The Medical Laboratory Science Program provides students with an undergraduate education in clinical laboratory science and prepares graduates to become certified medical laboratory scientists (MLS) and/or pursue post-baccalaureate studies in medical, dental, optometry or other graduate or professional program. The program has multiple "tracks" to choose from based on the future academic and professional career goals of the student.

What is medical laboratory science?
Medical laboratory science is the use of clinical laboratory tests to detect, diagnose, monitor and treat disease. Blood, tissue and body fluids can be chemically analyzed and examined for foreign organisms and abnormalities. This information is then used by the medical team to make decisions regarding a patient's medical care. 85% of all medical decisions are based on the results of clinical laboratory testing.

What is a medical laboratory scientist?
Medical laboratory scientists (formerly known as medical technologists) are laboratory professionals who are part of the medical team of specialists who work together to determine the presence, extent or absence of disease. They perform a full range of laboratory tests from simple blood screens to more complex tests to detect diseases like cancer, coronary artery disease and diabetes. More information on the Medical Laboratory Science profession.

What can I do with a degree in medical laboratory science?
A degree in medical laboratory science is extremely versatile. While most graduates from the certification track opt to work in hospital settings, more students are branching out into other arenas such as industry, sales, research, fertility clinics, information systems, forensics, environmental health, public health and education. The Medical Science track (and some Certification track) students are pursuing advanced degrees in medicine, dentistry, nursing and others. Ohio State offers four curriculum tracks that tailor to different goals. 

What if I am a certified medical laboratory technician (MLT)?
Certified MLTs can apply to the MLT Articulation Track. This track provides MLTs with the opportunity to obtain a bachelor's degree and an advanced clinical laboratory science education as part of their requirements to become eligible for the MLS certification exam.

What if I already have a bachelor's degree?
Students who already hold a bachelor's degree in something other than medical technology and would like to become eligible for certification have three options. Students may complete the two-year Certification Track and earn either a second BS degree OR receive a Certificate of Study. We also have a three-year Coordinated Graduate Track resulting in both certification eligibility and a master's of science.