Program Overview

The Department of Medical Laboratory Science currently offers four options at the undergraduate level: Clinical Laboratory Science, Biotechology, Cytotechnology and Health Services. For these majors, the department offers courses in:

• Human genetics
• Clinical chemistry
• Clinical hematology
• Clinical microbiology
• Clinical immunology
• Immunohematology

While the concentration in many of these courses is on human physiology and pathophysiology, the material is not limited to human applications. Both undergraduate options provide students with the concepts, professional attitudes, scientific theory and skills essential for practicing clinical laboratorians.

Students use state-of-the-art equipment and laboratory methods in a modern laboratory facility. The medical laboratory science faculy is comprised of professional laboratory scientists and leaders in local, regional, and national professional and scientific organizations, who influence the practice of the profession by serving on committees and as consultants.

In addition, the Department offers two courses for non-science majors (Contemporary Topics in Human Ecology I and II), a course in Health Care Legislation, and various research and directed study programs. Members of the Department also team-teach a course in Bioethics.

After earning a degree in Medical Laboratory Science, students will understand the health care delivery and biotechnology systems and the role of the laboratory practitioners in those systems. They will function as professionals, and gain the skills and attitudes needed to enter their practice. All graduates are eligible for national certification and licensure.

Entrance into Medical Laboratory Science options

In addition to the general course requirements for admission, the Department of Medical Laboratory Science specifically requires 2 units of Natural Science and 3 units of College Preparatory Mathematics, which must include 2 units of algebra. For more information about the admissions process, visit the Admissions and Undergraduate websites.

Admission of Transfer Students

Transfer students seeking admission to the medical laboratory science major must meet the same entrance requirements as those who apply as freshmen. Credits earned in another college may be accepted as transfer credits after evaluation of official transcripts. All required medical laboratory science courses must be taken at the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth, unless approved by the department.

Health Policies

Students admitted to Medical Laboratory Science programs are expected to have a complete physical examination and the appropriate immunizations as outlined by the department.