Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science Medical Laboratory Science (BSMLS)

Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science 

http://www.odu.edu/mdts/medical-laboratory-science

Program Director:
Rachel Childs, M.S., MLS(ASCP)^CM
College of Health Sciences
4608 Hampton Blvd, Rm 2126
Phone: 757-683-3016
E-mail: rchilds@odu.edu

The medical laboratory scientist plays a vital role in the diagnosis and treatment of disease by performing clinical laboratory tests on patients' blood, body fluids, and other specimens. This includes clinical tests within the areas of chemistry, microbiology, hematology, immunology/serology, urinalysis, immunohematology (blood banking), and molecular pathology.

The program has been continually accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences, 5600 N River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018, 773 714-8880. Due to accreditation, upon successful completion of the program graduates are eligible to take the national certification exam for Medical Laboratory Scientist, administered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology, MLS(ASCP).

Admission

Admission to the University does not constitute admission to the medical laboratory science program. Students are admitted to the program after completion of two years of college study, which includes all program prerequisite courses.  All program prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C (2.00) or better.  Additionally, applicants must be in good academic standing (cumulative GPA 2.0 or greater). The students then enter two years of a combined didactic and clinical phase congruent with the 2 + 2 concept. A grade of C (2.00) or better is required in all medical laboratory science course work for continuance in the program. The program does not offer just the final clinical phase to transfer applicants from 3 + 1 programs. Applications to the program, including all materials, must be submitted no later than February 1 for consideration for admission the following fall. Exemptions may be appealed only through the program director. Prospective students who fail to meet the February 1 deadline for formal admission may be allowed to take on-campus medical laboratory science/medical technology courses on a space-available basis. Permission must be first granted by the program director in advance of registration.

Requirements

Lower-Division General Education

Written Communication: grade of C or better required in both courses

Mathematics: satisfied through departmental requirements

Nature of Science: satisfied through departmental requirements

Oral Communication: satisfied through major course requirements

Philosophy and Ethics: PHIL 345E Bioethics preferred; 300/400 level P or E course meets upper-division general education/Option D

Impact of Technology: 300/400 level preferred; any 300/400 level T course EXCEPT DNTH 440T meets upper-division general education/Option D

Upper-Division General Education

• Option A. Approved Disciplinary Minor, 12 hours minimum; also second degree or second major.
• Option B. Interdisciplinary Minor (specifically 12 hours, 3 of which may be in the major)
• Option C. An approved Certification Program such as teaching licensure
• Option D. Two Upper-Division Courses from outside the College of Health Sciences and not required by the major (6 hours)

Requirements for Graduation

Requirements for graduation include the following:

• Minimum of 120 credit hours.
• Minimum of 30 credit hours overall and 12 credit hours of upper-level courses in the major program from Old Dominion University.
• Minimum overall cumulative grade point average of C (2.00) in all courses taken.
• Minimum overall cumulative grade point average of C (2.00) in all courses taken toward the major.
• Minimum overall cumulative grade point average of C (2.00) in all courses taken toward a minor.
• Completion of ENGL 110C, ENGL 211C or ENGL 231C, and the writing intensive (W) course in the major with a grade of C or better. The W course must be taken at Old Dominion University.
• Completion of Senior Assessment.

Departmental Requirements

Students must complete the following courses with a C or better prior to entering the Medical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology program:

Medical Laboratory Science Major

Note: Junior year core courses that are over three years old prior to starting a rotation (practicum course) must be reevaluated by the faculty member at ODU in charge of the specialty, in both theoretical knowledge and technical skills. Reevaluation may result in the need to repeat and/or audit out-of-date courses. This applies to both part-time and returning students.

Degree Program Guide

The Degree Program Guide is a suggested curriculum to complete this degree program in four years.  It is just one of several plans that will work and is presented only as broad guidance to students. Each student is strongly encouraged to develop a customized plan in consultation with their academic advisor.  Additional information can also be found in Degree Works.