medical laboratory science students in lab coats in lab

Medical Laboratory Science Degree

Bachelor of Science in MLS or Certificate

Acquire the skills needed to perform diagnostic medical testing and make a difference in patients' lives.

Become an essential member of the diagnostic healthcare team through one of UND’s Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) program routes. Medical laboratory scientists perform a diverse set of tasks related to diagnostic medical testing, without significant patient contact. They are in high demand in laboratories both large and small throughout the country. You'll put your MLS education to use after graduation as a working professional.

Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
Varies based on program route
Credit hours:
Varies based on program route

Why earn a medical laboratory science degree?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 16
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

Each route has its own separate program application and deadline, in addition to the application to UND

Graduates of UND's MLS program are highly sought after by employers. The program boasts a 100% placement rate. Every one of our graduates looking for a job in the medical laboratory field has found one.

Specialized Medical Laboratory Science Degree

UND offers a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science and a Certificate in Medical Laboratory Science Program. The following different program routes are available to choose from to fit your needs. In each program, you'll gain hands-on experience at one of our affiliated medical laboratory sites across the country. Visit the MLS website to explore your options:

  • Traditional: Earn a bachelor’s degree with on-campus coursework (some pre-requisites available online) and a 4-year estimated completion time.
  • MLT/CLT to MLS: Online and on-campus options available to advance your career from MLT/CLT to a 4-year MLS Bachelor’s degree.
  • Second Bachelor's Degree 4+1: For those that already have a bachelor's degree in another field, gain MLS certification eligibility with about one year of coursework.
  • Mayo Clinic Cohort: Complete your MLS education with no on-campus visits required. Only current employees of the Mayo Clinic Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology in Rochester, Minn., are eligible.
  • Categorical: Complete coursework leading to certification eligibility at the MLS level in specific area(s) of the laboratory with no on-campus requirements. Students must have prior bachelor's degree and have secured their own clinical rotation site in order to be eligible for this route.
  • Western College Alliance for Medical Laboratory Science (WCAMLS): The first three years of study are completed at a WCAMLS affiliated institution. Students at WCAMLS schools apply for acceptance to complete the final year of study at UND.

Certificate or Bachelor's Degree in Medical Laboratory Science

  • Select from various program options to find the path that's right for you.

  • Gain clinical experience at one of over 70 affiliated clinical sites throughout the nation. We have affiliates in AZ, CO, IL, IA, MN, MT, ND, OK, OR, SC, SD, WA, WI, and WY. 

  • Use digital slide software and other technological advancements in state-of-the art student laboratory spaces.

  • Share your passion with other students through the Medical Laboratory Science Club.

  • The MLS program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).

  • The University of North Dakota has offered a degree in Medical Laboratory Science since 1949. We have a long-standing and proven track record.

What to do with a medical laboratory science degree?

Be part of a group of laboratory professionals that are highly sought after by employers from across the nation. There's a shortage of medical laboratory scientists, and it's created a large demand for our graduates. In addition to immediate employment opportunities, many graduates also attend medical school or pursue graduate degrees in science, management or education.

Medical laboratory scientists can be found working in the following environments:

  • Armed forces
  • Forensic and reference laboratories
  • Government agencies
  • Hospitals and clinics
  • Industry
  • Research

Skills with a Medical Laboratory Science Degree

UND's Medical Lab Science program gives you the strategic skills you need, including:

  • Hematology
  • Blood Bank
  • Chemistry
  • Microbiology
  • Quality Control
  • Immunology and Molecular Diagnostics

Jobs with a Bachelor's Degree in Medical Laboratory Science

Our Medical Laboratory Science graduates have gone on to a variety of successful careers with:

  • Mayo Clinic
  • Sanford Health
  • Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Interpath Laboratory, Inc.
  • The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
I see the outcomes of other MLS programs and there truly is no comparison to the level of preparation that UND students have.MLS AlumniPost-Graduation Survey

Medical Lab Science Degree Courses

MLS 465. Clinical Laboratory Management. 3 Credits.

Management practices in the clinical laboratory including concepts related to service and quality, information management, financial management, personnel management, laboratory education and research. Prerequisites: MLS, Clinical Chemistry/Urinalysis, Hematology/Hemostasis, Immunohematology or Microbiology program students only. F,S,SS.

MLS 471. Clinical Chemistry I. 2 Credits.

Theories and principles of clinical chemistry procedures are discussed as well as how the results of these procedures correlate to health and disease. Prerequisites: MLS, Clinical Chemistry/Urinalysis, Hematology/Hemostasis, Immunohematology or Microbiology program students only. SS.

MLS 479. Clinical Hematology I. 2 Credits.

Emphasis on interpretive correlation of hematology findings and pathophysiology. Topics of current interest and advances in hematology. Prerequisites: MLS, Clinical Chemistry/Urinalysis, Hematology/Hemostasis, Immunohematology or Microbiology program students only. SS.

MLS 460. Laboratory Practice. 2 Credits.

This course represents an overview of standard laboratory practices including safety, glassware, microscopes, centrifuges, balances, specimen collection and handling. Prerequisites: MLS, Clinical Chemistry/Urinalysis, Hematology/Hemostasis, Immunohematology or Microbiology program students only. F,S,SS.

MLS 394. Medical Microbiology. 2 Credits.

Medically important microorganisms are identified using a wide variety of clinical techniques. Included in the discussion will be susceptibility studies and the correlation of the presence of microorganisms to health and disease. Prerequisites: MLS, Categorical Certificate Clinical Chemistry/Urinalysis, Categorical Certificate Hematology/Hemostasis, Categorical Certificate Immunohematology or Categorical Certificate Microbiolgy students only. S.

MLS 340. Molecular Diagnostics. 2 Credits.

An introduction to specific molecular biology application in the laboratory and a discussion of cell biology, DNA chemistry, genetics, nucleic acid extraction and modification, blotting, polymerase chain reactions, and probes in relation to diagnostic investigations. Prerequisites: MLS program students only. S.

Become a Medical Laboratory Scientist

Follow Morgan Kainz as she navigates through a full day in the life of a Medical Lab Science degree student.

Explore More Options

Looking to add a double major, pursue graduate work or connect with the MLS department?

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