Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Medical Laboratory Scientist?
Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS) work with state-of-the-art equipment to analyze a variety of biological specimens. MLS personnel are responsible for performing scientific testing on samples and reporting results to physicians. It is estimated that 60-70 percent of all decisions about a patient's diagnosis, treatment, and hospital admission and discharge are influenced by laboratory test results. Medical Laboratory Scientists collaborate very closely with physicians in diagnosing and monitoring disease processes, as well as monitoring the effectiveness of therapy. Areas of medical laboratory training include microbiology, chemistry, hematology, immunology, transfusion medicine, toxicology, and molecular diagnostics. MLS professionals have completed a bachelor's degree and passed a national certification exam which qualifies them to work in all parts of the medical laboratory.
Back to topWhat is the career outlook for a medical laboratory scientist?
Medical laboratory scientist's analytical, scientific and technical skills are a valuable and desired asset for employment opportunities. There is currently a national shortage of certified clinical laboratory scientists. The US Bureau of Labor and Statistics states that medical laboratory science positions exhibit faster than average employment growth and forecasts excellent job opportunities. MLS training is also a great way to prepare for careers in medicine and research science. Opportunities also exist for MLS graduates in the areas of biotechnology, forensics, laboratory management, quality, research, and education.
At Mayo Clinic, Medical Laboratory Scientists interested in advancement opportunities may choose from several tracks including: development, technical, education, quality and management.
Back to topWhat is the current pay/salary for a medical laboratory scientist?
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, median annual wage-and-salary earnings of clinical laboratory technologists were $53,500 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $44,560 and $63,420.
Back to topWhat does the Mayo Clinic MLS program entail?
Once accepted into the program, MCR students will spend 10.5 months in training. The program consists of didactic lectures as well as hands-on clinical rotations. The entire program earns the student 43 academic credit hours. The program includes web-supported courses with online content and students participate in daily laboratory sessions in our new state-of-the-art teaching laboratory. Students will complete courses in hematology, clinical chemistry, immunology, clinical microbiology, molecular diagnostics, transfusion medicine, laboratory management, quality control and method validation. From there the students advance to their clinical experience where they are able to perform clinical laboratory testing in the context of the work setting.
Back to topWhat type of degree or certification is granted with this program?
Upon successful completion of your Medical Laboratory Science Program, students will receive a Certificate of Completion from Mayo School of Health Sciences. Students enrolling in the "3+1" program will receive a certificate in Medical Laboratory Science from the Mayo School of Health Sciences and a baccalaureate degree from their home institution. Students enrolling in the post-baccalaureate will receive a certificate in Medical Laboratory Science from the Mayo Clinic. Graduates from our program are eligible for certification through the ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) and will be credentialed as Medical Laboratory Scientists or MLS (ASCP)CM.
Our program has a 95% first-time pass rate for the national certification examination and our program mean score is above the national mean for both hospital- and university-based programs.
Back to topWhat are some of the personal qualities that are important for a medical laboratory scientist?
All qualified medical laboratory science candidates typically possess the following general characteristics:
- Aptitude for the basic sciences, computers and laboratory instrumentation
- Ability to work quickly and carefully
- Self-sufficient, precise and thorough
- Emotional stability under pressure
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
Back to topHow long is the program?
The Mayo Clinic Rochester MLS curriculum is taught in 10.5 months. During the first 6 months, the students complete 35 credit hours of the program didactic and laboratory lessons in the MLS Program Teaching Laboratory. From there students advance to their clinical experience. The clinical experience includes 4 months of laboratory rotations and is a second application of the MLS curriculum in the context of the work setting.
Back to topCan a student work while participating in the program?
Some students have worked while attending the program. We recommend that no student work more than 10-12 hours per week as the curriculum can be demanding and requires consistent review and study effort. There is an estimated 4-6 hours of homework per day. Most of the students that have worked have expressed that it was challenging for them to keep up with the content.
Back to topWhat are the application deadlines for the respective start dates?
MCR acceptance to the program is on a rolling admission. Applications will be accepted beginning August 1 with a March 1 deadline, for the program starting the following July. Applications are accepted throughout the year, but applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. The application materials must include a completed application form, essay, 2 -3 letters of recommendation (online form is acceptable), and official transcripts.
Back to topWhat are the prerequisites for the program?
Applicants must demonstrate an overall GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4-point scale and a strong track record in science and math. The minimum math and science courses required for admission to the Medical Laboratory Science Program at Mayo Clinic are as follows:
- Biological Sciences
- Must include:
- Microbiology (with lab preferred)
- Anatomy and/or Physiology
- Strongly recommended:
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
- 16 semester hours
- Chemistry
- Must include:
- Organic Chemistry (with lab)
- Strongly recommended:
- 16 semester hours
- Mathematics and Statistics
It is preferred that your references, at a minimum, complete the online recommendation section where they will rate certain qualities on a level of 1 through 5. Additional comments can also be submitted as part of that process. If the reference would prefer, a separate hard-copy letter may also be submitted.
Back to topHow is the interview process conducted?
Applications are first reviewed for eligibility. Eligible applications are then evaluated with emphasis on coursework (upper-level science courses with lab), grades, knowledge of the field, essay, and letters of recommendation. The highest-quality candidates are selected for interviews. The interview process includes a behavioral panel interview as well as individual interviews with each of the faculty. It includes a tour of the facilities and typically lasts about 2-4 hours.
Back to topIs it possible to visit the program facilities prior to submitting an application?
Anyone interested in our program is encouraged to contact program staff to request a tour. We are happy to provide a tour of the program facilities as well as some of the laboratories at Mayo Clinic. We encourage job shadowing as it can be a valuable factor in deciding whether or not medical laboratory science is the right career for you.
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