The Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science program prepares students for a professional career in healthcare, analyzing clinical specimens in the hospital laboratory.  Graduates are eligible to take the American Society of Clinical Pathology exam, leading to the MLS(ASCP) credential (required by most hospital laboratories).

Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS) provide the science that supports healthcare, supplying information which allows care providers to determine diagnoses and treatments. MLS work in all areas of the medical laboratory, including Clinical Chemistry, Hematology, Microbiology, and Transfusion Services (Blood Bank). A degree in MLS is also good preparation for graduate or professional school, and provides options for careers in related scientific and healthcare fields.

The B.S. in MLS at IUS includes two years of general education courses and science prerequisites. During the Sophomore year, students may apply to enter the MLS program as juniors. Two years of specialized instruction include a semester-long internship at an affiliated hospital in the Louisville metro area. There is a critical need for laboratory professionals nationwide, so there are many jobs available and local hospitals offer work-agreement scholarships that will cover tuition.

GPA: 2.0

Minimum Course Grade: C

Credit Hours 120

Mode of Instruction: In-Person

Clinical Lab Science BS Residency Requirement

Due to the unique nature of this degree, students pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science are exempt from the university and School of Natural Sciences' Residency Requirement.  In order to receive the degree from IU Southeast, CLS majors must complete a minimum of 15 credit hours in Biological Sciences, including at least two courses with associated lab, in residence at IU Southeast, prior to beginning clinical curriculum at Bellarmine University.

Admission Requirements

The allied health sciences program in medical laboratory science will consider all eligible students for admission.  Pre-allied health students interested in the program are advised that admission into the professional program is not guaranteed. 

Applicants to the professional program are considered on their own merits without bias concerning sex, color, or creed. 

Bellarmine Medical Lab Science Admission Requirements

• A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
• A minimum science-math grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
• A minimum grade of a C in all required courses.
• Official transcripts for all college course work.
• Two letters of recommendation.
• Personal statement.
• A personal interview, if requested, by the Medical Laboratory Science Admissions Committee.

Core Program

All courses listed below require a grade of C or better.  Courses marked with an asterisk (*) can be used to satisfy a General Education Core requirement. All courses are three credit hours unless otherwise noted.

• CHEM-C 105* Principles of Chemistry I
• CHEM-C 125 Experimental Chemistry I (2 cr.)
• CHEM-C 106 Principles of Chemistry II
• CHEM-C 126* Experimental Chemistry II (2 cr.)
• MATH-K 300 Statistical Techniques for Health Professions (3 cr.)
• BIOL-L 101 Intro to Biological Sciences I
• BIOL-L 102 Introduction to Biological Sciences II
• BIOL-L 211 Molecular Biology
• BIOL-K 312 Immunology
• BIOL-L 312 Cell Biology
• ANAT-A 215 Basic Human Anatomy (5 cr.)
• COMM-S 121 Public Speaking (3 cr.)
• MICR-M 310 Microbiology (3 cr.)
• MICR-M 315 Microbiology Lab (3 cr.)
• AHLT-M 330 Medical Terminology (3 cr.)

*ANAT-A 215 is the preferred course; however, PHSL-P 215 (5 cr.) or BIOL-L 102 (5 cr.) will satisfy the anatomy requirement if the student has pursued a degree requiring either course.

• CLS-C407 Hematology (3)
• CLS-C408 Hematology Methods (2)
• CLS-C409 Hemostasis (2)
• CLS-C405 Clinical Chemistry (3)
• Additional General Education Course (3)
• Elective (3)
• CLS M403 Clinical Microbiology (3)
• CLS M404 Microbiology Methods (2)
• CLS-C406 Diagnostic Methods (2)
• CLS-C415 Clinical Molecular Diagnostics and Special Chemistry (3)
• CLS-B399 Clinical Laboratory Management (3)
• CLS-L420 Urinalysis and Body Fluids Analysis (2)
• CLS-I411 Clinical Immunodiagnostics (3)
• CLS-M411 Mycology and Parasitology (2)
• CLS-I407 Immunohematology (3)
• CLS-I408 Blood Banking Methods (2)
• CLS-M413 Advanced Clinical Microbiology (3)
• BIOL-L490 Individual Study (3)
• CLS-C401 General Externship 1 (2)
• CLS-C402 General Externship 2 (2)
• CLS-403 General Externship 3 (2)
• CLS-404 General Externship 4 (2)

MLS Students will complete practice exams at the end of each General Externship (CLS-E401 through CLS-E404). Upon successful completion of the General Externships, students will complete a simulated certification exam.