Medical Laboratory Science, BS at George Mason University

The BS in Medical Laboratory Science prepares students for careers in hospitals and clinics as well as in biotechnology and industrial laboratories. Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) is a profession of highly knowledgeable and skilled individuals who perform clinical laboratory tests on blood, other body fluids, or tissue samples. This is a critical part of health care, as the results obtained by these laboratory tests are vital tools for physicians in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.

People trained as medical laboratory scientists may work in a variety of settings. Many work in clinical laboratories in large medical centers, hospitals, or clinics. Some do research in industrial, public health, or medical laboratories. Others teach in hospitals, colleges, or universities. An MLS may practice as a generalist, using knowledge in several of the scientific disciplines, or may specialize in one scientific area in larger hospitals. A successful MLS is an individual who enjoys studying the biological, chemical, and physical sciences. He or she may also find personal satisfaction and intellectual reward in applying scientific methods to the diagnosis and evaluation of disease.

Total credits: minimum 120

Students should refer to the Admissions & Policies tab for specific policies related to this program.

Students must complete the requirements outlined below, choosing one Professional Study/Concentration option:

• Not choosing a concentration ("Professional Study: Generalist Option") will provide students generalist training. Upon graduation, the board certification test may be taken and would allow graduates to practice in any area of a hospital or laboratory.
• Choosing a concentration will allow students to complete their clinical rotations in that specific area. Upon graduation, the Molecular Biology or Microbiology (depending upon the concentration chosen) board certification test may be taken.