Medical Laboratory Science - Master's
What is a Medical Laboratory Scientist?
Medical laboratory scientists (MLS) are healthcare investigators, who use laboratory analyses to assist healthcare providers in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and disorders. The Master of Science degree programs seek to provide the student with skills and knowledge for professional enhancement. The programs are structured to provide the student with an area of specialization or expertise. Graduates may be candidates for positions as managers, educators, information specialists, research laboratory technologists, etc.
What Will I Learn?
The on-campus program is for students with BS degrees in Biology or Chemistry who do not hold certification as a medical laboratory scientist. This program includes a practicum. The students will complete the MLS BS course and 18 hours of 600 level coursework. Upon completion students are eligible to sit for a nationally recognized certification exam.
Campus students will learn:
- Clinical Bacteriology
- Clinical Chemistry
- Clinical Hematology
- Clinical Immunohematology
- Principals of Clinical Administration and Education
The online program is for Medical Laboratory Science BS degree individuals who hold
ASCP certification. Students will complete 36 hours of coursework online.
Online students will learn:
- Management
- Education
- Oncology
- Toxicology
- Epidemiology
- Microbial Pathogens
- Research
- Current Topics
The program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences. Program graduates are eligible to apply for the certification examination offered by the American Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP-BOC).
NAACLS
5600 N River Road, Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018-5119
Phone: 847.939.3597
Fax: 773.714.8886
ASCP Board of Certification
33 West Monroe Street, Suite 1600
Chicago, IL 60603
Phone: 312.541.4999
Fax: 312.541.4998
MLS Program Performance
| 2015-16 | 2016-17 | 2017-18 | |
| Graduation Rate | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| ASCP Pass Rate 1st attempt | 14/15 93.3% |
11/12 91.7% |
15/16 93.8% |
| Placement Rate within 6 months | 100% | 100% | 100% |
Professional Development
The department faculty are continually working to provide our students with the qualifications that they need to be competent certified laboratory professionals. Our department faculty work closely with our students through professional development activities such as the directed research projects, discussion boards, and comprehensive evaluation of curriculum content. Students will complete both written and oral comprehensive exams on trending healthcare topics with specific attention on laboratory related aspects.
Professional Licensure Disclosure
Completion of The University of Southern Mississippi Medical Laboratory Science degree program does not guarantee employment in the medical/clinical laboratory profession. Prior to enrollment, students are responsible for confirming all education, certification, and licensing requirements in the medical/clinical laboratory profession as the requirements may vary state to state. The USM Medical Laboratory Science degree program is designed to meet the ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology) certification requirements and may not meet licensing requirements for all states. For accurate requirements please check with the appropriate state licensing board where you wish to work for more information.
Availability
| Degree Plan | Availability |
|---|---|
| Medical Laboratory Science MS | Hattiesburg, Online 100% |
- Laboratory Directory
- Regulatory Inspector
- Laboratory Education Educator
- Quality Control Manager
- Biomedical Research
- Infectious Disease Director
- G. Shane Hendricks, MS, MT (ASCP) Retired Air Force 2007
Microbiology Department Supervisor Parrish Medical Center, Titusville, FL - Alicia Williams BS, MLS (ASCP) 2016
Clinical Health Facility Supervisor (CLIA Surveyor) Oklahoma State Health Department Oklahoma City, OK
- James J. Hamilton MS, MLS (ASCP) Retired Air Force 2017
Core Laboratory Supervisor Barnes-Jewish Hospital St. Louis, MO - Jennifer Fendinger MS, MSED, MT (ASCP) 2016
Allied Health Program Director Bryant & Stratton College Buffalo, NY
- Cassie D. Scherff, Capt. USAF BSC 2014
Diagnostics and Therapeutics Flight Commander Maxwell AFB, AL - Beth P. White, MS, MT(ASCP) BS 1982 MS 2005
Director of Laboratory Services Memorial Hospital at Gulfport Gulfport, MS