Medical Laboratory Science

Medical Laboratory Science Program Requirements

To succeed in laboratory science careers, students in the B.S. in Medical Laboratory Science degree program achieve a balance between classroom learning and practical clinical lab experience in real healthcare settings.

Requirements for the B.S. in Medical Laboratory Science include:

• Minimum 122 credits in general education and Medical Laboratory Science core courses (approximately three years or six semesters)
• Clinical rotation in a hospital-based education program (senior year)

Prior to entering the clinical program, courses cover key scientific and medical concepts such as:

• Molecular Biology
• Human Anatomy & Physiology
• Genetics
• Biochemistry
• Immunology
• Applied Calculus
• Behavioral Sciences

If you are transferring to the program with previous college credits, your course and credit requirements may differ. Learn about transferring to York College.

Admissions and Aid

In addition to the York College undergraduate admission requirements, applicants to the Medical Laboratory Science bachelor’s program must demonstrate:

• Minimum 2.0 GPA in high school biology, chemistry, and algebra
• Minimum SAT score of 1050 (450 minimum in critical reading and math components)

Learn how to apply and find key financial aid information to start your journey.

Earn a B.S. in Medical Laboratory Science at York College of Pennsylvania

York College of Pennsylvania’s Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science degree program positions students at the forefront of laboratory diagnostics, research, and industry, and serves as a gateway to further professional training.

Ready to get closer to your critically important career as a lab scientist? Request more information today.

Career Outcomes in Clinical and Medical Sciences

Graduates from our B.S. in Medical Laboratory Sciences secure positions in hospital laboratories, outpatient clinics, blood banks, and research institutions. Earning a bachelor’s degree from York College, combined with the hands-on training in an accredited MLS program, prepares you to sit for key certification exams. These may vary by state or employer.

This program paves the way for specialized roles such as:

• Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) or Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)
• Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS)

Beyond healthcare settings, opportunities abound in public health, education, government agencies, and even in industries like pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and biotech. Whatever your desired path, the skills acquired through the Bachelor of Science degree propels you toward your envisioned laboratory career.

Moreover, this degree establishes a solid foundation should you decide to seek advanced certifications or pursue higher education in graduate or professional programs. As you accumulate experience in laboratory settings, you can progress your career in areas like laboratory management or product development.

Medical Laboratory Science Salaries

Entering the field of medical laboratory science offers competitive salaries, especially for those equipped with a bachelor’s degree. While your pay can vary based on location, specialization, and experience, there's potential for growth and advancement, especially in top-paid areas including outpatient care and pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and Salary.com indicate average annual salaries for key positions in the medical lab sector in 2023 as follows:

• Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians—$57,380/year
• Medical Laboratory Scientist—$58,801/year

Career Support and Local Partnerships

York College’s partnerships and affiliations with healthcare agencies and providers in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and New York provide a range of options for your one-year clinical rotation and additional internship experiences in settings such as microbiology labs in hospitals.

In addition to hands-on experiences tailored to your interests and circumstances, York College offers comprehensive career services and support in your professional journey, from on-campus employer or networking events to interview and résumé assistance.

Explore the Career Development Center to learn more.

Fourth Year Clinical Experience

After three years of immersive classroom instruction, students in the Medical Laboratory Science program embark on a clinical rotation that translates classroom learning into an array of practical skills. Upon completion of the Medical Laboratory Science program at York College, you will be required to pass the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification Medical Lab Scientist (MLS) Certification.

This comprehensive experience ensures you:

• Engage with a range of modern laboratory equipment and techniques
• Train across various areas of medical laboratory science, including microbiology, chemistry, hematology, and immunology

Under the tutelage of experts in accredited clinical facilities, cement your theoretical knowledge and gain exposure to the real-world intricacies and demands of medical laboratory science.

Local Hospital-Based Affiliated MLS Programs

Students in the Medical Laboratory Science bachelor’s program can apply to complete their clinical experience through any program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Medical Lab Science (NAACLS) or our regional affiliated clinical locations.

York College holds affiliations with:

• Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences
• Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences
• Sentara RMH Medical Cente
• UMPC Chautauqua
• WellSpan Health

Clinical Requirements

Upon reaching their junior year, students initiate the process by applying to accredited clinical programs. Admission to York College does not guarantee admission to a hospital-based education program. Acceptance is decided upon factors including:

• Overall and science subject GPA
• Personal essay
• Letters of recommendation
• Interview

Complete the core requirements of study at the College with an average GPA of 2.5 in science and mathematics as well as a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher in order for the College to recommend the student for the clinical year.

Within the clinical medical laboratory science program, you’ll complete rotations in specialized hematology and immunology labs and other areas.

Clinical Program Handbook

Students enrolled in a clinical program are expected to follow the York College Department of Health Professions' established policies and practices. The Clinical Program Handbook serves as a guide to support students' awareness of these policies and provide advice about how to best adhere to them throughout your academic experience.

Mentored Research Projects

Harness the full potential of your York College education and experience through mentorship opportunities both in and outside of class.

From finding new insights through faculty research initiatives or connecting with employers for an internship or network-building, learn directly from experts in diverse medical and clinical skill areas such as virology, hematology, microbiology, immunology, and more.

Medical Lab Science Faculty

At YCP, we prioritize building strong connections with our students, equipping them to excel in personal, academic, and professional arenas. The Department of Health Professions boasts a committed team of faculty and staff, ready to guide and support your journey through the Medical Laboratory Science program.

 Learn Skills for In-Demand Diagnostic and Clinical Careers

Our Medical Laboratory Science major program ensures graduates are equipped to deliver high-quality laboratory services, be it hospitals, research institutions, or specialized clinics. They are prepared to:

• Utilize advanced techniques to decode complex molecular and genetic structures
• Use comprehensive knowledge of human anatomy and physiology to interpret laboratory results
• Detect and characterize microorganisms for effective patient treatment
• Implement state-of-the-art laboratory methods ensuring precision in diagnostics and research
• Understand blood disorders and the intricacies of the immune system through deep dives into hematology
• Employ statistical methods to validate findings
• Translate complex laboratory data into actionable insights

Clinical Requirements

Admission to York College does not guarantee admission to the clinical instruction facilities clinical year.

• Complete the core requirements of study at the College with an average of 2.5 in science and mathematics as well as a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher in order for the College to recommend the student for the clinical year.
• During your junior year, you will apply for clinicals at an accredited program to be completed during your senior year. You can choose to apply at one of our five affiliated programs or another accredited clinical program in the United States.
• Upon completion of the Medical Laboratory Science program at York College, you will be required to pass the Medical Lab Scientist (ASCP) Certification.

Clinical Locations

As a Medical Laboratory Science student, you will gain practical experience through the year-long clinical rotation in an accredited clinical program. 

Students may apply to any NAACLS accredited program. York College maintains affiliate status with hospital Medical Laboratory Science programs at the following sites: 

• Saint Joseph's University - Lancaster, PA
• Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences - Reading, PA
• Sentara RMH Medical Center - Harrisonburg, VA
• Penn Medicine - Philadelphia, PA
• Penn State Hershey - Hershey, PA
• WellSpan York Hospital - York, PA 

Additional programs can be found through the National Accrediting Agency for Medical Lab Science (NAACLS).

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Medical Laboratory Scientist do?

• Examine and analyze body fluids, tissues and cells
• Identify infective microorganisms
• Analyze the chemical constituents of body fluids
• Identify blood-clotting abnormalities
• Cross-match donor blood for transfusions
• Test blood for drug levels to measure the efficacy of particular treatments
• Evaluate test results for accuracy and help interpret them for the physician. 

What is the median salary? The median salary for a medical laboratory scientist is $50,000 - $60,000 per year.

Is there a job demand in this field? With an aging population and increased diagnostic and evaluative technology, the job growth rate is expected to increase 14-16% through 2026. 

What are some possible places for employment for a medical laboratory scientist?

• Hospital, Research, Forensic and Pharmaceutical labs
• Blood Bank
• Veterinary Offices
• Center for Disease Control
• Department of Agriculture Laboratories

Department of Health Professions Clinical Program Handbook

Students enrolled in a clinical program are expected to follow the York College Department of Health Professions' established policies and practices. The Clinical Program Handbook serves as a guide to support students' awareness of these policies and provide advice about how to best adhere to them throughout your academic experience.

Notes: * Penn Med will reimburse the full cost of tuition if a student accepts employment with the hospital upon graduation.

With a medical laboratory science degree, graduates primarily become medical laboratory scientists or technicians, working in the medical and health fields without needing to attend medical school. They play a crucial role in diagnosing and preventing diseases by analyzing patient samples.

While this degree provides a robust foundation in medical knowledge and laboratory skills, becoming a doctor requires further education. To become a doctor, one would need to attend medical school after completing a bachelor's degree and meet other specific prerequisites.

Yes, medical laboratory science is a rewarding career. The demand for medical laboratory scientists is growing due to the increasing need for medical diagnoses and the advancement of medical technology. Professionals in this field enjoy salary and advancement potential, job stability, and the satisfaction of playing a pivotal role in patient care. Furthermore, the diverse specialties within the field allow for various areas of interest and expertise.

A medical laboratory scientist can work in a variety of settings. These include:

• Hospital laboratories
• Diagnostic laboratories
• Blood banks
• Veterinary offices
• Research facilities
• Public health agencies
• Pharmaceutical, diagnostic, and biotechnology companies

The versatility of the BS in Medical Laboratory Science degree means that medical laboratory scientists have opportunities in both clinical and nonclinical settings.