Medical Laboratory Science Degree Program
Format: In person on the Armstrong Campus in Savannah or Fully Online
Credit Hours: 124
Join the largest medical laboratory science program in the state of Georgia with a highly successful record of graduates receiving board certification!
Program History
Georgia Southern University’s Medical Laboratory Science program was established in April 1982. In September 1982, the first class was accepted for enrollment into a “2 + 2” curriculum. In April 1985, the program was granted full accreditation for 5 years (1985-1990) by the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation (CAHEA) of the American Medical Association (AMA). The program received continuing accreditation by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) for four consecutive periods of seven years (1990-1997, 1997-2004, 2004-2011, 2011-2018, and 2018-2028).
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Medical Laboratory Science Traditional Degree Completion
With a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science from Georgia Southern University, you’ll have the knowledge and experience to begin your career as a medical laboratory scientist. In this program, you’ll train in various lab areas, including hematology, microbiology, immunology, clinical chemistry and urinalysis.
As the number of aging adults dramatically increases in the United States, the need for medical lab scientists will also grow. You’ll be a vital part of the healthcare system, providing laboratory data to assist physicians in patient diagnosis and treatment, as well as in infectious disease monitoring and prevention.
The Traditional Medical Laboratory Science degree program track is well-suited to entering freshmen, transfer students and students with a bachelor degree in biology, chemistry or related science field. At the end of your program, you’ll be eligible to sit for the American Society of Clinical Pathology Board exams.
Medical Laboratory Sciences Admission Requirements
Application Period: November 15 through March 1
Late applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Qualified applicants that met the March 1 deadline will be granted priority over applications received after the initial deadline. Certain programs may continue to review applications after the deadline until the program’s capacity is met.
Medical Laboratory Science Minimum Admission Requirements
Medical Laboratory Science Online Degree Tracks
Additionally, the Medical Laboratory Science program at Georgia Southern offers an online track consisting of a Post-Baccalaureate option and a Career Track option. The Post-Baccalaureate option is for students with a BS in biology, chemistry, or related science. The Career Track option is for a certified MLT wishing to pursue a BS in MLS degree in addition to the traditional track, Georgia Southern offers online degree completion options for students currently working in the medical laboratory science field.
Format: Online
The Medical Laboratory Sciences online Career-Ladder track enables certified medical laboratory technicians (MLT) to advance their education with a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Laboratory Science. The online track is limited to those with certified MLT credentials who are currently employed at an approved clinical site. It provides students with a high-quality academic and professional environment, allowing for the development of critical thinking skills and professional values and characteristics.
The program graduate will be able to satisfy eligibility requirements for a professional certification examination at the Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) level. Graduates of the Medical Laboratory Science program will qualify for employment in a variety of settings, and can progress within the clinical laboratory science field to education, supervision or management positions. Students in this track must maintain training support at an approved clinical facility while enrolled in the program.
With a completion time of just four semesters and high demand in the job market, this nationally accredited program truly offers a fast track to your career. Our graduates have a very successful record of achieving board certification.
Students eligible for this program must currently work in a hospital laboratory setting. We will require a Statement of Support Form from the hospital clinical site. Before admittance into the program, the hospital clinical site must be approved.
South Carolina Resident Only
Format: Online
The Medical Laboratory Science Online Fast-Track is available to South Carolina residents who have completed a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, chemistry, or a related field and have a 2.5 overall GPA and within the sciences.
The program consists of an online didactic component and a training experience within a clinical laboratory. It provides students with a high-quality academic and professional environment. The program graduate will satisfy eligibility requirements for a professional certification exam at the MLS level. Graduates of the Medical Laboratory Science program will qualify for employment in various settings and progress within the clinical laboratory science field to education, supervision, or management positions.
Georgia Southern University works in conjunction with the South Carolina Hospital Association to provide clinical sites for students’ training. Students must maintain training support at an approved clinical facility while enrolled in the program. Some hospitals may provide tuition assistance and clinical training support.
With a completion time of just four semesters and high demand in the job market, this nationally accredited program truly offers a fast track to your career. Our graduates have a very successful record of achieving board certification..
Post Baccalaureate Students Currently Employed by Hospital Laboratory
The Medical Laboratory Science Online Fast-Track program is also available to students who have completed a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology or Chemistry and have a 2.5 or greater GPA overall and within the sciences. Students eligible for this program must currently work in a hospital laboratory setting. We will require a Statement of Support Form from the hospital clinical site. Before admittance into the program, the hospital clinical site must be approved.
The program consists of an online didactic component and a training experience in an approved clinical laboratory. This program provides students with a high-quality academic and professional environment. The program graduate will satisfy eligibility requirements for a professional certification exam at the MLS level. The Medical Laboratory Science program graduates will qualify for employment in various settings and progress within the clinical laboratory science field to education, supervision, or management positions. Students in this track must maintain training support at an approved clinical facility while enrolled in the program.
With a completion time of just four semesters and high demand in the job market, this nationally accredited program truly offers a fast track to your career. Our graduates have a very successful record of achieving board certification.
For all Online Programs:
Federal Law requires colleges and universities to make certain disclosures to prospective students of these programs. These disclosure include information on the University’s authority to operate outside of Georgia, complaint processes, adverse actions, and refunds.
For required disclosures in general with regard to online programs offered by the University, visit the Office of Legal Affairs website.
Medical Laboratory Science Program Outcomes
National Board of Certification Examination Pass Rate
| Class of: | # of Graduates Taking Exam | Program % Who Passed the ASCP or AMT Within the First Year of Graduation | National # Who Passed Within the First Year of Graduation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 29 | 96% | 79.77% |
| 2019 | 21 | 85.7% | 82.61% |
| 2020 | 26 | 73% | 69.79% |
| 2021 | 25 | 80% | 72.45% |
| 2022* | 19 | 84.2% | 74.28% |
*Not all graduates have taken the exam, numbers are subject to change.
Employment Rate
| Class of: | Total # of Graduates | Secured Initial Employment or Continued Education Six Months Post-Graduation (Traditional) | Secured Initial Employment or Continued Education Six Months Post-Graduation (Online) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 29 | 100% | 100% |
| 2019 | 21 | 95% | 100% |
| 2020 | 28 | 97% | 100% |
| 2021 | 25 | 100% | 100% |
| 2022 | 28 | 98% | 100% |
Attrition and Graduation Rates
| Class | Students beginning Second half of program | Students Graduating | Attrition Rate | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 29 | 29 | 0% | 100% |
| 2019 | 21 | 20 | 5% | 95% |
| 2020 | 30 | 28 | 3% | 97% |
| 2021 | 26 | 25 | 4% | 96% |
| 2022 | 28 | 28 | 0% | 100% |
*NAACLS accrediting body required date of second half of program. Second half of program constitutes the summer and second fall semester of the program.
Student Resources
Careers in the Medical Laboratory Science Profession
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) of the US Department of Labor reported that the demand for medical technologists (also known as medical laboratory scientists) would exceed the supply of new graduates.
Quick Facts: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians
| 2021 Median Pay | $57,800 per year $27.79 per hour |
| Typical Entry-Level Education | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation | None |
| On-the-job Training | None |
| Number of Jobs, 2021 | 329,200 |
| Job Outlook, 2021-31 | 7% (As fast as average) |
| Employment Change, 2021-31 | 21,800 |
Medical Laboratory Science Professional Student Organizations
American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS)
The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) is the preeminent organization for clinical laboratory scientists. ASCL provides leadership and promotes all aspects of clinical laboratory science practice, education and management to ensure excellent, accessible cost-effective laboratory services for the consumers of health care. Membership is open to any person enrolled in a program of clinical laboratory studies. Memberships is valid August 1 through July 31.
- National Dues: $28.00 plus State Dues: $5.00
American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
You can apply for ASCP Student Associate Membership if you intend to meet the ASCP Board of Registry eligibility requirements for certification and you have been accepted or are currently enrolled in a regionally accredited college/university science program or a laboratory science program approved by an appropriate accrediting agency. You can be an ASCP Student Associate member until you become certified by the ASCP Board of Registry and eligible for ASCP Associate membership or 5 years from the date of application, whichever occurs first. This application must be signed by your program director.
- Annual Dues: Free
Scholarship Opportunities
To apply for Georgia Southern scholarships, accepted students must log in to MyGeorgiaSouthern and click the MyScholarships link under the “Services” App.
SDS Grant
Students majoring in medical laboratory sciences who represent an economically disadvantaged background, as defined by the U.S. Department of Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA), are eligible to apply for the Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students program. The program is designed to increase diversity in the health professions and nursing workforce by offering awards to institutions that provide scholarships to students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are enrolled full time in a health profession or nursing program.
Professional License Disclosure
The Department of Clinical Sciences anticipates that graduates of this program will seek the following professional certifications: American Society for Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) Certification and laboratory personnel licensure.
The Department of Clinical Sciences has determined that the required classes and educational activities of this online Career Ladder, Fast Track and MLT-MLS academic program will qualify a graduate of this program to take the exam for ASCP Certification in all 50 United States. The department has not determined whether this program satisfies the requirements of all states and territories for the laboratory personnel licensure. Visit the ASCP Board of Certification and the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science to determine the requirements of your state or territory.
Accreditation
The Medical Laboratory Science program at Georgia Southern University is accredited by:
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
5600 N. River Rd. Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018-5119
Telephone: 773-714-8880
FAX: 773-714-8886
email: info@naacls.org
Website: https://www.naacls.org
Since 1990, the program has received continuing accreditation by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).
Do You Have Questions? Contact Us!
Medical Laboratory Science
Georgia Southern University
11935 Abercorn Street
Savannah, GA 31419
Armstrong Campus
Phone: 912-344-2550
Fax: 912-344-3472
Email: medlab@georgiasouthern.edu
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Last updated: 7/31/2023