apply to the School of Medical Laboratory Science at nearby St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center.

Students spend the final (fourth) undergraduate year taking classes in this program. The program accommodates six students each year and consists of laboratory-centered courses in which the individual is able to process actual patient samples while still a student at Thomas More. All students will be thoroughly trained in the latest technology using many sophisticated state-of-the-art computerized biomedical instruments at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital Medical Laboratory Program. This is a 12-month program of professional study, beginning in July after their junior year.

Course work at the hospital includes but is not limited to the following areas: Clinical chemistry, special chemistry, urinalysis, microbiology, hematology, immunohematology, serology, cytology/histology techniques. The student will receive their degree in medical laboratory science from Thomas More.

In the past 10 years, all of Thomas More University’s MLS graduates have been offered jobs prior to their graduation date. Thomas More is very proud of all of our alumni, and invite you to be the next to join them.

The student’s first 3 years will involve taking typically 17 or 18 credit hours per semester. Courses will cover the needed sciences (biology, chemistry, physics, and math) as well as a modified set of core courses for your BS in a liberal arts tradition.

The student’s 4th year will be at your accepted clinical laboratory site. The course credits from their clinical course work will transfer back to Thomas More and they will graduate in 4 years with a degree.

During the student’s 4th year students are still registered as students at Thomas More and can still reside in one of our residence halls if desired.

​During your first 3 years you will be learning from Thomas More faculty that are trained in diverse areas of expertise. Students will gain their biological training from faculty who hold PhD’s in areas: including biochemistry, immunology, molecular and population genetics, anatomy and physiology, botany, and microbiology. During the student’s clinical year they will be learning from clinical instructors who work at the lab bench and are certified clinical instructors.

​Alumni who earned their MLS degree work in hospital Labs all throughout the country.

​Students spend the final (fourth) undergraduate year taking classes in this program. The program accommodates six students each year and consists of laboratory-centered courses in which the individual is able to process actual patient samples while still a student at Thomas More. All students will be thoroughly trained in the latest technology using many sophisticated state-of-the-art computerized biomedical instruments at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital Medical Laboratory Program. This is a 12-month program of professional study, beginning in July after their junior year.

​A strong science and math background with strong ACT scores will help assure students to complete required coursework in first 3 years in the 3:1 program. For those needing to strengthen their initial college science courses prior to applying to their clinical year they can apply for the clinical program following their fourth year and still be successful with a 4:1 program.

There is a ​$1,000 per year scholarship for a selected student majoring in MLS.

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