Master’s in Medical Laboratory Science Program

The Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science (MS in Medical Laboratory Science) program prepares students to become a vital part of the health care team. This career allows students to perform tests to analyze bodily fluids, which aid in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. The medical laboratory science curriculum is built around a core of basic and advanced theoretical knowledge combined with clinical practice in hematology, clinical chemistry, immunology, molecular diagnostics, immunohematology and clinical microbiology.

Program Outcomes

1. ASCP Board of Certification Pass Rates for students graduating in 2020-2022 taking the exam within a year of graduation = 32/40 = 80% (NAACLS benchmark is 75%)
   Class of 2020 - 9/13 (69%)
   Class of 2021 - 11/13 (85%)
   Class of 2022 - 12/14 (86%)
2. Graduation rate for students admitted Fall 2018 through Fall 2020 (Graduating Classes of 2020-2022) = 53/53 = 100% (NAACLS benchmark is 70%)
   Class of 2020 - 19/19 (100%)
   Class of 2021 - 16/16 (100%)
   Class of 2022 - 18/18 (100%)
3. Employment rate for students who graduated 2020-2022 (for those whose status is known) = 53/53 = 100% (NAACLS benchmark is 70%)
   Class of 2020 - 19/19 (100%)
   Class of 2021 - 16/16 (100%)
   Class of 2022 - 18/18 (100%)

Career outlook

Medical laboratory science career options

Graduates of the RUSH University MLS program are employed in multiple settings, including: hospital and independent reference laboratories, universities and colleges, outpatient clinics, medical and biotechnology research facilities, government regulatory agencies, forensic and crime laboratories, veterinary clinics and zoos. The range of jobs for medical laboratory scientists with a master’s degree is wide.

This program is also a great option for students who want to complete a post-baccalaureate program before medical school. Students are given the opportunity to learn about the procedures and processes that take place in medical laboratories to diagnose diseases, complete community service, conduct research projects and obtain many other skills before their medical school journey.

Possible career areas for graduates with a degree in medical laboratory science:

• Clinical analysis: includes microbiology and chemistry.
• Public health: includes forensics and environmental health.
• Industry: includes pharmaceuticals and quality assurance.
• Higher education: includes educator and laboratory director.
• Research: includes cancer research and bioengineering.

Employment of medical laboratory workers is expected to grow 22 percent through 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

For more information about careers in medical laboratory sciences, click here.

Medical laboratory scientist salary expectations and demand

According to PayScale, the average annual salary of a medical laboratory scientist is roughly $62,000 a year. This can vary depending on experience and location. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment of medical and clinical laboratory technologists is expected to grow 13 percent through 2026.

Why RUSH University for your medical laboratory science degree

One hundred percent of students who started the clinical portion of the Medical Laboratory Science program from 2015 to 2017 successfully graduated from the program. The program takes great pride in producing diverse leaders who successfully enter the workforce.

In your first year as a Medical Laboratory Science student, you will learn basic theories and skills in the following areas:

• Clinical chemistry
• Clinical immunology
• Clinical microbiology
• Hematology
• Immunohematology
• Molecular diagnostics

In your second year of the Medical Laboratory Science program, you will complete a clinical practicum in the laboratories within RUSH University Medical Center or these affiliated hospitals:

• Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
• Northwestern Memorial Hospital
• The University of Chicago Medicine
• University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System

In addition, students have full microbiology and blood bank rotations.

If you’d like to learn more about what Medical Laboratory Scientists at RUSH do, please watch this video.

For additional scholarship information click here.

 

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