Pictured | Meghan Wurst | Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science | Fort Wayne, Indiana (hometown)
Club Affiliations | American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (Indiana student representative); Phlebotomy Technician, American Society for Clinical Pathology (PBT(ASCP))

Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) to Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Completion

The Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) to Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) route offers the opportunity for a trained MLT to earn a Bachelor of Science in MLS. This track is open to individuals who have an associate degree in Medical Laboratory Technology and/or are a certified MLT through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or equivalent certifying agency.

Students are able to complete required courses at their own pace while attending to their work and personal life commitments. The required coursework provides students with a solid educational background through completion of the Campuswide General Education curriculum, foundational science courses, and advanced courses in the MLS curriculum. Students also have the ability to attend a specialized clinical rotation, if desired. 

This opportunity allows students to customize their learning experience and take courses that will support their personal and professional goals. Students work with the program director and advising to create an academic plan.

All other students should refer to the Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science.

Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science Mission Statement

The Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science strives for educational excellence in the field of laboratory medicine through engaging students with active and authentic learning experiences while embracing diversity with a curriculum designed to promote intellectual growth, scholarship, and creative activities for faculty and students, innovation in laboratory techniques, and continuing education. Graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science will increase the vitality of the economy as important members of the healthcare community.

Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science Vision Statement

The Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science program seeks to be recognized as the best source for well-educated Medical Laboratory Scientists in the region.

Program Outcomes

In order to fulfill the requirements of a Medical Laboratory Science, MLT to MLS Completion Track, graduates will:

• Synthesize the fundamental biological sciences necessary for integration into clinical laboratory diagnostics.
• Have entry-level professional knowledge in the most common areas of the clinical lab, including Hematology, Clinical Chemistry, Urinalyses, Clinical Microbiology, Immunology, and Blood banking.
• Understand the professional, ethical, and practical responsibilities of laboratorians in the interdisciplinary health care team.
• Be prepared to sit for the national certification exam offered through the American Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP BOC) or an equivalent certifying agency.

NAACLS Accreditation

The Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science at IU South Bend is an accredited Medical Laboratory Science academic program by the National Accrediting Agency of Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS).

Academic Advising

Your academic advisor is a critical partner in fostering your success at IU South Bend and beyond. Your advisor will help you explore academic majors and careers, plan your degree, choose classes, learn about internships and study abroad, and much more. To see who is assigned as your advisor, visit your Student Online Advising Record in one.iu.edu. For more information about advising at IU South Bend, visit the website for the Undergraduate Advising Center.

Final responsibility for meeting degree requirements rests with the student.

Questions about advising? Email sbadvise@iu.edu or call (574) 520-4550.

Degree Requirements (63cr.)

Degree Map >>

Students receiving the Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science, through the MLT to MLS completion track, must have a total of 120 credit hours between courses completed at IU South Bend and transfer credits. The student must successfully complete 30 credit hours of 300–level or above at the IU South Bend campus.

Students who have completed an Associate degree in Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) will automatically have 46 credits transfer toward the 120 credit requirement in recognition of completing an MLT curriculum.

• Campuswide General Education Curriculum to include (18 cr.)

• ENG-W 131 Reading, Writing, and Inquiry I
  Fulfills the Fundamental Literacies: Writing requirement 
• SPCH-S 121 Public Speaking
  Fulfills the Fundamental Literacies: Oral Communication | requirement 

• Science Requirements (26 cr.)
• Major Requirements (15-17 cr.)
• Additional Requirements

• All courses are 3 credit hours, unless otherwise noted.

Science Requirements (26 cr.)

• BIOL-L 101 Introduction to Biological Sciences 1 (5 cr.)
• BIOL-L 102 Introduction to Biological Sciences 2 (5 cr.)
• BIOL-L 211 Molecular Biology
• 3-credit 300–level or above Biology course
• CHEM-C 105 Principles of Chemistry I
• CHEM-C 106 Principles of Chemistry II
• CHEM-C 125 Experimental Chemistry I (2 cr.)
• CHEM-C 126 Experimental Chemistry II (2 cr.)

Major Requirements (15-17 cr.)

• CLS-B 399 Human Behavior and Social Institutions
  VT: Clinical Laboratory Management
• CLS-C 415 Clinical Molecular Diagnostics and Special Chemistry
• CLS-E 406 Supplemental Externship (1-2 cr.) 
• CLS-E 407 Medical Laboratory Science Review (1 cr.)
  CLS-I 411 Clinical Immunodiagnostics
  If Information Literacy is needed
• CLS-M 411 Mycology and Parasitology (2 cr.)
• CLS-M 413 Advanced Clinical Microbiology

Additional Requirements

• Additional 300–level (or above) courses to fulfill the 30 credit hours requirement
• Additional courses to fulfill the 120 credit hour degree requirement. Courses may be completed at IU South Bend, or transferred in