Director's Welcome
Medical laboratory scientists are medical professionals that develop, perform and troubleshoot the assays and methods for analysis of blood, tissue, and body fluids in diagnostic laboratories. According to some experts, approximately 70% of the objective information that physicians and other healthcare providers use to make medical decisions comes from the clinical laboratory. Laboratory testing is used for diagnosis, prognosis or risk determination, and monitoring of therapy.
A medical laboratory scientist must have a broad background in clinical biochemistry, microbiology, immunohematology (transfusion medicine), hematology/coagulation, and molecular diagnostics to function in today's modern diagnostic laboratory. Concepts in laboratory management, regulatory/accreditation, and statistical concepts are also of fundamental importance. Additionally, students may choose to specialize in a particular area of diagnostics once training is complete (i.e. molecular diagnostics, coagulation, hematology, microbiology).
The Mayo Clinic Medical Laboratory Science Program is housed in our renowned Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology. Not only do our students learn from our distinguished medical and allied health staff instructors, but we have also implemented progressive teaching strategies that incorporate online learning and make the most of our student's educational experience.
The program gives students access to numerous specialized, cutting edge diagnostic laboratories for training that allow students to get a head start on finding areas of special interest (for those who choose to focus on specific areas of testing after training). Our core laboratories also provide an outstanding training area for students interested in generalist positions after graduation. Our unique quality control course combines an online component offered by a world-renowned quality control expert (James Westgard) combined with in-class hands-on activities to reinforce concepts and teach day to day application.
Medical Laboratory Scientists are in great demand and are highly sought after by clinical laboratories here and across the country and the forecast for job opportunities remains excellent. Our program prepares students for a career in one of the most rewarding and fastest growing areas in healthcare, medical laboratory diagnostics.
Welcome!
Sue Lehman, MA, MT (ASCP) SM
Program Director
Brad Karon, MD, Ph.D.
Medical Director
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