B.S., Medical Laboratory Science

National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) provides the following description: at career entry, the medical laboratory scientist will be proficient in performing clinical laboratory tests in areas such as hematology, clinical chemistry, immunohematology, microbiology, serology/immunology, coagulation, molecular and other emerging diagnostics and will be able to play a role in the development and evaluation of test systems and interpretive algorithms. The graduates will have diverse responsibilities in areas of analysis and clinical decision-making, regulatory compliance with applicable regulations, education, and quality assurance/performance improvement. They will also possess basic knowledge, skills and relevant experience in:

• Communications to enable consultative interactions with members of the healthcare team, external relations, customer service and patient education.
• Financial operations, marketing and human resource management of the clinical laboratory to enable cost-effective high quality, value added laboratory services.
• Information management to enable effective, timely, accurate and cost-effective reporting of laboratory-generated information.
• Research design/practice sufficient to evaluate published studies as an informed consumer.

Upon graduation and initial employment, the Medical Laboratory Scientist should be able to demonstrate entry level competencies in the above areas of professional practice. Students are eligible to sit for national certification exams in medical laboratory science after completion of the program.

Program Outcomes for B.S.-MLS

The specific educational outcomes for the program are to produce graduates who:

• Demonstrate entry-level competencies for medical laboratory scientists in the following disciplines: Hematology, Chemistry, Immunology, Blood Bank, Urine and Body Fluid Analysis, Microbiology and Laboratory Operations.
• Demonstrate professional behavior including sound work ethics, cultural responsiveness and appearance while interacting with patients and healthcare professionals.
• Evaluate published studies as an informed consumer.
  
• Demonstrate continuing competency by certification maintenance.
• Use educator skills to create and deliver an instructional unit.
• Use laboratory management skills to plan, organize, staff and cost out a new clinical laboratory service.
  
• Demonstrate a commitment to the laboratory profession through active involvement in a professional organization.

Admission Requirements

General Admission Requirements

General Admission Requirements for all students entering programs offered by the Medical Laboratory Science Department include:

1. Complete the admission process for UAA.
2. Complete the Baccalaureate Degree Programs Admission Requirements listed in the UAA Catalog.
3. Complete and submit the following forms the Medical Laboratory Science Program:
   
   
   • Student History Form
   • Pre-entrance Medical Record
   • Essential Requirements for Admission
   • Enrollment Policy Form
   
   
4. High School diploma or GED equivalency.
5. Meet with the Medical Laboratory Science Program advisor regarding application, program admission and development of a program of study.
6. Prior to enrollment in either MEDT A101 or MEDT A132, students complete the Pre-entrance Medical Record. All immunizations must be signed by a health care provider. The Hepatitis Series must be started and all other immunizations completed prior to the first day of class.
7. Prior to enrolling in a practicum (MEDT A195A, MEDT A195B, MEDT A395 or MEDT A495*) students must:
   
   -Demonstrate computer competency in the prerequisite MEDT courses.
   -Have completed a background check from the State of Alaska at the following link: https://abcs.dhss.alaska.gov
   -Provide proof of personal medical insurance coverage.

The Medical Laboratory Science Department assumes no responsibility for illness or injuries experienced by students in conjunction with student labs. It is strongly recommended that students maintain personal medical insurance while enrolled in any of the programs offered by the Medical Laboratory Science Department. Students enrolled in practicum (MEDT A195A, MEDT A195B, MEDT A395 or MEDT A495) must provide their own transportation to the clinical facility. Personal protective equipment is provided by the training facility. The clinical facilities require proof of medical insurance coverage; therefore, students are required to maintain personal medical insurance while enrolled in practicum courses. Medical insurance is available through the Student Health Center. Liability insurance is purchased by the Medical Laboratory Science Department to cover the student’s practicum. The Occupational Endorsement certificates, AAS and B.S. degrees are not contingent upon the students passing any type of external certification or licensure examination.

* An alternate route to meet the degree requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science has been established for students who have completed the Major Requirements for the AAS degree in Medical Laboratory Technology. MEDT A395 Medical Laboratory Technology Practicum (12 credits) will be substituted for one semester of MEDT A495 Medical Laboratory Science Practicum (12 credits). The MEDT A495 required for the alternate route will be customized in order to cover any material that is normally covered in the first semester of MEDT A495 that is not covered in MEDT A395. 

Please see our advising brochure for courses related to the B.S.-MLS Degree program or view our Course Sequencing Form.