Medical Laboratory Science
Medical laboratory scientists perform analytical procedures and operate complex instruments to test blood and body fluids, providing critical data that help physicians diagnose and treat patients, monitor diseases, and implement prevention strategies. Because these tests play such a vital role in medical care, laboratory scientists must not only carry them out with scientific precision and accuracy but also thoroughly understand the scientific principles and clinical implications behind the results.
You work across key laboratory disciplines, including chemistry, hematology, microbiology, urinalysis, immunohematology, and immunology. Beyond running tests, these professionals help interpret results in the context of patient information and clearly communicate their findings to the healthcare team. You also monitor quality control, conduct research, develop new tests and methodologies, and supervise lab personnel. While patient interaction is limited, you play a crucial and valued role within the healthcare team.
To learn more about pursuing an education and career in medical lab science visit:
Your path to a bachelor's of science degree with a major in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) includes three years of academic coursework, and an 11- to 12-month professional class and clinical experience/ internship within one of NDSU's affiliated hospital programs. All affiliated programs are accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS). Students pursuing medical laboratory science should have an interest and aptitude in the sciences, particularly chemistry and biology.
Graduates of the MLS program, are eligible to complete a national certifying exam administered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP BOC). Although not a guarantee of individual results, historically, NDSU graduates enjoy excellent job placement and pass rates on the ASCP BOC exam.
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.
ents 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.
- 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)
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.