The Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) specialization prepares students to perform diagnostic tests in clinical settings to determine the presence, extent or absence of disease and provide data to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. These laboratory professionals work with all types of body tissues and fluids, from blood and urine to cell samples.  Areas of specialization within clinical pathology include:

• Clinical Chemistry
• Flow Cytometry
• Hematology
• Hemostasis
• Immunohematology (blood bank)
• Microbiology
• Molecular Diagnostics
• Serology
• Urinalysis

Clinical Internship

Students may apply for specialization standing in MLS after completing the BDTS core curriculum, generally at the end of the sophomore year.  The junior and senior years consist of the specialization course requirements at Oakland University.  A clinical internship is required for national certification as a medical laboratory scientist.  Application to the hospital based clinical internship is made through the Medical Technology Internship Matching Program of Michigan during the summer semester prior to the senior year.  Internships are either six or 10 months duration depending on the clinical site, and are post-graduation.

Oakland University is affiliated with the following accredited MLS clinical programs: Detroit Medical Center University Laboratories; Hurley Medical Center; St. John Hospital and Beaumont Health System.  Acceptance into the internship program is competitive and based on grade point average, personal interview, and letters of recommendation. Desirable candidates possess qualities/abilities in communication, computer literacy, leadership, multitasking, problem solving, and critical thinking.

Curriculum

Students in the MLS specialization must complete the following course.  For a complete description of courses, please review the Biomedical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Science Program entry in the Undergraduate Catalog.