Medical Laboratory Science
About
Medical Laboratory Science
Degree: BS
Campus: Columbus
School: Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
Medical laboratory science is a profession that uses clinical laboratory tests to detect, diagnose, monitor and treat disease. More than 70% of all medical decisions are based on the results of clinical laboratory testing.
Medical laboratory scientists are part of the team of health care professionals who work to determine the presence, extent or absence of disease. They perform a range of laboratory tests to detect diseases such as cancer, coronary artery disease and diabetes. These health care professionals analyze, evaluate and validate laboratory data in the five major areas of the clinical laboratory: chemistry, immunology, hematology, transfusion medicine and microbiology.
Get started
Admission to the medical laboratory science program is based on a holistic review of each candidate, including academic achievement in prerequisites and the student’s overall cumulative grade-point average.
Students are encouraged to apply by the posted deadline to the medical laboratory science program.
Applicants who wish to apply to the medical laboratory science program must complete all prerequisite courses with a C- or higher prior to beginning professional course work.
Applicants must apply electronically by January 31 of each year.
Applying as a sophomore: Students may apply for the first time, or reapply, as a sophomore or above while completing their remaining prerequisites. Subject to successful academic standing, admitted students will begin the major as a member of the junior cohort autumn term of the calendar year in which they apply.
Prospective students interested in meeting with an HRS advisor may call 614-292-1706 to arrange an appointment.
Curriculum
Tracks of study
The certification track: The curriculum for this track is designed to prepare students for entry-level work as medical laboratory scientists. In addition to four semesters of medical laboratory science courses, students participate in a six-week internship program during the final semester. This preparation helps students gain clinical experience and take a required comprehensive final exam to help prepare for the national certification exam. Graduates of this track of study will be qualified to sit for the American Society of Clinical Pathology Medical Laboratory Scientist certification exam.
The medical science (non-certification) track: The curriculum for this track is designed for students interested in medical, nursing, physician assisting, dental, veterinary, optometry or any other professional or graduate school. Course content includes pathophysiology of laboratory diagnostics without actually teaching laboratory procedures. This area of study is excellent preparation for medical school or other post-baccalaureate studies. The absence of lab requirements in this curriculum allows for more flexible scheduling, which can accommodate outside courses required for admission into professional or graduate programs. Graduates of this track are not eligible to take the national certifying exam upon graduation.
The Medical Laboratory Technician articulation track: The curriculum for this track is designed for American Society of Clinical Pathology certified medical laboratory technicians who would like to complete their bachelor's degree. This track provides technicians with advanced clinical science education and an opportunity to obtain a bachelor’s degree, which can be used to fulfill requirements to become eligible for the American Society of Clinical Pathology Medical Laboratory Scientist registry exam. However, the curriculum will not fulfill the additional professional experience requirements needed to sit for the exam.
Study abroad
Students in the medical laboratory science major are encouraged to contact the Office of International Affairs to find study abroad experiences related to health care that can strengthen their applications to majors and graduate study programs.
Internship
In their final semester, certificate track students gain practical experience in the clinical laboratories of affiliated hospitals. This six-week internship program is comprised of rotations in each of the five primary disciplines of clinical laboratory science (chemistry, immunology, transfusion medicine, microbiology and hematology). Students work under the supervision of a practicing medical laboratory scientist to apply the theoretical knowledge and laboratory skills learned in the academic setting to the clinical setting.
Honors and Scholars
The Honors Program in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences enhances the student experience in many ways, all of which further prepare students for the next step in their academic or professional careers. Activities eligible for Honors designation include service projects, study abroad, leadership in student organizations and research. For additional information regarding eligibility and requirements, please visit our website.
The Health Sciences Scholars Program and the Dunn Sport and Wellness Scholars Program may be of particular interest to students interested in the major because they bring together students with interests in the many health programs offered at Ohio State.
Learn more about the Honors and Scholars Programs at honors-scholars.osu.edu.
Research
Students are encouraged to investigate research opportunities. Interested students can graduate with research distinction by completing an undergraduate research thesis. Additional information regarding eligibility and requirements can be found on our website.
Student organizations
Students in themedical laboratory science program can live in the Future Health Professionals Learning Community. Students may also apply to participate in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Ambassadors program.
Possible careers
Most medical laboratory scientists work in hospital laboratories. Medical laboratory scientists can also work in many other areas, such as forensics, research, public health laboratories, pharmaceutical industries, medical sales, fertility clinics, environmental labs, doctors offices and information systems.
For the past five years, over 90% of medical laboratory science students have passed the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Registry certification exam on the first attempt.
Salary estimates
The median annual wage for medical and clinical laboratory technologists and technicians is $52,330. The median annual wage for medical laboratory scientists is $84,810.
The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of medical laboratory scientists and technicians will grow 11% from 2018 to 2028 and medical laboratory scientists will grow 8%. A shortage in many parts of the country creates opportunities for employment and good salaries for graduates.
Requirements
Entry Requirements
Criteria of our holistic review, in no particular order.
Successful completion of university preparatory courses
High school performance (class rank or GPA), including participation in accelerated programs like Honors, AP and IB; Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for class rank or GPA
Standardized test score (ACT or SAT); Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Ability and desire to contribute to and engage with a diverse campus community
Experiences that demonstrate leadership or engaged involvement (e.g., co-curricular activities, work experiences or military service)
Status as a first-generation university student
Demonstration of outstanding talent in a particular area
High school performance if adversely affected by physical, mental or learning environment factors
Eligibility for and likelihood of benefiting from organized support services at Ohio State
Enrollment in your intended major
Once it is determined that you are admissible, you will be considered for enrollment in the college of your intended major. Read about
English Requirements
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 79
English Program Requirements
we require evidence of English language proficiency, unless you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.
Fee Information
How to Apply
How do I submit scores?
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Tips for sending scores to Ohio State
Scores must come directly from the testing agency. When you register for the ACT or SAT, indicate that you want your scores sent to Ohio State.
If you already took the test but didn't send your scores to Ohio State, you can order them for a fee. Order in advance to be sure scores reach us by the application deadline.
We must receive standardized test scores by your application deadline (either November 1 or February 1 for autumn semester applicants).
October 2 (SAT) and October 23 (ACT) are your last 2021 test dates if you want your scores to be considered for our November 1 early action deadline. Important! If you plan to test on those dates, you must request that Ohio State receive scores when you register for the test. And please note: If you choose to have your scores considered, you won’t be able to review scores from these dates prior to submitting your application by the November 1 deadline.
Applicants who will have been out of high school for two or more years by their term of enrollment are not required to submit scores.
Is the essay required?
The essay is not required for either the ACT or SAT.
Should I take a standardized test more than once?
Ohio State looks at the highest composite score from a single test date. Taking the test (and having scores sent to us) more than once, while not required, may work to your advantage.
How does Ohio State look at scores?
When considering students for admission or Honors and Scholars selection, we consider the best official composite / combined score from a single test administration. Ohio State does not mix sub-scores from multiple tests.
These items plus the Common Application (STEP 3) make up a complete application. We must receive all items by the deadline to consider your application on time.
Official transcripts
High school transcripts
Request that your high school or secondary school send transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates for coursework from the final four years (grades 9-12) to Ohio State.
How to send your transcripts to Ohio State:
Your high school counselor can upload the transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates using Common App, Naviance or other secure electronic delivery service.
Your high school counselor can email the transcripts to [email protected].
If electronic submission is not possible, please mail your official transcripts to our express mail address.
Faxed transcripts will not be accepted.
Foreign language documents must be translated into English by the issuing institution, an authorized translator or a teacher of the language. Any additional requirements will be posted to your Applicant Center, so be sure to check your application status regularly after you've applied.
Official ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.How do I submit my scores?
We must receive your official ACT or SAT score sent electronically directly from the testing agency. Scores from transcripts will not be considered. Read more about score requirements in STEP 1.
Optional: Recommendation from a teacher or counselor
While not required, your counselor may send a maximum of two letters of recommendation electronically through the Common Application.
If an electronic option isn’t available, your counselor may email your letter(s) to
[email protected]; the letter must include your first and last name and OSU ID number, found on the email we send acknowledging receipt of your application. Letters sent via email are subject to sender verification.
Official proof of English language skills
You must request that your testing agency send official scores electronically to Ohio State demonstrating the English proficiency level outlined below:
TOEFL (internet-based test or internet-based test Home Edition*): 79 or higher
IELTS or IELTS Indicator*: 6.5 or higher
ACT: 21 or higher on the English section
SAT: 27 or higher on the Reading Test
Duolingo*: 105 or higher
You are exempt from this requirement if you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.
Ohio State has an intensive English program for students who wish to improve their language skills called the American Language Program. A separate application is required for this program. Ohio State does not offer conditional admission to students who enroll in the American Language Program.
*To accommodate applicants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Ohio State University will accept Duolingo, the IELTS Indicator and the TOEFL internet-based test Home Edition from any international student applying for spring 2022 or autumn 2022 admission. All Duolingo test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival to campus. TOEFL Home Edition and IELTS Indicator test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival unless they qualify for a TOEFL or IELTS score exemption.
United States of America, Columbus