Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science

The traditional MLS program is called a 3 + 1 model. Three years are spent at UB taking prerequisite and core courses. Upon successful completion of those three years, including passing a comprehensive examination, the student will spend the two semesters of the senior year in clinical rotations at one of UB’s clinical affiliate hospital laboratories.

A total of eighteen students may be accepted each year into the MLS program; this includes both baccalaureate degree and categorical program students.

The University is contracted with multiple clinical affiliates throughout the state. For a complete current listing of affiliates please contact the program director. If you have a special request, please let us know and we will investigate that option for you.

The term commonly used in the past was Medical Technologist. Today, the current professional term is Medical Laboratory Scientist. Medical Laboratory Technician is used for a two year Associate degree graduate. People who graduate from the categorical certificate program are called categorical graduates and may be referred to as a Clinical Chemist, Hematologist, Clinical Microbiologist or Immunohematology Technologist.

Sometimes people with a prior BS degree will choose to study one or more areas of the clinical laboratory without obtaining a second degree. To do this, our program offers a categorical route of study, allowing students to concentrate on studies in Clinical Chemistry, Hematology, Microbiology and/or Immunohematology. People with a degree also have the option of obtaining a second degree in MLS after fulfilling all University of Bridgeport requirements for graduation.

The full MLS program is currently offered only as a 4 year traditional degree or as a second degree program. The length of time to obtain a second degree in MLS is dependent on how many credits transfer to UB. A Categorical program of study is usually offered to people already having a BS degree and can potentially be completed in approximately two years. It is designed for people wanting a more rapid means to begin working in a clinical laboratory or for those people wanting to specialize. MLS graduates are trained to work as Generalists in all four major clinical labs which are Chemistry, Hematology, Microbiology and Blood Bank (Immunohematology). Categorical people generally study and then work in fewer than four sections of the lab. Although Generalist status is best for hiring eligibility, it is suggested that people seeking categorical status combine a minimum of two categorical areas, such as Chemistry and Hematology, to make themselves more marketable for hire. Certification is accomplished by taking and successfully passing the national certification examination offered by the Board of Certification of the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). The ASCP offers an exam for Generalist and exams in each categorical area.

Normally during the semester prior to entering clinical rotations, students with good academic standing in the MLS program have the opportunity to visit our program’s affiliated clinical rotation sites. Students then submit their application for placement to the three sites of their choice. The application process may include either an in-person or telephone interview. During a scheduled Matching conference with all involved affiliates and UB faculty, student placement will be determined. Students are generally placed in one of their first three choices, however, placement is not guaranteed. If a student wishes to change their clinical rotation site, they will have to make a new application to the site(s) of their choice. Again, placement at a new clinical rotation site is not guaranteed.

Upon placement, the student may be responsible for the costs associated with the on-boarding process at their assigned clinical rotation site. These costs may include the cost for urine drug screen testing, background check and any required immunizations. You are responsible for all expenses associated with the clinical experience, including the cost of uniforms and travel. You are responsible for providing your own transportation to the clinical site. Therefore, you should allow for transportation expenses, which could include parking fees and the cost of gasoline. You are required to pay full fees and tuition to University of Bridgeport during clinical affiliations.

Housing is currently not available at the clinical sites. However, UB has dorms available. Most clinical sites are within a 30 minute drive from UB and some have shuttle service from local train stations. In Bridgeport, UB students also have access to local bus transportation to area hospitals. There may be parking fees during clinical, depending upon the clinical site.

Students are encouraged to sit for the national certification examination as soon as possible after completion of the program. The program does not require you to pass the certification examination in order to grant you a degree. For more information on certification: American Society for Clinical Pathology Address 33 West Monroe Street, Suite 1600, Chicago, IL 60603 Phone 1 (800) 267-2727

A Medical Laboratory Scientist who gains experience in one of the special areas of the laboratory has the opportunity to advance to a specialist level; in chemistry, hematology, transfusion services, immunology and microbiology. There are also numerous opportunities in management, research and education. There are additional positions in pharmaceutical companies and industry, as well as in reference, state health department and forensic laboratories. With additional graduate work, there are even more opportunities for professional growth. In today’s laboratories, areas of scientific exploration include the immune system, cell marker technology, bioengineering and cancer research. In the clinical area, drug testing, therapeutic drug monitoring and biogenetics are just a few of the specialties with openings. In industry, Medical Laboratory Scientists are needed for positions in marketing, sales, quality assurance, environmental health and insurance, among others.

Part-time study is possible until entering into clinical rotations at an affiliate hospital. During the clinical rotation semesters, the student will be full time and will have classes at UB on Mondays and will be in the clinical laboratory at their assigned site Tuesday through Friday. Both classes and rotations occur during the daytime. At the clinical site, a student will typically be on site each day for 6-7.5 hours. The exact time for each shift will be determined by the clinical site.

Salaries vary by region, ranging from approximately $40,000 to $60,000 per year base. Additional monies are given for evening, night and weekend shifts.