Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science

The Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science provides students with the entry-level skills and knowledge needed to become successful laboratory professionals and seek employment in a variety of healthcare sectors, including medical and diagnostic laboratories, research laboratories, government laboratories, higher education, regulatory agencies, and the manufacturing and sales industries.

Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science program complete courses in clinical chemistry, hematology, immunohematology (blood banking), immunology, management, microbiology, molecular diagnostics, and urinalysis and body fluid analysis. Lecture and corresponding laboratory courses take place in dedicated classroom and laboratory spaces in Vera Z. Dwyer Hall. Prior to graduation, students participate in clinical rotations to gain hands-on experience in medical laboratories located in Indiana and southern Michigan.

Accreditation Information

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

National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
115600 N. River Road, Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018

For more information on the NAACLS accreditation process, please visit the NAACLS website. For the most up-to-date information on the accreditation status, visit the program website.

Admission Information

The professional portion of the Medical Laboratory Science program occurs during the final three semesters of a traditional bachelor’s degree or as a standalone sequence for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree.

Students may seek admission to the Medical Laboratory Science program as:

• A first-time, bachelor's degree-seeking student
• A second-degree student with a Bachelor of Science in biology, chemistry, or other related degree
• A certified Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) wishing to advance to a bachelor's degree.

• These individuals should refer to the MLT to MLS route for program and curriculum requirements.

Students are required to officially apply to the professional program upon completion of their prerequisite courses. Applications open in early fall semester for spring semester entry into the professional program.

Pre-Program Admission Requirements

First Bachelor's Degree

Individuals completing their first bachelor’s degree must meet all General Education and prerequisite course requirements prior to enrolling in the professional program, unless otherwise approved by the program director.

Students must earn a minimum grade of C in the following courses:

• 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
• 300+ biology or CLS-N 390 The Natural World (VT: Vaccines: Science and Society)
  May count for Campuswide General Education Curriculum
• 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.)
• HSC-H 322 Epidemiology and Biostatistics
  May count for Campuswide General Education Curriculum
• MICR-M 250 Microbial Cell Biology (or above)
• MICR-M 255 Microbiology Laboratory (2 cr.) (or above)

Second Bachelor's Degree

Individuals enrolling in the Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science as a second bachelor’s degree seeking student are exempt from the IU South Bend General Education requirements.

Prior to beginning the professional program, individuals must complete the following with a minimum grade of C:

• 8–10 credit hours of general biology with laboratory
• 8–10 credit hours of general chemistry with laboratory
• Molecular biology – may be completed after beginning professional program
• Microbiology with laboratory
• 200–level or above math course with statistics
• Medical terminology–may be completed after beginning professional program

Additional Academic Requirements

Students should refer to the program handbook for detailed academic and clinical policies, ensuring compliance with program requirements and standards (i.e. GPA requirements, program dismissal, reinstatement, etc.).

Pre-clinical students in the Vera Z. Dwyer School of Health Sciences are strongly encouraged to identify and apply a parallel plan. A parallel plan helps you align with the requirements of another academic program, providing a clear path for academic progression if your professional goals change, you encounter challenges meeting program requirements, or your needs shift.

Degree Requirements

Students receiving the Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science degree must complete 120 credits including the following. All courses are 3 credit hours unless otherwise indicated.

• IU South Bend Campuswide General Education Curriculum (33 cr.)
• Prerequisite Coursework (42 cr.)
• Major Coursework (46 cr.)
• Free Electives

Prerequisite Coursework (42 cr.)

• AHLT-R 185 Medical Terminology (2 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
• 300– 400–level 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.)
• HSC-H 101 Introduction to Health Sciences
• HSC-H 322 Epidemiology and Biostatistics
  May count for Campuswide General Education Curriculum
• HSC-W 314 Ethics and Health Professionals
  May count for Campuswide General Education Curriculum
• MICR-M 250 Microbial Cell Biology (or above)
• MICR-M 255 Microbiology Laboratory (2 cr.) (or above)

Major Coursework (46 cr.)

• CLS-B 399 Human Behavior and Social Institutions (VT: Clinical Laboratory Management)
  May count for Campuswide General Education Curriculum
• CLS-C 405 Clinical Chemistry
• CLS-C 406 Diagnostic Methods (2 cr.)
• CLS-C 407 Hematology
• CLS-C 408 Hematologic Methods (2 cr.)
• CLS-C 409 Hemostasis (2 cr.)
• CLS-C 415 Clinical Molecular Diagnostics and Special Chemistry
• CLS-E 401 General Externship I (2 cr.)
• CLS-E 402 General Externship II (2 cr.)
• CLS-E 403 General Externship III (2 cr.)
• CLS-E 404 General Externship IV (2 cr.)
• CLS-I 407 Immunohematology and Transfusion Medicine
• CLS-I 408 Blood Banking Methods (2 cr.)
• CLS-I 411 Clinical Immunodiagnostics
  May count for Campuswide General Education Curriculum
• CLS-L 420 Urinalysis and Body Fluid Analysis (2 cr.)
• CLS-M 403 Clinical Microbiology
• CLS-M 404 Microbiological Methods (2 cr.)
• CLS-M 411 Mycology and Parasitology (2 cr.)
• CLS-M 413 Advanced Clinical Microbiology

Free Electives

• Additional courses as needed to meet 120 credit hour requirement.