The MLS major consists of two distinct academic phases: the Pre-Professional Phase and the Professional Phase.  During the Pre-Professional Phase, the first two years of the four-year major, students complete UIS general education requirements and MLS prerequisites. During the Professional Phase, the final two years of the four-year major, students complete the MLS core courses and obtain clinical experience during practicum courses.  The Professional Phase is the NAACLS-accredited Medical Laboratory Science program.  All students must complete a secondary admissions process and be accepted by the MLS Program before they may begin the Professional Phase.

The MLS Program admits students to the Professional Phase in fall semesters only. To be eligible for admission to the MLS Professional Phase, students must:

• Successfully complete all Pre-Professional Phase courses (C- or higher) prior to entering the Professional Phase
• Earn a minimum 2.5 GPA in MLS prerequisite courses
• Apply to and be accepted by UIS
• Apply to and be accepted by the MLS Program
  • MLS admission requirements can be viewed in the UIS Catalog

Applying to the MLS Program

Students interested in applying to the MLS Program must first apply to and be accepted by UIS. Once a student is accepted to UIS and has completed or is on track to complete all Pre-Professional coursework, the student may apply to the MLS Program.

Students interested in pursuing MLS should consult with the MLS Academic Advisor, Chrissy Benoit, as soon as possible to ensure they are on track to complete all requirements prior to the start of the Professional Phase.

Applicants for the incoming Fall 2024 cohort will not be required to complete a personal interview as part of the MLS secondary admissions process. Applicants for future cohorts may be required to complete a personal interview as part of the MLS secondary admissions process.

Pre-Professional Phase

During the Pre-Professional Phase, students complete:

• UIS general education requirements
• MLS prerequisite courses:
  • One semester of General Biology I
  • Two semesters of General Chemistry
  • One semester of Organic Chemistry with a laboratory or Biochemistry with a laboratory
  • One semester of General Biology II or Microbiology with a laboratory
  • Two semesters of Human Anatomy and Physiology
  • One semester of Statistics

Recommended Pre-Professional Phase Course Sequence

Professional Phase

During the Professional Phase, students complete:

• UIS ECCE requirements
• MLS core courses
• MLS clinical practicum courses

Professional Phase Course Sequence

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the MLS Program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate the entry-level competency necessary to validate, perform, maintain, troubleshoot, and interpret medical laboratory analyses with reliable accuracy while upholding quality, safety, and regulatory standards.
2. Identify, apply, and communicate evidence-based practice in laboratory medicine to meet the needs of patients, laboratory practitioners, and members of the interdisciplinary healthcare team.
3. Exhibit principles and practices of professional conduct necessary to collaborate with and serve diverse populations.
4. Demonstrate readiness to maintain professional competency and relevance through continuing professional development and to promote a diverse, inclusive, equitable profession through professional engagement.

Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) Articulation

Special opportunities to accelerate the clinical practicum courses are available for individuals who have completed an associate degree Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) program and who have passed the ASCP BOC MLT certification examination.  MLS faculty, in collaboration with department specific clinical affiliate staff, will determine the appropriate practicum duration based on individual student proficiency. Articulation students must also still complete all UIS graduation requirements to earn a B.S. degree in MLS.

Candidates interested in this articulation opportunity should contact the MLS Program Director, Andrea Jensen, to discuss curriculum planning based on their previous academic and clinical experiences.

Pre-Medical Concentration

Students can formalize their preparation for medical or professional school by earning the MLS Pre-Medical Concentration. Students are not required to complete the Pre-Medical Concentration in order to apply to medical school or other professional school. The Pre-Medical Concentration courses must be completed in addition to all required MLS Pre-Professional and Professional Phase courses. For full details on the Pre-Medical Concentration, please refer to the UIS Catalog.

Honors in MLS

MLS majors with a cumulative GPA equal to or greater than 3.25 in the MLS Program and one semester in residency at UIS may elect to participate in the MLS honors option. In addition to the MLS Program requirements, honors students must:

• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25
• Earn a minimum grade of B- for each course in the MLS Program
• Successfully complete three credits of MLS 400: Applied Research 
• Present their findings in a formal paper and public presentation

Prior to the final semester of the MLS Professional Phase, interested candidates must secure a faculty research advisor and submit an Honors in MLS Application. Final Honors in MLS work must be approved by the faculty research advisor, MLS Program Director, and School of Health Sciences Director. Full details can be found in the MLS Student Handbook in Resources.