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2016-2017 University Catalog 
  
2016-2017 University Catalog

Medical Laboratory Science, BS


Banner Code:  SC-BS-MLAB

College: College of Science  
Department: Biology  

This program requires the equivalent of three years of full-time pre-professional study at the college level preceding a senior year of professional education in an affiliated school of medical laboratory science. All affiliated schools (see below) are accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).

Students must fulfill all Requirements for Bachelor’s Degrees  including the Mason Core* . In addition:

  • Students must complete MLAB 200  and present the following courses in their biology coursework and supporting requirements with a minimum GPA of 2.00.
  • A grade of ‘C’ or better must be earned in BIOL 213  in order to advance to other major requirements. Students may repeat BIOL 213  once and a second time only with permission of the Department of Biology .
  • Medical laboratory science majors must earn a minimum of ‘C’ in all biology core courses listed below.

*Note:  Because of the extensive pre-professional education requirements stipulated by NAACLS, students majoring in medical laboratory science are exempt from the Mason Core  ‘Arts’ requirement.

Taking MLAB 300  fulfills this major’s writing intensive requirement.

Important information and departmental policies are listed in the Department of Biology  section of this catalog.

Medical Laboratory Science Schools

Responsibility for applying to schools of medical laboratory science and gaining admission rests with the student; however, guidance is provided by the medical laboratory science program director. Admission to medical laboratory science schools is selective, so candidates should strive for strong academic standing. Students who fail to gain admission to an affiliated NAACLS-approved school are unable to complete the degree program. Such students may transfer to the biology major without loss of credits.

Application to medical laboratory science schools should be initiated about a year before the desired entrance date. This fact, coupled with the large number of required courses in the pre-professional curriculum, makes it imperative that students in the program consult regularly with the medical laboratory science program director. All medical laboratory science majors and prospective majors are urged to enroll in MLAB 200  as early as possible. This course provides information on the profession, as well as the educational demands placed on candidates.

Affiliated NAACLS-approved Schools

Degree Requirements


Computer Skills Course (3 credits)


Professional Study (maximum 30 credits)


Students may have up to 30 credits of professional study during the senior year awarded for clinical education at an affiliated school of medical technology. The distribution of credits in these courses varies with the school of medical technology. No more than 30 professional credits may be applied toward the degree. 

Senior students are registered at the university through special procedures. For details, consult the medical laboratory science program director.

The senior year spent off campus requires the following special interpretation of university policies: transfer students must present at least 16 credits of 300 to 400-level biology or chemistry coursework taken at Mason; no unsatisfactory grades (less than ‘C’) may be presented for courses in the senior year of professional study. Transfer students entering with more than 45 transfer credits are often unable to complete the pre-professional phase of their program in the usual three years of full-time study.

Courses that may be awarded for the clinical year include:

Notes


Students are encouraged to elect additional basic science courses during their pre-professional years. Recommended courses are BIOL 465 , BIOL 483 , BIOL 484 , and BIOL 485 ; CHEM 321 ; and PHYS 243 , PHYS 244 , PHYS 245 , and PHYS 246 .

Mason Core and Elective Credits (32-36 credits)


In order to meet a minimum of 120 credits, this degree requires an additional 32-36 credits, which may be applied towards any remaining Mason Core  requirements (outlined below), Requirements for Bachelor’s Degrees , and elective courses. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with their advisors to ensure that they fulfill all requirements.

Degree Total: Minimum 120 credits