What is medical laboratory science?
The Mizzou Medical Laboratory Science program trains students to become skilled medical laboratory scientists. You’ll learn to follow precise procedures for quality control and patient specimen testing, contributing to the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of health conditions – all with minimal patient contact. The program prepares students for national certification upon graduation.
Don’t just take our word for it. Watch the video below to learn more about medical laboratory science, also known as clinical laboratory science.
What classes will I take?
Before entering the clinical phase of the program, students complete general education requirements and program prerequisites. The program includes a secondary application process, where students must apply and be accepted to proceed to the clinical phase.
Mizzou Medical Laboratory Science students are trained to become skilled medical laboratory scientists. The program covers both theoretical and practical aspects of clinical laboratory medicine. This includes classes such as:
- Clinical Chemistry and Urinalysis
- Clinical Hematology
- Clinical Microbiology
- Clinical Immunohematology (Blood Banking)
Are there experiential learning opportunities?
Yes! The University of Missouri believes in learning by doing. The Medical Laboratory Science bachelor’s degree program includes over 1,000 hours student laboratory and clinical experience. Students will gain hands-on training in a dedicated simulation lab featuring hospital-grade analyzers.
Become a medical laboratory science major
You can pursue a medical laboratory science degree at any point in your career at MU. To begin the clinical phase of the Medical Laboratory Science program, students must complete a secondary application and receive admission.
- New students: Apply to MU and choose Medical Laboratory Science – Pre Health Sciences as your major.
- Current students: Declare or change your major.
Frequently asked questions
A major in medical laboratory science is perfect for students who are passionate about science, technology, and health care, and enjoy working in a structured, detail-oriented environment. It’s ideal for those who are multitaskers, problem-solvers, tech-savvy, independent workers, and collaborative team players.
A bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science prepares graduates to sit for certification exams given by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). With this degree, graduates are qualified to work as medical laboratory scientists in hospitals, research institutions, biotech companies, industry sales and service, veterinary laboratories, the pharmaceutical industry, and in forensic or public health labs.
Additionally, there are opportunities for graduates to pursue a master’s degree in clinical laboratory science or health care administration, or pursue careers in health care sales, marketing, product development or customer support.
Mizzou’s Medical Laboratory Science degree prepares you for your future with an innovative program structure that thoroughly equips students before they begin clinical rotations. The program includes a three-month lab experience, a four-month simulation phase, and a four-month clinical rotation in a hospital setting.
This program has a secondary application. Students typically apply to the clinical phase of the Medical Laboratory Science program during their junior year. Learn more about the MLS secondary application process.
This program accepts up to 30 students each year. Currently, we do not generally get more applications than there are spots.
Yes. High school seniors may apply for early admission to the program if they hold a current GPA of 3.75 OR are in the top 10% rank in their high school OR achieve a minimum composite ACT of 30 (SAT 1330). Learn more and apply for early admission to the Medical Laboratory Science program.
In addition to the University tuition and fees, room and board, and personal expenses, a Medical Laboratory Science student will have additional costs associated with the program. View MLS program costs and fees.
Program accreditation
MU Clinical Laboratory Science training is partnered with the NAACLS-accredited medical laboratory science program of the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
5600 N. River Rd., Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018-5119
Phone: 847-939-3597 or 773-714-8880
Fax: 773-714-8886
Email: info@naacls.org
Institutional accreditation
University of Missouri institutional accreditation is provided by:
The Higher Learning Commission
30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400
Chicago, IL 60602-2504
Phone: 800-621-7440
See the University of Missouri Provost’s Office website for professional licensure disclosure information.