Medical Laboratory Science

Mission and goals

Mission statement

The mission of the University of Missouri Medical Laboratory Science Program is to prepare highly skilled, ethical professionals who advance healthcare through innovation, collaboration, and evidence-based laboratory practice. Graduates demonstrate mastery of medical laboratory science and contribute to improved patient outcomes by developing, implementing, and continuously evaluating laboratory processes that ensure quality and timeliness of results.

Program goals

  1. To prepare graduates to practice medical laboratory science in accordance with established safety guidelines, regulatory requirements, and quality assurance standards.
  2. To develop graduates who demonstrate ethical behavior, accountability, and commitment to professional standards and lifelong learning consistent with the expectations of the profession.
  3. To prepare graduates to communicate effectively and collaborate as members of the healthcare team to support quality patient care and service.
  4. To provide foundational knowledge of laboratory administration, supervision, and operational principles to support effective and efficient laboratory services.
  5. To equip graduates to contribute to the education and training of laboratory personnel, students, and other healthcare professionals.
  6. To foster the ability to apply principles of scientific inquiry, evaluate research, and integrate evidence-based practices into clinical laboratory decision-making.

Program learning outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will:

  1. Apply knowledge of laboratory science to perform accurate, precise, and safe laboratory procedures while upholding patient confidentiality.
  2. Utilize established laboratory protocols, integrating scientific principles and clinical research studies, quality control measures, and technical skills necessary for the operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment, with a focus on accurate analysis and interpretation of results.
  3. Identify factors that may impact test procedures and results, taking appropriate corrective actions when troubleshooting, within established guidelines when necessary.
  4. Implement principles of laboratory management, safety, and supervision, making critical decisions based on established criteria and maintaining a comprehensive understanding of relevant regulatory compliance.
  5. Display professional and ethical conduct and effective interpersonal communication skills when interacting with patients, laboratory personnel, healthcare professionals, and the public.
  6. Recognize and pursue opportunities for lifelong continuing education and professional development to maintain and enhance competence in laboratory medicine.
  7. Comply with Federal, OSHA, data security, laboratory safety, and operation regulations to ensure the well-being of patients, the healthcare team, oneself, and the community.