College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Medical Laboratory Science BS
Solve medical mysteries. Analyze patient specimens in a lab to help diagnose and treat diseases.
Program details
- Degree
- Bachelor of Science
- Modality
- On-campus
- Duration
- 4 years
- Total Credits
- 120
- Accredited
- NAACLS
- Average median annual salary:
- $80,000 Average median annual salary. View career outcomes.
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Why study medical laboratory science at UMass Dartmouth?
The medical laboratory science (MLS) program prepares students to become medical detectives and solve medical mysteries. When you major in MLS, you'll learn to analyze blood, bodily fluids, cells, tissues, and other specimens to determine the causes of diseases and how to treat them.
Medical laboratory scientists are essential members of the healthcare team who play a central role in the detection, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of disease with minimal direct patient interaction. More than 70% of all medical decisions are based on data that medical laboratory scientists provide to the healthcare team.
Launch your career
Salary range: $80,000What can I do with a medical laboratory science degree?
Medical laboratory scientists work in careers such as:
- Clinical laboratory science
- Forensic laboratory science
- Research and product development
- Public health
- Research technology
- Immunology
- Veterinary laboratories
- Education
- Pharmaceutical laboratories
Top employers
Curriculum
As an MLS major, you'll learn the skills to:
- Analyze patient specimens
- Conduct tests on blood, urine, tissue, and other samples
- Assist in treating patients without being at the bedside
- Operate laboratory equipment
- Work with a team of healthcare experts to diagnose diseases
You'll take classes like human genetics, physiology, immunobiology, hematology, diagnostic techniques, phlebotomy, urinalysis, and more.
Real-world experience
UMass Dartmouth MLS students fulfill one semester of practicum at one of our affiliated hospitals. You will learn how to use state-of-the-art equipment including spectrometers, analyzers, urinalysis instruments, hematology cell counters, and rapid microorganism identification instruments. You can apply the knowledge and skills you learn during the program to a range of careers in healthcare and medicine.
Course descriptions and requirements
Explore the official academic catalog for detailed curriculum requirements, course descriptions and program information.
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Student Spotlight
- Hometown
- Fall River, MA
- Major
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Leadership
- President, MLS Club; Group leader and MLS liaison for STEP Up
- Internship
- Boston Children's Hospital, R.I. Dept. of Health laboratories
- Employment
- Boston Children's Hospital
- Achievements
- Dr. James T. Griffith Medical Lab Sciences Professional Achievement Award
Accolades
UMass Dartmouth is a nationally ranked R2 research university that combines the resources of a major university with a personalized educational experience. Ranked among the top 15 public research institutions with fewer than 10,000 students and in the top 17% nationally for return on investment, UMass Dartmouth is recognized for advancing research, social mobility, and career-ready education.
Nationally recognized and professionally accredited health sciences education
The College of Nursing and Health Sciences offers professionally accredited programs recognized for academic quality, clinical preparation, and graduate success. Its undergraduate nursing program ranks in the top 9% nationally, while strong licensure pass rates and employment outcomes reflect a commitment to preparing skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals.
Accreditations and distinctions
The Medical Laboratory Science program at UMass Dartmouth is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences.
Frequently asked questions
Have questions about the Medical Laboratory Science BS program? Here you will find answers to common questions about admissions, curriculum, career outcomes, and student experience.
Medical laboratory technicians (MLTs) typically hold an associate degree and perform routine laboratory testing under established procedures. Medical laboratory scientists (MLSs) have a bachelor's degree and more advanced education in areas such as microbiology, hematology, clinical chemistry, immunology, and molecular diagnostics. Earning an MLS degree can expand your professional opportunities, including the ability to work in specialized areas of laboratory testing and pursue advancement within your organization.
You can complete your MLT associate's degree and earn a BS through our online MLT-MLS program.
UMass Dartmouth’s MLS program is one of the largest in the nation. Our curriculum focuses on the standard medical laboratory disciplines of clinical chemistry, hematology, urinalysis, microbiology, immunology, and blood banking. With this degree, you will have a wide range of capabilities that will allow you to work in a variety of laboratory and healthcare settings.
Yes, our MLS degree is a great bachelor's degree option for students who want to go on to medical or dental school.
Upon graduating with your BS in medical laboratory science, students must complete the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification Exam. Passing the exam certifies you to work in a clinical laboratory.