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Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science

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The Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) program prepares graduates to analyze clinical specimens through the use of specialized skills and sophisticated instrumentation.

Information from the analysis of specimens provides data critical for patient diagnosis, treatment, prognosis or disease prevention. Medical laboratory scientists work in hospitals, forensics, public health, industrial/research laboratories, physician offices and blood banks.

The purpose of the Medical Laboratory Science program is to provide the community with cognizant and adept scientists capable of competing and excelling in today’s progressive job market. Graduates of this program will possess the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful in the MLS profession and will be eligible to take the national certification examination offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathologists (ASCP).

School
School of Health Professions
Career
Medical laboratory scientists in hospitals, labs or clinics. Job opportunities in the field of MLS may also be listed by alternative names including medical lab technologist or clinical laboratory scientist.
Program Contacts

MLS Program Highlights

  • Multifaceted learning
    The methods of instruction used in MLS courses will include formal lectures, case study discussions, audiovisual presentations and web-based exercises. Students will participate in active discussions of case studies and web-based exercises, developing students’ comprehension, problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Students will also participate in state-of-the-art interdisciplinary simulated learning experiences through FranU’s Simulation Environment Teaching Hospital (SETH).
  • Hands-on laboratory experience
    Most professional lecture courses have a correlating student laboratory course and the student laboratory is available for use outside of the regularly scheduled class meetings for additional practice. Students are encouraged to make use of this extra time to develop competency and ensure mastery of the material.
  • Clinical exposure
    Students pursuing the bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science will participate in four, 5-credit hour clinical practicum at an area hospital, providing a vital opportunity for students to put their knowledge into practice in a medical setting.
  • MLS certification prep
    Students successfully completing the Medical Laboratory Science degree are eligible to sit for the Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) certifying examination offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
  • Student organizations
    The Medical Laboratory Science Association (MLSA) is a student organization whose purpose is to broaden the career scope of the membership. Members are encouraged to participate in professional and community activities and to disseminate information about the career of medical laboratory science.
  • Student scholarships and awards
    The Joy Holm and Betty Lynn Theriot Memorial Scholarships are awarded annually to students in medical laboratory science by the Louisiana Society for Clinical Laboratory Science. The LSCLS also sponsors a student paper award of $150 for the best-written scholarly papers across five different categories.
  • Career support
    FranU clinical laboratory science students have access to career support through Elite Learning Healthcare Jobs, American Society for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (ASCLS) Career Center and American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Job Finder. These resources are available to assist graduates in identifying employment opportunities.

MLS Admission Information

Course-Specific Admission Requirements

  1. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0
  2. Completion of the following general education requirements and program prerequisites with a grade of "C" or better:
    • : Academic Seminar (1 credit hour)
    • : College Writing I (3 credit hours)
    • : College Writing II (3 credit hours)
    • : Introduction to Theology (3 credit hours)
    • COMM Elective: (3 credit hours)
    • : College Algebra (3 credit hours)
    • MATH 2000 Level (3 credit hours)
    • : General Biology I (3 credit hours)
    • : General Biology I Lab (1 credit hour)
    • : Fundamentals of Microbiology (3 credit hours)
    • : Fundamentals of Microbiology Laboratory (1 credit hour)
    • : General Chemistry I (3 credit hours)
    • : General Chemistry Laboratory (1 credit hour)
    • : General Chemistry II (3 credit hours)
    • : General Chemistry II Laboratory (1 credit hour)
    • Humanities Elective: (3 credit hours)
    • Science Elective (BIOL, CHEM or PHYS) (11 credit hours)
    • Social/Behavioral Science Electives: (6 credit hours)
    • Ethics/Philosophy Elective: (3 credit hours)
    • : Introduction to Medical Laboratory Science (1 credit hour)
    • : Introduction to Laboratory Methods (1 credit hour)

Guaranteed Admission

There are two ways in which students can qualify for guaranteed admission into the Medical Laboratory Science Program:

  1. A student who enters the University as a freshman is guaranteed admission when:
    • All prerequisite courses towards the degree are taken at FranU with at least a grade point average of 3.0 on all prerequisite coursework.
    • All other minimum program admission requirements are met.
  2. A transfer student is guaranteed admission when:
    • More than 30 hours of required coursework in the program (including courses that are in progress at the time of application to the University) are transferred in with at least a grade point average of 3.2 in these courses.
    • A grade point average of at least 3.0 is maintained while completing remaining prerequisite courses at the University.
    • All other minimum admission requirements are met.

**Students transferring in less than 30 hours of coursework may be considered for guaranteed admission. Students falling in this category should call the Admission Office.

MLS Program Overview & Outcomes

Program Mission

The mission of the Medical Laboratory Science program of ÇàÇà²ÝÊÓƵ is to educate and form highly skilled servant leaders who model professional ethics and exhibit critical thinking skills in order to serve patients by producing quality laboratory test results.

Program Goals

The goals of the Medical Laboratory Science degree program are to:

  1. Provide a high-quality educational experience that imparts to the students the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure success as a clinical laboratory professional.
  2. Provide the healthcare community with knowledgeable and skilled entry-level practitioners.

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

Upon completion of the Medical Laboratory Science program, students will be able to:

  • Apply laboratory science concepts and theories to the practice of clinical laboratory medicine.
  • Competently perform manual and automated laboratory science procedures as an entry-level practitioner.
  • Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills within academic and clinical settings.
  • Demonstrate Franciscan values and professional ethics/conduct within academic and clinical settings.

Student Spotlight

Meet Matthew: From Student to Clinical Lab Professional

When I was searching for what I want to do in life, I came across MLS and started looking into schools and asking hospitals what programs are good and what they are looking for in employees. The answer was always that FranU has a much better quality of student than other schools in the area. At the time I applied the MLS program, under direction of Dr. Fox, it had a 100% pass rate when taking the ASCP exam. This all combined with a generally easy to navigate commute. FranU just seemed like the right fit for me for me to pursue my academic goals. Together with a small class size and instructors that are personable, easy to talk to, and are truly passionate about your success; I found a great school that helped me earn the life I live today. Being at FranU taught me independence and critical thinking skills that are absolutely crucial in navigating clinical operations in a hospital laboratory. For me, what was the turning point in my decision for schools was FranU's community focused healthcare education.

- Matthew Babin, MLS (ASCP)CM
Lab Lead Scientist at North Oaks Health System

MLS FAQs

Is a career in Medical Laboratory Science right for me?

If you are a problem solver with a passion for the science laboratory and attention to detail and you desire to work in a carreer which can help people, MLS may be the right profession for you.

I already have a Bachelor's degree, can I enter directly into the MLS program?

In most cases, yes. Please contact Deborah Fox (Deborah.fox@franu.edu, 225-768-1727) for a complete transcript review. Most science-based Bachelor's degrees include the appropriate credits to transfer directly into the MLS program and begin the 18-month curriculum.

When does the MLS program start?

The MLS program accepts a new cohort of students to begin in the summer semester each year.

Is this a good major to choose if I am considering a future graduate degree such as Physician Assistant, Medical or Veterinary School?

Yes, the MLS curriculum and experience within the MLS field provides an exceptional foundation for advanced career opportunities. Several graduates of the MLS program have chosen to continue their education in graduate school and all have been very successful in advanced healthcare coursework.

Can I take a MLS course if I am not a MLS major?

Yes, contact Deborah Fox (Deborah.fox@franu.edu, 225-768-1727) to find out which MLS courses are available to non-MLS students who have taken the appropriate pre-requisite coursework.

Resources

Document TitleTypeFile Size
Document Title: MLS Handbook 2025 2026Type: pdfFile Size: 690.872 KB
Document Title: NAACLS Defined Program Outcomes 2025Type: pdfFile Size: 155.369 KB

Gain Clinical and Lab Experience in the Medical Laboratory Science BS Degree Program

By enrolling in the Medical Laboratory Science degree program at FranU, you’ll be supported from classroom to career and gain hands-on experience in your field through both clinical and laboratory learning experiences.

Learn more about the MLS program by Requesting Information. Ready to take the next step? Begin your application now.

Check Out Our Clinical Microbiology Certificate for Medical Laboratory Science Professionals

In addition to the Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science, FranU also offers a certificate in Clinical Microbiology for Medical Laboratory Science as an option for post-Bachelor degree applicants who have an interest specific to clinical microbiology and meet designated requirements.

Regional Accreditation

For information about our SACSCOC accreditation, please visit our Institutional Accreditation page.

NAACLS Accreditation

The Medical Laboratory Science program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Medical Laboratory Science (NAACLS, 5600 N. River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018 or call (773)-714-8880).

Curriculum