Are you considering majoring in Medical Laboratory Science?
The Medical Laboratory Science degree at UT is a 3+1 program. Students take 3 years of courses at UT, and their final 12-16 months off campus at one of UT’s affiliate clinical programs. MLS majors take a variety of Biology, Biochemistry, and Chemistry courses before their clinical program. After completing UT coursework and the clinical program, students take their ASCP exams and receive their Bachelor of Science degree from UT.
What is Medical Laboratory Science?
Medical Laboratory Science is the health profession that provides laboratory testing and analysis which makes possible the accurate diagnosis and treatment of human disease. Sometimes referred to as Medical Technology, or Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS).
Medical Laboratory Scientists test body fluids, culture materials, tissue sections, and cellular specimens for their biochemical, hematological, immunological, microbial, and histochemical components using a variety of technical procedures and complex instruments.
They act as a part of a team of physicians, pathologists, nurses, and other health professionals in the testing, diagnosis, and treatment of disease.
Many students pursing a Medical Laboratory Science degree are also completing Pre-Medical prerequisites. The MLS degree at UT is intended for students to qualify for the examination and certification by the Board of Certification of the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
What does it take to become a Medical Laboratory Scientist?
Are you a problem solver?
Do you enjoy investigative research?
Are you interested in a health-related field of research and laboratory work?
Would you like to work with other health care professionals in an exciting, ever-changing high-tech environment?
Medical Laboratory Scientists must enjoy laboratory work and problem solving, possess a capacity for calm and reasoned judgment, and demonstrate a commitment to patients and respect for the confidentiality of patient's records and diagnoses.
What career pathways are available?
A career in MLS offers job opportunities in a variety of settings, including hospitals, independent laboratories, clinics, business and industry, research, public health, and education. Just a few MLS-related careers include jobs in forensic science, genetic research, immunology, and crime labs. For someone who chooses a career in the medical laboratory, the exploration never ends.
Job opportunities are increasing—there are not enough trained Medical Laboratory Scientists to fill the needs of hospitals, independent labs, and clinics. MLS training is also an excellent foundation for further studies in medicine, dentistry, and other scientific disciplines. Most graduates of this program have a career upon graduation with an average starting pay of $50,000 or more in the state of Texas.
Students complete a one-year training and national certification program, which can be part of a four-year degree plan (with a major in MLS), or can be completed separately with a major other than MLS. All programs for students outside of the MLS degree can be found on the NAACLS website.
The University of Texas at Austin is affiliated with clinical programs at Austin State Hospital (Austin), Baylor, Scott & White Hospital (Temple), Methodist Hospital (Houston), and Tarleton State University (Fort Worth). These four programs are nationally certified by NAACLS.
Medical Laboratory Science Degree
For degree checklists and four-year plans for MLS, please search and explore on this page on the College of Natural Sciences website.
Additional documents for students:
| MLS Course Titles |
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| MLS Course Descriptions |
Contact
If you would like to know more, please reach out to the MLS Academic Advisor:
Nickie Williams
nicole.williams@austin.utexas.edu
(512) 471-4920
MBB 1.220
If you are a prospective UT student, please direct your questions to CNS Admissions at CNSAdmissions@austin.utexas.edu.