Medical Laboratory Sciences
Your path to being a Medical Lab Scientist starts here …
Navigating the path to becoming a medical lab scientist can be complex. We're here to guide you every step of the way.
Plan your path to becoming a medical scientist:
1. UIS is the Ideal Destination: UIS’s MLS program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NACCLS). Accredited programs must prove that they meet a set of standards, so students and employers know that the graduates of these programs are well-qualified. The University of Illinois Springfield’s Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) bachelor’s degree program is proud to report a 100% job placement rate following graduation. The MLS major is also an excellent preparation for graduate studies and medical school. Graduates of the MLS Program at UIS are eligible to sit for the ASCP BOC(link is external) MLS examination via Route 1.
2. Course of Study Planning: Your journey to becoming a medical lab scientist requires careful planning. From selecting the right prerequisites to aligning your courses with program requirements, our advisors are here to tailor a plan that suits your goals.
3. Connect with our Pre-Health Community: We are here to help and connect you with others on a similar path. These connections are not merely supportive—they're transformative, opening doors to mentorship, hands-on experience, and collaborative projects that will shape your journey in healthcare. Embrace the community of faculty, staff, students, and professional mentors around you!
Classes
The UIS MLS major consists of two distinct academic phases: the Pre-Professional Phase and the Professional Phase.
Pre-Professional Phase
- During the Pre-Professional Phase, the first two years of the four-year major, students complete UIS general education requirements and MLS prerequisites.
Professional Phase
- During the Professional Phase, the final two years of the four-year major, students complete the MLS core courses and obtain clinical experience during practicum courses.
- The Professional Phase is the NAACLS-accredited Medical Laboratory Science program.
- All students must complete a secondary admissions process and be accepted by the MLS Program before they begin the Professional Phase.
| PRE-PROFESSIONAL PHASE (What to take at UIS) | PROFESSIONAL PHASE |
|---|---|
| FRESHMAN SEMINAR ELECTIVE- HUMANITIES | APPLY TO MLS PROFESSIONAL PHASE VIA A SECONDARY APPLICATION PROCESS |
| COMPARITIVE SOCIETIES ELECTIVE- HUMANITIES | REVIEW THE MLS PROFESSIONAL PHASE COURSEWORK (62 HOURS) |
| VISUAL, CREATIVE OR PERFORMING ARTS ELECTIVE | |
| ENGLISH- ENG 101 AND ENG 102 | |
| BEHAVIORAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCES ELECTIVES- THREE COURSES IN AT LEAST TWO DISCIPLINES | |
| BIOLOGY - BIO 141 AND BIO 142 | |
| ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOYGY- BIO 201 AND BIO 202 | |
| GENERAL CHEMISTRY- CHE 141 AND CHE 142 | |
| ORGANIC CHEMISTRY- CHE 267/268 OR GENERAL BICHEMISTRY-CHE 475 OR CHE 476 | |
| MATH- MAT121 |
Note: Some classes require prerequisites—Be sure to plan your path with an advisor
General Advice
Thinking of becoming a medical lab scientist? Explore the many resources provided by the American Medical Technologists.