Medical Laboratory Science Program

WELCOME TO THE Medical Laboratory Science Program AT UTAH TECH UNIVERSITY!

Our vision is that the Utah Tech University Medical Laboratory Science Program be a model of excellence in medical laboratory science education, graduating medical laboratory scientists who meet the workforce demands of today and tomorrow.

How to Apply

OUR MISSION

The mission of the Utah Tech University Medical Laboratory Science Program is to graduate professionally accomplished MLS scholars, committed to life-long learning and prepared to meet current and future workforce needs in medical laboratory science.

GOALS

The goals of the Utah Tech University Medical Laboratory Science Program are to:

1. Provide a curriculum that meets current and emergent pedagogical and professional development needs of students;
2. Establish and sustain partnerships with local and regional community medical laboratories that provide exceptional learning experiences for our MLS students;
3. Innovate learning experiences and provide opportunities that maximize every program student’s potential to achieve MLS career entry-level competencies;
4. Graduate knowledgeable and skilled MLS that meet the workforce needs of our local community, Utah, and the under-served regions of the country; and
5. Help advance MLS pedagogy and growth of the MLS profession.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES (GRADUATES’ COMPETENCIES)

Upon completion of the Utah Tech University Medical Laboratory Science Program, graduates will with:

1. TECHNICAL SKILL: Competently perform a full range of testing encompassing the pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical components of contemporary laboratory services in areas that include clinical chemistry, hematology/hemostasis, immunology, immunohematology/transfusion medicine, microbiology, urine and body fluid analysis, and emerging diagnostics;
2. RESPONSIVE LEADERSHIP: Apply management concepts and leadership skills, taking responsibility for analysis and decision-making, and the effective communication of valid test information wherever laboratory testing is researched, developed or performed;
3. INNOVATIVE PURPOSE: Actively participate in the development, implementation, and evaluation of test systems and interpretive algorithms;
4. PRACTICED SCHOLARSHIP: Employ relevant experience in research design and practice;
5. STRENGTH OF CHARACTER: Demonstrate ethical and moral attitudes, principles of lawful conduct, and commitment to continuing professional development necessary for gaining and maintaining the confidence of patients, professional associates, and the community;
6. HEURISTIC KNOWLEDGE: Adhere to safety, governmental regulations and standards as applied to medical laboratory practice; and,
7. NONPARTISAN DECORUM: Project an image of professionalism, respecting the feelings and needs of others, protecting the confidence of patient information, and never allowing personal concerns and biases to interfere with the welfare of patients nor the work of colleagues and members of the healthcare team caring for patients.

Certification & Licensure

Utah has no licensure requirement for medical laboratory scientists (MLS), though 12 of the 50 U.S. states and all U.S. territories do. Unique requirements for MLS employment may be employer-specific, but the MLS professional standard is a bachelor’s degree and certification as a MLS. A bachelor’s degree and certification as an MLS is also required to advance in the profession. UT MLS Program graduates are eligible to take the MLS national board certification examination offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).

For more information on MLS certification requirements and how to become board certified as a medical laboratory scientist, visit the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) website, accessible via https://www.ascp.org/content/board-of-certification/get-credentialed/#us-certifications and https://www.ascp.org/content/docs/default-source/boc-pdfs/exam-content-outlines/ascp-boc-us-procedures-book-web.pdf.

For information on certification requirements for those states and U.S. territories that also require medical laboratory scientist licensure, visit https://www.ascp.org/content/board-of-certification/get-credentialed/#state-licensure.