Welcome to the web pages for the Medical Laboratory Science Program at The University of Findlay! Thank you for being so interested in our program.
The University of Findlay's (UF) medical laboratory science (MLS) major prepares students to enter an accredited clinical educational program. Our MLS program is designed for three years at UF and one year at a UF-recognized medical laboratory science training program. Specifically, we offer a coordinated 3 + 1 program in which students can apply to transition after three years at UF into one of the NAACLS-accredited affiliate programs. The UF-affiliated programs are the Cleveland Clinic School of Medical Laboratory Science Program, the Mercy Health Mercy Integrated Medical Laboratory Science Program, and the Ohio Northern University West Central Ohio Medical Laboratory Science Program. Upon successfully completing the program, students receive a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Medical Laboratory Science from UF. They are eligible to apply for the national examination for certification as a medical laboratory scientist, given by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
In the fall (Summer Start) semester of their preclinical year, students apply to Cleveland Clinic's or Mercy Health's MLS program; and in the spring (Fall Start) semester, students apply to Ohio Northern University's MLS program. Example criteria used, by each of the MLS programs, to determine admission include the academic record, related field experience, and a personal interview. Acceptance for this last year is not guaranteed, and admission to a program is competitive.
The program courses are oriented toward job performance, theory, and clinical correlation. Students are placed in varied practice settings. They are also oriented to the need for continuing education and leadership in the planning and management of laboratory services. The programs are specifically designed to facilitate student progress and promote career development in any geographic location.
Medical laboratory scientists are medical professionals that develop, perform and troubleshoot the assays and methods for the analysis of blood, tissue, and body fluids in diagnostic laboratories. Laboratory testing is used for diagnosis, prognosis, or risk determination and monitoring of therapy.
A medical laboratory scientist must have a broad background in clinical biochemistry, microbiology, immunohematology (transfusion medicine), hematology and coagulation, and molecular diagnostics to function in today's modern diagnostic laboratory. Concepts in laboratory management, regulation and accreditation, and statistical concepts are also of fundamental importance.
If you are currently deciding on a career path, here are a few reasons to consider enrolling in our program:
Medical laboratory scientists have a unique combination of theoretical and technical skills that make them employable in a number of job environments including hospital laboratories, clinics, research laboratories, industry, sales, technical support, administration and education to name a few.
Medical laboratory scientists are in great demand and are highly sought after by clinical laboratories here and across the country and the forecast for job opportunities remains excellent.
If you are interested in medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicinene, medical laboratory science is an excellent pre-professional curriculum.
On behalf of the MLS program, I extend our best wishes for your success in your academic career here at UF. Please explore our website and discover why the UF MLS program may be the perfect place for your professional training.
I hope that you will consider our program, and look forward to the possibility of meeting and working with you in the future! Let us know if we can answer any questions you may have or be of assistance (email [email protected], or call 419-434-4708).
Sincerely,
Lucas Gross
MS, CNMT, RT(N)(ARRT), NMTCB(CT)(RS)
Director of MLS at UF
College of Health Professions
The University of Findlay