MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE

Kelly Shirley
Director, School of Clinical Laboratory Sciences

A Message from the Director
Are you interested in biology or chemistry? Do you like to perform laboratory procedures and problem solve? Are you looking for a career in health care, but are reluctant about having patient contact?

If you answered yes to these questions then you may be interested in a career in medical laboratory science. Medical Laboratory Scientists play a vital role in the health care community. Medical Laboratory Scientists (also known as clinical laboratory scientists) analyze human blood, tissues, and body fluids or supervise the performance of medical laboratory tests using a wide variety of instruments, microscopes, computers, chemicals, or other methods for clinical analysis. They perform laboratory tests necessary for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Medical Laboratory Scientists work for hospital laboratories, private physicians, public health agencies, independent laboratories, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, or industrial medical/research laboratories.

Interesting Facts - Medical Laboratory Science:

Average starting salary is $42,000 per year MLS program has 100% pass rate on certification exams

Program Overview
Carolinas College offers a 12-month program for applicants who have a bachelor's degree preferably in a science. The Medical Laboratory Science Program founded in 1942 (as the School of Medical Technology) has experienced faculty members who teach students the skills and theory needed to be a successful Medical Laboratory Scientist. Didactic lectures and student laboratory training take place at the College, with clinical experiences conducted in the laboratories of Carolinas Medical Center (CMC). Areas of study include clinical chemistry, hematology, immunology, immunohematology (blood banking), microbiology, tuberculosis, mycology, molecular pathology, urinalysis, toxicology, education and management.

Carolinas College of Health Sciences Medical Laboratory Science Program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences. Graduates of the program are prepared to function as entry-level medical laboratory scientists and are eligible to take a national certifying examination.

For more information on the Medical Laboratory Science Program, visit the Carolinas College Information Portal. Once there, click on the School of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, then the Medical Laboratory Science Program Page and login in as a Guest.

Click here to view the Medical Laboratory Science Curriculum

Click here to view Medical Laboratory Science Academic Calendar

Click here to view Medical Laboratory Science Brochure