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Medical Laboratory Science - Master's

Availability: Hattiesburg and Online Options

What is a Medical Laboratory Scientist?

Medical laboratory scientists (MLS) are healthcare investigators, who use laboratory analyses to assist healthcare providers in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and disorders. The Master of Science degree programs seek to provide the student with skills and knowledge for professional enhancement. The programs are structured to provide the student with an area of specialization or expertise. Graduates may be candidates for positions as managers, educators, information specialists, research laboratory technologists, etc.

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2Master's Degree options
18hours of 600 level coursework
36hours for online degree completion

What Will I Learn?

The on-campus program is for students with BS degrees in Biology or Chemistry who do not hold certification as a medical laboratory scientist. This program includes a practicum. The students will complete the MLS BS course and 18 hours of 600 level coursework. Upon completion students are eligible to sit for a nationally recognized certification exam.

Campus students will learn:

  • Clinical Bacteriology
  • Clinical Chemistry
  • Clinical Hematology
  • Clinical Immunohematology
  • Principals of Clinical Administration and Education

The online program is for Medical Laboratory Science BS degree individuals who hold ASCP certification. Students will complete 36 hours of coursework online.

Online students will learn:

  • Management
  • Education
  • Oncology
  • Toxicology
  • Epidemiology
  • Microbial Pathogens
  • Research
  • Current Topics

The program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences. Program graduates are eligible to apply for the certification examination offered by the American Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP-BOC).

NAACLS
5600 N River Road, Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018-5119
Phone: 847.939.3597
Fax: 773.714.8886

ASCP Board of Certification
33 West Monroe Street, Suite 1600
Chicago, IL 60603
Phone: 312.541.4999
Fax: 312.541.4998

 

MLS Program Performance

  2015-16 2016-17 2017-18
Graduation Rate 100% 100% 100%
ASCP Pass Rate 1st attempt 14/15
93.3%
11/12
91.7%
15/16
93.8%
Placement Rate within 6 months 100% 100% 100%

 

Professional Development

The department faculty are continually working to provide our students with the qualifications that they need to be competent certified laboratory professionals. Our department faculty work closely with our students through professional development activities such as the directed research projects, discussion boards, and comprehensive evaluation of curriculum content. Students will complete both written and oral comprehensive exams on trending healthcare topics with specific attention on laboratory related aspects.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

Completion of The University of Southern Mississippi Medical Laboratory Science degree program does not guarantee employment in the medical/clinical laboratory profession. Prior to enrollment, students are responsible for confirming all education, certification, and licensing requirements in the medical/clinical laboratory profession as the requirements may vary state to state.  The USM Medical Laboratory Science degree program is designed to meet the ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology) certification requirements and may not meet licensing requirements for all states.  For accurate requirements please check with the appropriate state licensing board where you wish to work for more information.

 

Availability

Degree Plan Availability
Medical Laboratory Science MSHattiesburg, Online 100%

View Online Program Details

 

  • Laboratory Directory
  • Regulatory Inspector
  • Laboratory Education Educator
  • Quality Control Manager
  • Biomedical Research
  • Infectious Disease Director
  • G. Shane Hendricks, MS, MT (ASCP) Retired Air Force 2007
    Microbiology Department Supervisor Parrish Medical Center, Titusville, FL
  • Alicia Williams BS, MLS (ASCP) 2016
    Clinical Health Facility Supervisor (CLIA Surveyor) Oklahoma State Health Department Oklahoma City, OK
  • James J. Hamilton MS, MLS (ASCP) Retired Air Force 2017
    Core Laboratory Supervisor Barnes-Jewish Hospital St. Louis, MO
  • Jennifer Fendinger MS, MSED, MT (ASCP) 2016
    Allied Health Program Director Bryant & Stratton College Buffalo, NY
  • Cassie D. Scherff, Capt. USAF BSC 2014
    Diagnostics and Therapeutics Flight Commander Maxwell AFB, AL
  • Beth P. White, MS, MT(ASCP) BS 1982 MS 2005
    Director of Laboratory Services Memorial Hospital at Gulfport Gulfport, MS