Medical Laboratory Science, BS
Do you want to contribute to cutting-edge breakthroughs in medicine while pursuing a long-term career as a medical laboratory scientist? The University of Tennessee’s Medical Laboratory Science BS program equips you with the advanced knowledge necessary to lead effectively across areas of medical laboratory testing, ensuring you’re prepared to enter the field with confidence.
Program Overview
A Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science teaches students to perform clinical laboratory tests on human blood, tissues, and bodily fluids. These tests help medical teams gather insights to better diagnose and treat infections, diseases, and cancers.
As a 3 + 1 program, students spend the first three years of study taking science courses in microbiology, biology, chemistry, and biochemistry and cellular and molecular biology, giving them a solid foundation in human anatomy and medical knowledge.
In the fourth year of study, students apply to and complete the Medical Laboratory Science program at the University of Tennessee Medical Center, which consists of clinical rotations and training in laboratory testing.
Students will learn to use biomedical equipment and conduct a variety of tests—blood analysis and blood type evaluation, renal function studies, toxicology and hormonal studies, immunology and antibody detection, etc.—in the areas of hematology, immunohematology, serology, and immunology.
4 + 1 Program
A 4 + 1 program through the UT Medical Center is also available for those who already have a bachelor’s degree in a science-related field and are interested in gaining extra credentials to become a laboratory scientist. Students will complete one year of laboratory training and clinical rotations in the UT Medical Center’s Medical Laboratory Science program. Once complete, they will receive a certification and can then apply for national credentials.
Becoming a Board-Certified Medical Laboratory Scientist
Once students complete the 3 + 1 program, they will receive a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Medical Laboratory Science from the College of Arts and Sciences, and a certificate in Medical Laboratory Science from the UT Medical Center. After receiving both their BS degree and certificate, students are eligible to complete the American Society for Clinical Pathology national board examination.
Upon passing the exam, students become board-certified medical laboratory scientists and can work in clinical laboratories anywhere in the country.
Why Study Medical Laboratory Science?
With a nationally accredited program and opportunities to gain hands-on, practical skills through clinical rotations and lab-based work, the Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science at UT prepares you for strong career opportunities that will help you hit the ground running.
A Nationally Accredited Program
The Medical Laboratory Science program at UT Medical Center is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences, meaning you’ll be part of a program with nationally recognized standards in healthcare, preparing you for widely respected job placements nationwide.
Gain Hands-On, Practical Skills
During your fourth year of the program, you’ll do clinical rotations at UT Medical Center, gaining hands-on skills with real-world patients, laboratory testing, and diagnostics. You’ll also complete two separate, one-week rotations at CSL Plasma and the Molecular Pathology Laboratory Network, Inc. in Maryville.
Strong Career Opportunities
With a nationally accredited program and professors who are ready to mentor, lead, and inspire you, you’ll graduate with the skills necessary to land career opportunities at hospitals and laboratories across the country.
What Can You Do with a BS in Medical Laboratory Science After Graduation?
A medical laboratory science degree at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville can prepare you for an extensive range of careers by building knowledge in disease processes, laboratory testing methods, and medical technology. Students will gain the skills necessary to apply for a final year of study at the University of Tennessee Medical Center, where they will further their abilities and receive didactic instruction as well as attend clinical rotations.
The experience students gain through this program is valuable to many careers in the medical field. Many alumni work as medical laboratory scientists, who do lab work and perform tests, or medical laboratory technicians, who prepare specimens, record information, and complete maintenance tasks. Others work as phlebotomists, chemical technicians, or technologists in various fields such as immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, blood bank, or clinical chemistry.
In related industries, you could work as a technical sales specialist, applications specialist, or in regulatory affairs. With further education, you could become a biomedical scientist, public health scientist, or clinical laboratory director! Whichever way you go, the experience you gain from this degree will set you up with skills employers are eager to have in their workforce.
Featured Courses
BIOL 240 General Genetics
Classical and modern principles of heredity. Topics include meiosis and transmission genetics; molecular genetics and gene expression; population and evolutionary genetics. Discussion sections will emphasize problem-solving skills. Emphasis on development of analytical skills.
CHEM 360 In-depth Organic Chemistry
Compounds of carbon and their reactions. Reaction mechanisms, multistep synthesis, spectroscopic, and other physical properties.
MLS 410 Microbiology I
Laboratory work in bacteriology, mycology, and parasitology. Emphasis on pathogenic bacteria and fungi, their sources, methods of culture, techniques of identification, and evaluation of antibiotic sensitivity. Gross and qualitative chemical examination of feces and methods of identification of protozoa and helminth parasites of man.
MLS 440 Immunohematology I
Theory and practice in blood bank operation. Erythrocyte antigens and their normal and abnormal immunology. Standard technical practices used in evaluating blood typing, crossmatching, antibody detection, and preparation of blood components for transfusion. Safety control methods standard to efficient blood bank.
Looking For More Options?
The College of Arts and Sciences offers students the broadest range of academic programs and opportunities for research and creative activities at the University of Tennessee, powered by faculty expertise across every discipline.
Admissions and Aid
Are you ready to become a Vol? Learn how to apply and explore tuition, cost, and aid below.
Request Information
Want to join us in creating what’s next? Learn more about the Medical Laboratory Science, BS and become a Vol-in-Progress!