Online MLT to MLS Bachelor’s Degree

The Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) struggles with producing sufficient laboratory scientists to meet the ever-increasing job demands. These graduates become a critical part of the clinical laboratory workforce in collecting, handling, processing and providing information essential for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of health and diseases.  The ongoing COVID pandemic has put a spotlight on laboratory medicine, highlighting the vital role of diagnostic testing to the health care system. COVID has amplified and accelerated the critical shortage of trained and experienced laboratory personnel that has been felt for decades. Insufficient testing and testing delays were in part due to the lack of trained professionals to handle the pandemic surge. The American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) identified amongst other factors that the declining number of accredited education programs contributed to the shortage of trained laboratory scientists. “Unlike most majors, a degree in medical laboratory science relates to a specific career, —an advantage over other disciplines where students find themselves lost in securing a job or a career after graduation. Most, if not all, students attend college expecting it to lead to a better future and increased employment opportunities and earning potential” Hassan Aziz, PhD, ASCLS President, 2021-2022.

To provide opportunities for Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLT) and help address the need for qualified laboratory scientists, the MLS Program is proposing to offer an online curriculum for certified Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) to earn a Bachelor’s degree. These MLTs are associate degree holders from accredited Community colleges interested in earning a bachelor’s degree to further their careers in the field of laboratory medicine. The proposed curriculum is designed for the students to complete 65 credit hours within five semesters to earn the bachelor’s degree. Upon completion of the degree, the graduates will be eligible for national certification exam to become a certified medical laboratory scientist.