Medical Laboratory Science Program

What does a medical laboratory scientist do?

A medical laboratory scientist (MLS), also known as a medical technologist or clinical laboratory scientist, works to analyze a variety of biological specimens. They are responsible for performing scientific testing on samples and reporting results to physicians. 

Medical laboratory scientists perform complex tests on patient samples using sophisticated equipment like microscopes. The data they find plays an important role in identifying and treating cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and other medical conditions. It is estimated 60 to 70 percent of all decisions regarding a patient's diagnosis, treatment, hospital admission, and discharge are based on the results of the tests medical laboratory scientists perform.

Study Abroad

Clinical Lab Science in Huancayo, Peru June 2019

In partnership with the Foundation for International Medical Relief of Children (FIMRC), seven CLS seniors and Professor Joanna Ellis had a fabulous CLS Peruvian Study Abroad experience this June!

To support the local economy, we began our adventure by purchasing most of the supplies for Professor Ellis's novel Health Education Advances with Laboratory Science (HEALS) workshop when we got to Huancayo, Peru we had cultural and professional exchanges with medical technology students and faculty at University Continental. We shadowed and assisted in two Huancayo hospital labs and one private lab, observed surgeries, and screened over 150 children for anemia!

Additionally, we screened at-risk teen moms for sexually transmitted infections and taught them about the biological impact of their lifestyle and dietary choices through our novel HEALS workshop. We had interactive education stations that showed how some lab tests work, a microscopic view of parasites that cause diarrhea, the value of hand hygiene, and what happens in the body when too much sugar or too little iron is in the diet. The HEALS workshop was enjoyed by all and we learned that lab science really is a great way to engage communities about public health concerns!

We saw a parasitic roundworm from a local patient, learned a new phlebotomy technique, collaborated on best practices for determining reference ranges, appreciated the clothes, animals, arts, and culture, and hiked to the point of absolute exhaustion. We learned to cook Lomo Saltado and we will all miss Miguel's delicious home-cooked meals! We met people and had experiences we will never forget. We worked hard to ensure that our program was mutually beneficial for the community we hoped to serve and all that participated in the program. So proud of this unique CLS study abroad program!