Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics PROGRAM

Introduction
Program Mission
Undergraduate Programs
Career Opportunities
Graduate Study and Research Facilities
Application Process
Additional Information

INTRODUCTION

Medical Technology (Clinical Laboratory Science, CLS) is a health profession with its foundation in the basic sciences of chemistry, biology, mathematics and physics. Clinical Laboratory Science is a challenging career as well as a satisfying and demanding profession for persons with an interest in the application of the basic sciences to the clinical diagnosis of disease. Clinical laboratory scientists contribute to the development and application of new technologies for the improved diagnosis of pathologic conditions. Specific courses focus on all of the major clinical disciplines including hematology, immunology/immunohematology, hemostasis, clinical microbiology, clinical chemistry and body fluids. Each course is designed to prepare students for their roles as laboratorians. In addition, students are introduced to the emerging discipline of molecular pathology and the role that it is beginning to play in the diagnosis, treatment, monitoring and prevention of disease.

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BIOMEDICAL LABORATORY DIAGNOSTICS PROGRAM MISSION

The Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Program at Michigan State University is dedicated to preparing clinical laboratory science leaders by providing innovative undergraduate and graduate curricula which are responsive to the needs of the profession and delivered using modern instructional practices. The Program is committed to the generation and dissemination of scholarly information thereby enhancing the education, practice, and standing of clinical laboratory science professionals thus promoting their important contribution to the health care delivery system. The Program is committed to University outreach through quality laboratory services and professional development programs. As a result, the Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Program will be the pre-eminent professional resource in diagnostic laboratory science.

The Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Program has been designed to assist students in the development of the following competencies:

perform analyses on clinical samples.
design, evaluate and implement new methods/protocols.
recognize a problem, identify the cause, synthesize alternatives and determine practical solutions where no preset criteria are available.
confirm and verify results through an in-depth knowledge of scientific methods, principles and instrumentation theory.
correlate and interpret data based on knowledge of pathophysiology.
establish and monitor quality assurance/improvement programs.
establish and maintain a productive and efficient work environment that promotes interpersonal relationships and a positive work attitude.
recognize the roles of clinical laboratory professionals within the health care system and how they contribute to a patient-focused health care delivery system.
effectively teach the knowledge, attitudes and skills defined as, or contained within, the clinical laboratory scientists’ body of knowledge.
communicate effectively using a variety of modes.
maintain laboratory services and staff committed to providing accurate and precise laboratory results to support quality patient care.
maintain and practice ethical standards.
determine the effectiveness of laboratory utilization.
participate in continuing professional development and effective knowledge seeking strategies.
contribute to stewardship of their profession.

In addition at the graduate level, the Program focuses on the development of scholarly activities designed to develop and/or enhance competencies related to:

the critical evaluation of scientific/scholarly work.
the development/design of scholarly proposals.
the development of advanced skills to achieve scholarly goals.
independent work, critical thinking and problem solving skills.
the dissemination of scholarly knowledge in a variety of formats.
the identification of appropriate funding/revenue sources and responsible funding/revenue utilization.
the maintenance and practice of ethical standards.
the development of a collaborative/collegial perspective toward education and scholarly activity.

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS

Two undergraduate majors that lead to the Bachelor of Science degree are available: Medical Technology and Clinical Laboratory Sciences. These programs are designed to meet the growing professional needs of a rapidly expanding and changing laboratory profession. These programs are also designed to provide students with preparation for advanced study in the clinical laboratory sciences and to assist students in meeting the preprofessional requirements for careers in a variety of medical and medically related fields. The Bachelor of Science degree program in Clinical Laboratory Sciences is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science and includes the necessary clinical experience required to be eligible for the national certification examination.

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CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

The traditional orientation of clinical laboratory science toward the diagnostic testing laboratory, is only one of many areas available for the program graduate. Federal, state and local health departments, commercial and research laboratories, medical and scientific supplies sales areas, laboratory consulting services, laboratory administration/supervision, and education and research at colleges and universities constitute only part of the professional opportunities available to clinical laboratory scientists. In addition, the undergraduate curricula provide an excellent biomedical background for students who choose to move into alternate health related careers. To view a short video of clinical laboratory scientists(medical technologists) working in medical laboratories, click here.

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GRADUATE STUDY AND RESEARCH FACILITIES

The graduate program in Clinical Laboratory Sciences leads to the Master of Science degree. The program emphasizes the multidisciplinary nature of the laboratory sciences, encourages research that crosses traditional laboratory disciplines and promotes innovative thinking.

Hematology, immunohematology, molecular pathology, microbiology, clinical chemistry and hemostasis are areas of specific faculty expertise and are represented in the Master's degree program in Clinical Laboratory Science. Students may conduct both Plan A (thesis research) or Plan B (non-thesis research) with resident as well as selected adjunct faculty. Research facilities are located in newly renovated space on the third floor of North Kedzie Laboratory. Graduate students have access to a variety of modern equipment and technology in both these laboratories as well as in various research centers around campus.

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APPLICATION PROCESS

Undergraduate

Freshman Information
Transfer Student Information
Clinical Laboratory Science Major

Graduate
Application should be made through the Graduate School. Applications are considered two times per year for admission in Fall (Deadline: April 15) and Spring (Deadline: November 15) Semesters. Three letters of recommendation and either scores on the General Test of the Graduate Record Examination or evidence of certification as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (NCA or ASCP) are required. TOEFL scores or equivalent are required for applicants from non-English speaking countries.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Contact:

Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Program
Michigan State University
322 N. Kedzie Laboratory
E. Lansing, MI 48824-1031
Phone: (517) 353-7800
Fax: (517) 432-2006
E-Mail: medtech@msu.edu