Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science
Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS) are health care professionals highly trained in the art and technology of clinical laboratory medicine. They are employed in hospitals, clinics, pharmaceutical companies and research. MLS are the detectives of the medical world and perform diagnostic tests to assist the physician in treatment of patients.
| Graduation Rate | External Certification Pass Rate | Job Placement Rate | |
| 2021-2022 | 91% | 89% | 100% |
| 2022-2023 | 100% | 75% | 100% |
| 2023-2024 | 83% | 67% | 100% |
| Average | 91% | 77% | 100% |
Northeastern State offers two options to earn a baccalaureate degree in Medical Laboratory Science:
Pathway I: Consortium Plan 3+1
Students complete 94 hours of prerequisite courses prior to attending a 12-month, 30-credit hour internship at one of four state schools of medical laboratory science. Successful completion of the internship earns students a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Laboratory Science and eligibility to take the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification national exam. Passing the Board of certification exam allows you to practice in most national laboratories and to use the initials MLS (ASCP) after the name.
Listed below are the hospitals of affiliation for the Medical Laboratory Science Program. Contact the NSU MLS Program Director for information and/or internship application.
Comanche County Memorial Hospital, Lawton
St. Francis Hospital, Tulsa
Mercy Hospital, Ada
Mercy Hospital, Ardmore
Applications due October 15 of each year.
Campuses
- Broken Arrow
- Tahlequah
- Online
Make your transition to NSU as smooth and seamless as possible.
Visit Transfer Student Services for more information.
Depending upon the pathway, students become eligible for credentials in the following ways:
MLS Internship 3+1 Pathway: Upon completion of the internship, the student takes a Board of Certification examination administered by the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP). Upon passage the student is certified as a Medical Laboratory Scientist, M.L.S. (ASCP) and becomes a fully accredited member of the medical team. Additional fees apply for testing and licensure.
MLS Degree Completion 2+2 Pathway: For admission, must be certified as a Medical Laboratory Technician or Clinical Laboratory Technician by an approved national certification agency (ASCP or AMT).Pathway II: Online Transitional Degree Completion Program 2+2
Medical Laboratory Technician to Medical Laboratory Scientist [Program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)] , 5600 N. River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018-5119. Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS) are health care professionals highly trained in the art and technology of clinical laboratory medicine. They are employed in hospitals, clinics, pharmaceutical companies and research. MLS are the detectives of the medical world and perform diagnostic tests to assist the physician in treatment of patients. Graduates have an employment placement rate of 100%.
Students with an Associate of Science or Associate of Applied Science degree in Medical Laboratory Technology and employed as a Medical Laboratory Technician (ASCP or AMT) are eligible to take 60 upper division credits combining biology and chemistry courses along with advanced clinical courses. These courses are offered in an online format. Laboratory competencies are completed at the students' place of employment during non-working hours. Successful completion of this program earns the student a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science and eligibility for the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification examination.
One cohort is admitted each year for the Fall semester. Out of state students receive instate tuition + $1 per credit hour. Contact Program Director for more details.
Applications are available January 1- April 15 and complete applications are due April 15 of each year.
Additional prerequisites:
CHEM 2004 - Essentials of Organic Chemistry (online)
or CHEM 3123 - Organic Chemistry I (Lecture)
MATH 1513 - College Algebra
For MLS Completion application, contact Dr. Dianne Kirk.
Program Requirements
For more information about degree requirements, visit the NSU catalog.
Medical Laboratory Science Internship (3+1)
For internship application, contact Dr. Dianne Kirk.
Medical Laboratory Science Completion (2+2)
Applications are available January 1-April 15 and complete applications are due April 15 of each year.
For MLS Completion application, contact Dr. Dianne Kirk.
Students with a BS degree in Biology, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, etc., interested in a 2nd BS degree in MLS, please contact Dr. Dianne Kirk.
MLS Completion Program Faculty
- Dianne Kirk, PhD, MLS(ASCP)CM, Program Director, Assistant Professor
- Sallie Ruskoski, PhD, MT(ASCP), Associate Professor, Clinical Coordinator