Medical Laboratory Science (MLS)

Program Mission Statement

The mission of the Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) program is to provide a baccalaureate-level educational program that prepares individuals for a career in the laboratory science profession.

Program Goals

In concert with the Allen College philosophy, the mission and objectives of the School of Health Sciences and the mission of the MLS program, graduates will be able to:

  • Integrate knowledge from the humanities, social sciences, natural science and medical laboratory science to demonstrate professional MLS practice.
  • Collaborate and integrate with members of the healthcare team to facilitate caring behaviors to meet the needs of patients in different health care settings and delivery practices.
  • Demonstrate technical competency in the delivery of quality laboratory service in all areas in the scope of medical laboratory practice.
  • Display a commitment to the role and the development of the medical laboratory professional.

Competencies

  1. Apply theory and principles related to body fluids, blood bank, chemistry, hematology, immunology, and microbiology laboratory testing. 
  2. Explain the fundamental biological characteristics related to laboratory testing. 
  3. Perform a wide variety of laboratory tests.
  4. Recognize sources of error in laboratory testing. 
  5. Use appropriate quality control and quality management procedures to ensure the accuracy of laboratory testing results. 
  6. Assess the accuracy of laboratory test results by correlating laboratory data with clinical diagnoses.
  7. Evaluate and apply appropriate corrective actions when problems are encountered.
  8. Apply management principles to the medical laboratory environment.
  9. Accurately report patient test results. 
  10. Demonstrate professional conduct when communicating with patients, laboratory personnel, other health care professional, and the public. 

Program Description

The Medical Laboratory Science program is designed for students to enter from two different academic preparation pathways:

  • Traditional Track
    Students enrolled in the Traditional track will have completed all prerequisite general education work before they begin the MLS program. In this track, all required MLS coursework can be completed in one calendar year.  Students will receive the Bachelor of Health Sciences degree with a MLS major and be qualified for MLS certification. This option is also possible for those who already have a baccalaureate degree and have completed all prerequisite coursework. Most students entering via this academic pathway will enroll on a full-time basis, although part-time study is available. This track has a fall start date, and is offered in a blended delivery format (online delivery of coursework with a minimum of three on-site visits to campus in the Fall and Spring semesters). Clinical rotations are completed at a clinical laboratory facility.
  • Degree Advancement Option (DAO) Track
    This academic pathway is designed to provide a bachelor’s degree for those already certified as a medical laboratory technician with an associate’s degree. These students will complete all general education and MLS course requirements for the Bachelor of Health Sciences degree and be eligible for MLS certification. Part-time or full-time study is available, and students may begin this track in the fall or spring semester. Coursework for this track is delivered completely online. Clinical rotations are completed as individualized projects, which may involve some time in a clinical laboratory facility. 

Clinical Affiliates

Listed below are the websites for the MLS clinical sites:

               Allen Memorial Hospital
               
               Franklin General Hospital
                        
               Genesis Medical Center, Illini Campus

               Great River Medical Center
              
               Hammond-Henry Hospital
              
               Iowa Health – Des Moines
              
               Mahaska Health Partnership              

               Marengo Memorial Hospital
                          
               Mercy – North Iowa
               
               Mercy – Iowa City

               Mercy Medical Center - Cedar Rapids

     Mercy Medical Center - New Hampton

               Trinity Regional Health System
               
               Waverly Health Center

               Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare (Covenant Medical Center)

Accreditation

The Allen College Medical Laboratory Science Program is accredited by the National Accrediting Association of Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).

National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
5600 N. River Rd. 
Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018-5119
(773) 714-8880
Fax: (773) 714-8886
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: http://www.naacls.org

  Allen College Medical Laboratory Science Outcomes Measures