Medical Laboratory Science Accreditation

Program Outcomes for Accreditation 

The Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) program at Saginaw Valley State University has been continuously accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) since 2012. As a NAACLS-accredited program, the curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for entry-level practice as Medical Laboratory Scientists by developing the technical, scientific, critical thinking, and professional competencies expected of the profession. 

Program curriculum is guided by NAACLS entry-level competencies as well as content guidelines published by national certification organizations, including the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP BOC) and American Medical Technologists (AMT). Graduates of the SVSU MLS Program are eligible to pursue national certification through these organizations. While certification is not required nationally or by all states, it is preferred or required by most employers and is strongly encouraged by the program. 

NAACLS-accredited programs are required to monitor and publish program outcomes, including certification examination pass rates, graduation rates, attrition rates, and placement (employment or continuing education) rates. These outcomes provide important indicators of program effectiveness and graduate success. 

SVSU MLS Program Outcomes 

Program outcomes for the past three years are found in the table, below. The SVSU MLS Program is committed to maintaining outcomes that exceed NAACLS accreditation benchmarks while preparing graduates for successful careers in laboratory medicine. Program outcome data for recent years are provided below.

1: 2022-2024 graduates sought certification through ASCP BOC only. 2025 graduate data combines both ASCP BOC and AMT certification pass-rates.  

2: NAACLS’ exam pass rate calculations include all graduates who passed the exam within one-year after graduation. 

3: Graduation Date: between July 1st of graduation year and June 30th the following year. 

4: Three year average = Using Class of 2023, 2024, and 2025 data

1: NAACLS’ placement rate calculations include all graduates who obtain a job in the field or a closely related field and those pursuing further education.  

2: Graduation Date: between July 1st of graduation year and June 30th the following year. 

3: Three-year average = Using Class of 2023, 2024, and 2025 data. 

1: NAACLS’ graduation rate calculations include all students who enter the second half of the program and graduate. Attrition rate calculations do not include students leaving the program voluntarily or involuntarily during the first half. 

2: Graduation Date: between July 1st of graduation year and June 30th the following year. 

3: Three-year average = Using Class of 2023, 2024, and 2025 data. 

SOURCES: 

ASCP Examinations and Credentials – Insights and Analytics 

AMT Candidate Handbook 

CEO’S Corner: Findings from the 2024 Annual Survey - NAACLS 

National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
5600 N. River Rd., Suite 720
Rosemont, IL  60018-5119
Phone:  773-714-8880
Web:  http://www.naacls.org