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Bouvˇ College of Health Sciences - Curriculum Guide

Medical Laboratory Science
(School of Health Professions)

The Department of Medical Laboratory Science prepares professionals in the laboratory disciplines of clinical chemistry, hematology, immunohematology, immunology, and microbiology. Medical laboratory scientists (medical technologists) perform diagnostic test procedures using state-of-the-art computerized analyzers. They are responsible for overseeing patient specimen collection, and for test accuracy, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency in reporting results to physicians. Physicians rely on laboratory tests to establish a diagnosis and to determine therapy. Traditionally the program has prepared students for positions in health-care delivery, but, through cooperative education experiences, it also offers students the opportunity to explore positions in biological, chemical, and medical research, the biotechnology industry, and governmental agencies. Many graduates enter responsible positions in these areas. The curriculum also provides excellent preparation for advanced studies in graduate and professional schools.

The five-year program leads to a Bachelor of Science degree. Students begin the experiential learning phase of the program during their sophomore year, with cooperative education placements in regional institutions. Upper-class students have the opportunity for international placements. Recently students have had co-ops in Sweden and the United Kingdom. In their junior and senior years students receive formal clinical training at some of metropolitan BostonÕs finest health-care facilities. To enter clinical training students must complete all prerequisite courses and maintain an acceptable quality-point average. Graduates of the Bachelor of Science program are eligible for national certification examinations as medical technologists and clinical laboratory scientists. Some states require additional licensure examinations.

The department also offers a three-year Associate in Science program that culminates in eligibility for national certification examinations at the level of medical or clinical laboratory technician. Students may use this option to enter the medical laboratory profession. Qualified students may apply associate-degree coursework toward subsequent studies for the baccalaureate degree. See course descriptions for more information.

Bachelor of Science Curriculum

Quarter 1	BIO 1108, General Biology; BIO 1608, General Biology Lab; CHM 1111, General Chemistry 1; ENG 1110, College Writing 1; MLS 1101, MLS Orientation 1; and MTH 1106, Functions and Algebra or MTH 1107, Functions and Basic Calculus.
Quarter 2	BIO 1109, Animal Biology; BIO 1609, Animal Biology Lab; MLS 1102, MLS Orientation 2; MLS 1104, Laboratory Techniques; PHY 1201, Physics 1; PHY 1501, Physics 1 Laboratory (optional); and one elective.
Quarter 3	CHM 1122, General Chemistry 2; ENG 1111, College Writing 2; MLS 1112, Renal Physiology and Urinalysis; MLS 1212, Urinalysis Laboratory; PHY 1202, Physics 2; and PHY 1502, Physics 2 Laboratory.
Quarter 4	CHM 1264, Organic Chemistry 1; MLS 1125, Hematology; MLS 1225, Hematology Laboratory; PAH 1202, Anatomy-Physiology 1; and one elective.
Quarter 5	CHM 1265, Organic Chemistry 2; MLS 1172, Basic Immunology; PAH 1204, Anatomy-Physiology 2; and one or two electives.
Quarter 6	BIO 1282, Genetics; BIO 1660, Genetics Lab; MLS 1145, Microbiology; MLS 1245, Microbiology Laboratory; and MLS 1672, Immunopathology.
Quarter 7	BIO 1283, Introductory Biochemistry; BIO 1661, Introductory Biochemistry Lab; ENG 1380, Writing for the Health Professions; MLS 1648, Advanced Microbiology; MLS 1649, Parasitology and Mycology; and one elective (optional).
Quarter 8	MLS 1132, Immunohematology; MLS 1152, Clinical Chemistry; CHM 1221, Analytical Chemistry; MLS 1232, Immunohematology Laboratory; MLS 1661, MLS Education; and one elective (optional).
Quarter 9	MLS 1252, Clinical Chemistry and Instrumentation Laboratory; MLS 1621, Advanced Hematology 1; MLS 1623, Special Topics in Hemostasis; MLS 1631, Advanced Immunohematology; MLS 1656, Advanced Clinical Chemistry; one elective and one optional elective.
Quarter 10	MLS 1523, Hematology MT Applied Study; MLS 1544, Clinical Microbiology MT Applied Study; and MLS 1573, Immunology 1 MT Applied Study 2.
Quarter 11	MLS 1533, Immunohematology MT Applied Study; MLS 1552, MT Clinical Chemistry Applied Study; MLS 1574, Immunology 2 MT Applied Study; and MLS 1665, Medical Laboratory Management.

Minor Curriculum

This minor provides students majoring in other science fields an opportunity to explore the principles of the biological and chemical sciences as applied in the medical laboratory. Students may specialize in one of the five categorical areas of Medical Laboratory Science: clinical chemistry, hematology, immunology, immunohematology, or microbiology. Four to five MLS courses are required for each minor. Upon completing the categorical minor and a baccalaureate degree, the student may be eligible for categorical national certification examination based on relevant work experience or completion of clinical applied studies. Interested students must contact the MLS minor adviser in 206 Mugar to select appropriate courses. Prerequisites: General Chemistry 1 and General Biology for all except students specializing in clinical chemistry, who need organic chemistry.

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program

The post-baccalaureate certificate program in medical laboratory science enables students with a baccalaureate degree and sufficient background in the biological and chemical sciences to become eligible for certification in clinical microbiology, clinical chemistry, hematology, immunohematology, or immunology. Depending upon the specialty, students must complete 18 to 23 quarter hours of professional coursework, which must include applied study at an affiliated clinical site. After completing the program, students may be eligible for the national certification examination in a categorical area. Completion requires 12 to 24 months of part-time study depending on prerequisite coursework, specialty chosen, and the timing of a studentÕs entry into the program.

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