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 Medical Laboratory Science. This route 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.

The required coursework provides students with a solid educational background through completion of General Education courses, foundational science courses, and advanced courses in the MLS curriculum. Students also have the ability to complete 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 the Advising Center to create an academic plan.

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

Admission into the Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) to Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) route is reserved for individuals holding an associate degree in Medical Laboratory Technology or have completed a comprehensive MLT program through the armed forces.

Students must include transcripts and/or proof of certification when applying to IU South Bend. Students do not need to formally apply to the Medical Laboratory Science program and may begin courses at any semester, after meeting with an academic advisor.

Additional Academic Requirements

Students receiving the Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science through this route are required to complete a total of 120 credit hours between courses completed at IU South Bend and transfer credits. Students must successfully complete 30 credit hours of 300–level or above courses at the IU South Bend campus.

Students who have completed an associate degree in Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) will automatically receive 46 credit hours transferred toward the 120-credit hour requirement in recognition of completing an MLT curriculum.

Additionally, students may transfer in courses that meet the General Education or foundational science 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.).

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 Requirements (33 cr.)
• Major Coursework (49 cr.)
• Additional courses as needed to meet the 120 credit hour degree requirement

Major Coursework (49 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+ 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.)
• CLS-B 399 Human Behavior and Social Institutions
  VT: Clinical Laboratory Management)*
• CLS-C 415 Clinical Molecular Diagnostics and Special Chemistry
• CLS-E 407 Medical Laboratory Science Review (1 cr.)
• CLS-I 411 Clinical Immunodiagnostics
  May count for Campuswide General Education Curriculum
• CLS-M 411 Mycology and Parasitology (2 cr.)
• CLS-M 413 Advanced Clinical Microbiology
• 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

Free Electives

• CLS-E 406 Supplemental Externship (1-2 cr.)
• Additional courses as needed to meet 120 credit hour degree requirement