Beyond the Classroom: Medical Laboratory Science
Key Resources
Academic Advisors
Visit the NatSci Advising page for contact information and instructions for scheduling an appointment
Department Website
Visit the department website for important updates and information
Major Requirements
Visit the Office of the Registrar's website for detailed information about requirements
A limited enrollment major designed to prepare students for a career as a certified Medical Laboratory Scientist.
Skills and Competencies
- Laboratory Techniques – Develop advanced skills in performing and analyzing laboratory tests on biological
samples, including techniques in clinical chemistry, hematology, immunology, and microbiology - Analytical Skills – Assess and solve problems related to laboratory processes and data interpretation
- Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics – Advanced clinical laboratory techniques, ensuring accurate and reliable diagnostic results in clinical and research settings
This Major Could Be For You If:
- You are committed to achieving national certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) and pursuing a career in medical laboratory settings
- You are interested in understanding the mechanisms of diseases and their biochemical, molecular, and immunological aspects
- You want to know more about clinical chemistry, hematology, molecular diagnostics, microbiology, and immunohematology
Common Questions
When do I apply for this major?
Students must declare the Biomedical Laboratory Science major and apply to the medical laboratory science major in their junior year.
What is the difference between this major & the BLS major?
Biomedical Laboratory Science (BLS) is a broader field that includes various aspects of laboratory science and research. Medical Laboratory Science (MLS), on the other hand, specifically prepares students for certification and careers in clinical laboratory settings, focusing on diagnostic testing and patient care. The MLS major also includes an internship, making the program 4 1/2 years instead of 4.
Skill Development
Building your skills takes exploration and experience. These opportunities below are options you may be interested in. These are ideas to get you started; you have the freedom to find what aligns with your goals.
Research Opportunities
- Consider faculty-directed research or off-campus summer programs
- Connect with the Undergraduate Research Office for assistance
Work-Based Learning
- Develop professional skills through on- or off- campus work or internships with the help of the Career Services Network
- Gain experience through volunteer work via the Center for Community Engaged Learning
Career Growth
- Engage with NatSci’s Career Exploration workshops and resources
Campus Involvement
- Connect with other students in clubs like the Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Program Student Association
Education Abroad Ideas
Molecular Biology Research in Dusseldorf
- 11 weeks | Summer
- Exchange
Arcadia Research Abroad (Various locations)
- 6-8 weeks | Summer
- Direct Enroll
To get started with Education Abroad and to explore other programs that suit your goals, check out the MSU Education Abroad website or visit the Education Abroad Advising Center.
Career Exploration
Career exploration is all about discovering the paths that align with your interests, personality, lifestyle, values and skills. Remember, your major doesn’t define your career, and the career cluster examples provided are just a starting point—not an exhaustive list. Explore widely, and keep an open mind as you shape your future!
Clinical Laboratory Science
Careers
- Medical Laboratory Scientist
- Clinical Laboratory Technician
- Hematology Technician
- Clinical Chemist
- Microbiologist
Key Employers
- Hospitals
- Diagnostic Laboratories
- Urgent Care Clinics
- Medical Research Institutions
- Specialty Clinics
- Public Health Laboratories
Strategies
- Obtain national certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)
- Gain laboratory experience through coursework and faculty-led research projects
Laboratory Management & Quality Control
Careers
- Laboratory Manager
- Quality Control Analyst
- Laboratory Supervisor
- Laboratory Director
- Clinical Operations Manager
Key Employers
- Healthcare Systems
- Diagnostic Laboratories
- Pharmaceutical Companies
- Biotechnology Firms
- Research and Development Labs
- Government Health Agencies
Strategies
- Gain experience in supervisory or management roles through internships or part-time work
- Participate in professional development opportunities related to laboratory management
- Obtain national certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)
- Gain laboratory experience through coursework and faculty-led research projects
Research & Development
Careers
- Research Scientist
- Clinical Research Coordinator
- Laboratory Research Technician
- Biomedical Scientist
- Experimental Medicine Scientist
Key Employers
- Academic Research Institutions
- Pharmaceutical Companies
- Biotechnology Companies
- Government Research Agencies
- Non-Profit Research Organizations
- Medical Device Companies
Strategies
- Gain laboratory experience through coursework and faculty-led research projects
- Consider taking coursework focused on experimental design and data analysis
- Consider pursuing a graduate degree to advance in research roles
Looking for more options?