SCHOOL OF STEAM
Medical Laboratory Science, B.S.
Earn a Medical Laboratory Science Degree at Saint Francis University
Gain the technical & academic skills you need to succeed in our 3+1 Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Laboratory Science.
In our medical lab science program, students spend their first three years pursuing an intensive study of biology and chemistry to gain a foundation in science at Saint Francis University. For the fourth year of study, students attend an affiliated hospital Medical Laboratory Science training program to complete their B.S. degree and receive specialized training.
Offered: In-Person
3 years, on-campus; 1 year at affiliated MLS hospital
Did you know?
Medical Laboratory Scientists, also known as Medical Technologists or Clinical Laboratory Scientists, are health care professionals who work in laboratories and perform a variety of diagnostic tests on human samples including PCR tests for Covid-19, along with other genetic analyses, and tests involving microscopy, urinalysis, and blood samples. They have expertise in biology and chemistry and are trained in the use of state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment.
100% of recent graduates from this program have found immediate employment as Medical Laboratory Scientists
Begin research projects as early as your freshman year
Classrooms, labs, and collaboration areas are housed within our brand-new 70,000 square-foot facility
Explore all that a medical laboratory science degree has to offer!
Medical Laboratory Scientists are in high demand. At Saint Francis University we know that becoming a successful scientist requires an immersive and dynamic collegiate experience. Your interests will determine your unique path at Saint Francis — it’s all up to you.
The SFU LEARNING EXPERIENCE
Medical Laboratory Science the Saint Francis Way
Clinical Experience
Following the didactic years at Saint Francis, students then apply to one of our affiliated Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) schools listed below. Upon acceptance, students spend their fourth year in the medical lab science program gaining clinical expertise in subjects that include:
- Clinical Chemistry
- Immunohematology and Blood Banking
- Bacteriology
- Parasitology
- Immunoserology
- Urinalysis
Club Involvement
- Biology Club: The Biology club has been designed to enhance the education and biology interests of students on campus. Activities and trips allow students to explore the world in a fun and educational way. Speakers are frequently invited in to allow students to gain perspective and a greater understanding of many topics related to biology. This club is designed to help students prepare for their future in the sciences as well as to offer opportunities to participate in fellowship and networking activities.
- TriBeta Biological Honor Society: Saint Francis is home to the Upsilon Beta Chapter of Beta Beta Beta, the National Biological Honor Society. Our chapter was established in 1980 with twenty active student members and five faculty. Since that time, the Upsilon Beta chapter has inducted 199 regular, 33 associate, and 5 faculty members. Numerous student members have received research scholarship grants from the TriBeta national office, and presented their research at the District Convention. Students who place in the poster or oral presentations receive a scholarship to attend the national meeting. Saint Francis University hosted the NE3 district convention for the first time in 2007.
Undergraduate Research
Students conduct research in small teams that work closely with faculty members in dedicated student/faculty research labs. Many students begin research as freshmen, and students can work with multiple faculty on different projects over their three years at SFU.
The best way to explore what the student experience really looks like is to schedule a visit!
CURRICULUM & COURSES
What You’ll Learn in the Undergraduate Medical Laboratory Science Degree Program
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Degree Paths
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Learning Objectives
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Degree Paths
The Medical Laboratory Science degree at Saint Francis University is a 3+1 program.
- First three years are spent at Saint Francis
- Fourth year can be completed at one of our affiliated and accredited hospital training programs which are accredited by the NAACLS
Affiliated Hospital Training Programs
Students complete their fourth year in the program at one of our affiliate programs.
- Conemaugh School of Medical Technology (Johnstown, PA)
- Reading Hospital School of Medical Laboratory Science (Reading, PA)
- St. Christopher's Hospital for Children Medical Laboratory Science Program (Philadelphia, PA)
- UPMC Altoona School of Medical Technology/Medical Laboratory Science (Altoona, PA)
- UPMC Chautauqua WCA Medical Laboratory Science Program (Jamestown, NY)
- UPMC Williamsport Medical Laboratory Science Program (Williamsport, PA)
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Upon successful completion of the undergraduate Medical Laboratory Science program, graduates will be able to:
- Scientific Method: employ the scientific method, including the use of discipline-specific techniques, to discover and validate biological knowledge.
- Scientific Literacy: demonstrate scientific literacy through reading, writing, presenting, and discussing research.
- Biochemistry & Cellular Biology: demonstrate knowledge of how atoms and molecules interact to permit the function of living systems, and how cells sense, control, and respond to stimuli in their environments.
- Molecular Genetics: demonstrate knowledge of molecular genetics and how this leads to the expression and inheritance of traits.
- ASCP Board Certification Exam: be prepared to successfully pass ASCP board certification examinations upon completion of the program.
- Job Placement: Graduates from our program immediately should find employment, or enroll in further relevant graduate/professional training programs.
Dedicated Researchers; Passionate Teachers
Our highly qualified faculty members hold doctorates in diverse fields within biology including anatomy, animal behavior, cell biology, ecology, endocrinology, entomology, evolution, microbiology, and molecular biology.
Dr. Justin Merry
Department Chair, Biology
814-471-1105
Email: jmerry@francis.edu
Career Outlook in Medical Laboratory Science
Medical Laboratory Scientists are in high demand. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook projects that demand for these jobs will grow by 11% from 2020 and 2030. The median national salary is $55,990. Within Pennsylvania, the median salary is slightly lower at $50,040-$53,700 (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Once our students have passed the clinical examination they have found employment. Most of our former students work in a hospital lab, but there is potential to work in a forensic or private lab. Our recent students have received employment offers in Pennsylvania and a few other states. For example, recent graduate Anna Wolfe ('19) is employed at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Maryland.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About the Medical Laboratory Science program and Saint Francis University
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What can I do with a medical laboratory science degree?
Medical Laboratory Scientists most commonly work in hospital laboratories, or dedicated out-patient laboratory facilities. They are also commonly employed in forensics labs, where they use tissue analysis to solve crimes, or in scientific research labs.
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Will I have the opportunity to conduct research?
Yes! Our medical lab science degree students conduct research in small teams that work closely with faculty members in dedicated student/faculty research labs. Many students begin research as freshmen, and students can work with multiple faculty on different projects over their three years at SFU.
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What is the difference between a Medical Laboratory Scientist and Medical Technician?
Our medical lab science program trains students to be Medical Laboratory Scientists, which are also known as Medical Technologists or Clinical Laboratory Scientists. This program requires a 4-year Bachelor's Degree. A Medical Technician, on the other hand, requires a 2-year Associate's Degree. While some tasks overlap, Medical Laboratory Scientists typically have higher pay grades, a wider breadth of skills, greater opportunity for advancement, and many additional responsibilities.
Medical Laboratory Scientists most commonly work in hospital laboratories, or dedicated out-patient laboratory facilities. They are also commonly employed in forensics labs, where they use tissue analysis to solve crimes, or in scientific research labs.
Yes! Our medical lab science degree students conduct research in small teams that work closely with faculty members in dedicated student/faculty research labs. Many students begin research as freshmen, and students can work with multiple faculty on different projects over their three years at SFU.
Our medical lab science program trains students to be Medical Laboratory Scientists, which are also known as Medical Technologists or Clinical Laboratory Scientists. This program requires a 4-year Bachelor's Degree. A Medical Technician, on the other hand, requires a 2-year Associate's Degree. While some tasks overlap, Medical Laboratory Scientists typically have higher pay grades, a wider breadth of skills, greater opportunity for advancement, and many additional responsibilities.