Bachelor of Science [B.S] [Medical Laboratory Science] From Bowling Green State University

Most medical laboratory scientists work in hospitals, public health agencies, research institutions, pharmaceutical companies or other medical and industrial laboratories. With some additional training, graduates may work in forensic, cytogenetic or fertility laboratories. Graduates are able to choose from several entry-level technologist positions in hospitals. Medical technologists with graduate training in biochemistry, immunohematology, microbiology, immunology or virology often become department heads. With experience a medical laboratory scientist may become a supervisor, become involved in education or be a technical representative for a commercial organization. Currently, there is a significant shortage of medical laboratory scientists, and employment opportunities are excellent. Starting salaries in Ohio range from the low to mid 40s.

The curriculum includes a core of biology and chemistry courses. This core, which is completed within the first three years, provides the academic background for the professional portion of the program. Students in medical laboratory science also take courses which promote proficiency in communication, the behavioral sciences, humanities and applied arts and sciences. Students should apply for admission to professional training during the fall semester of their junior year. Successful candidates will have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher and must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or above throughout professional training. The University-based professional training portion consists of 13 months of full-time study divided into three semesters of courses in medical laboratory science. The first two semesters consist of lecture and laboratory courses in the clinical laboratory sciences and are given on campus; the final semester is a six-month clinical practicum given at one of several affiliate hospitals in northwest Ohio.