Medical Laboratory Science

The Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Program at Saginaw Valley State University prepares students for careers in laboratory medicine through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory experiences, and supervised clinical practicum training. The program is committed to developing scientifically knowledgeable, technically competent, and professionally prepared graduates who contribute to high-quality patient care and public health. In support of its mission, the program seeks to help address the ongoing regional and national shortage of Medical Laboratory Scientists by preparing entry-level professionals who are ready to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare workforce. 

About the Profession: 
Medical Laboratory Scientists are healthcare professionals who perform, develop, evaluate, correlate and assure accuracy and validity of laboratory information; they direct and supervise clinical laboratory resources and operations; and they collaborate in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.  

 At career entry, the MLS will be proficient in performing the full range of clinical laboratory tests in areas such as hematology, clinical chemistry, immunohematology, microbiology, serology/immunology, coagulation, molecular, and other emerging diagnostics, and will play a role in the development and evaluation of test systems and interpretive algorithms. The MLS will have responsibilities in areas of analysis as well as clinical decision-making, regulatory compliance, education, and quality assurance/performance improvement wherever laboratory testing is researched, developed or performed. The MLS will also possess basic knowledge, skills, and relevant experiences in financial operations, information management and research design/practice.  

 Essential qualities of the clinical laboratory professional include the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, the capacity for calm and reasoned judgment, and the demonstration of commitment to the patient reflected in professional, ethical, and moral attitudes and principles.  

Overview of the Program and Degree Progression: 
Curriculum consists of multidisciplinary pre-requisite coursework in the general and health sciences. Admittance is competitive and requires an application and demonstration of eligibility requirements. Once admitted, students complete one-year of professional phase lecture and laboratory coursework, followed by a 22-week clinical practicum (fieldwork) at a regional or state affiliate hospital laboratory. After successfully completing all program requirements, students can enter the clinical laboratory profession and are eligible to take a national certification exam to enhance opportunities for employment and scope of practice.  

The program is designed to accommodate approximately 30 students annually, with up to 15–16 students admitted to each cohort. Enrollment may vary based on available resources. The program’s small cohort model fosters a supportive learning environment that promotes meaningful interactions with faculty, strong peer relationships, individualized feedback, and professional mentorship throughout the educational experience. 

Summary Timeline: 

1. APPLY TO SVSU AS A PRE-MLS MAJOR 

Students must be admitted to and enrolled in a degree-seeking pathway at Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) and complete all institutional and program-specific graduation requirements to earn the degree. Admission to SVSU does not guarantee acceptance into the Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) program.  

2. YEAR 1-2: COMPLETE GENERAL EDUCATION AND PRE-REQUISITE COURSEWORK 

Prior to admission, students complete general education and program prerequisite coursework (2.5 years), including foundational studies in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and related sciences. See Professional Phase Requirements for specific requirements. 

3. SUMMER/FALL YEAR 3: APPLY TO THE PROFESSIONAL PHASE OF THE PROGRAM 

The Winter semester serves as the sole entry point into the professional phase of the MLS program and marks the beginning of the professional curriculum sequence. Prospective students must apply for admission to the professional phase in the prior calendar year, according to the Admission Criteria and Procedures outlined below. 

4. WINTER YEAR 3 – FALL YEAR 4: COMPLETE MLS LECTURE AND LABORATORY COURSEWORK 

Following admission, students complete three semesters of rigorous lecture and laboratory coursework designed to develop the scientific knowledge, technical skills, critical thinking abilities, and professional behaviors expected of entry-level Medical Laboratory Scientists. Coursework is delivered primarily through face-to-face instruction and incorporates a combination of didactic, laboratory, and applied learning experiences. 

5. WINTER/SPRING YEAR 4: CONDUCT CLINICAL PRACTICUM (FIELDWORK) – OFF CAMPUS 

After successfully completing professional coursework, progression requirements, and laboratory competency assessments, students enter a 22-week clinical practicum at one or more affiliated healthcare laboratories. During this immersive experience, students apply their knowledge in real-world clinical settings while working under the supervision of experienced laboratory professionals. Clinical education provides exposure to all major laboratory disciplines and supports the development of entry-level competence required for professional practice. 

6. SPRING YEAR 4: GRADUATE AND JOIN THE HEALTHCARE WORKFORCE 

Upon successful completion of all academic and clinical requirements, students are awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Laboratory Science. Graduates are eligible to sit for national certification examinations, most commonly through the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP BOC). Certification is widely recognized by employers and enhances professional opportunities within the laboratory sciences. 

Contact the MLS program director, Margot Alvey, at mmlondon@svsu.edu, to discuss your career goals and see if the field of MLS is a good fit for you!