Medical Laboratory Science, B.S. (R, L) - Radford Site and Radford University Carilion Site

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The Medical Laboratory Science Program at Radford University Carilion prepares students for a variety of career opportunities in medical, research, veterinary, and reference laboratories. Students enjoy a mix of classroom, laboratory, clinical, and field experiences.

Each year, billions of laboratory tests are ordered in the United States and medical laboratory scientists perform and interpret tests, make recommendations for appropriate treatment, and deliver quality data to ensure the best patient care. Medical laboratory scientists are responsible for operation and maintenance of state-of-the-art equipment; assuring quality and delivery of accurate test results and fulfilling a critical role in high-quality patient care.

The Medical Laboratory Science Program prepares students for the national certification exam administered by the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP). The Medical Laboratory Science Program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences.

REAL Curriculum

REAL Foundational Requirements

Foundational Writing (3 credits)

ENGL 111 - Principles of College Composition (GE)

Foundational Math (3 credits)

MATH 100 - Quantitative Reasoning (GE)
MATH 121 - Math Content for Teachers I (GE)
MATH 125 - Precalculus I (GE) (Recommended for Medical Laboratory Science majors due to required course prerequisites. Requirement may be fulfilled through placement testing.)

REAL Cornerstone Requirements

Writing Intensive (WI) Courses (6 credits)

Writing Intensive courses are denoted below with a (WI). Two writing intensive courses are required to graduate, with at least one at the 300- or 400-level.

General Education Requirements

General Education courses will be denoted below with a (GE). Students are required to take at least 30 credit hours of general education designated courses within their degree requirements. The Medical Laboratory Science major includes 21 general education credits.

Major Requirements (77-82 credits)

Pre-major Requirements (41-46 credits)

This coursework must be completed before the start of the clinical year to be considered for acceptance into the clinical cohort.

Required Additional Science Electives (9-12 credits)

An additional 9-12 credits of science elective coursework is required, chosen based on student interests, with at least 3 credits at the 300- or 400-level. Recommended courses for fulfillment of these credits are listed below.

Required Courses (10-12 credits)

These courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better to be considered for acceptance into the clinical cohort.

BIOL 334 - Microbiology or
BIOL 408 - Principles of Microbiology
BIOL 337 - Immunology or
BIOL 412 - Immunology
CHEM 301 - Organic Chemistry I
(3 credits of lecture required, lab recommended)

Required Outside Coursework (22 credits)

Clinical Cohort Admission Requirements

Acceptance into the MLAB clinical cohort MLAB 401 , MLAB 421C , MLAB 411 , and MLAB 431C ) is contingent upon satisfactory completion of the required courses listed above, a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or greater, and an interview with MLS program officials.

Clinical Cohort Requirements (36 credits)

MLAB 401 and MLAB 411 require in-person attendance at the Radford University Carilion campus. Clinical rotations may be assigned at any of our clinical affiliates.

MLAB 401 , MLAB 411 , and MLAB 431C must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.

Minimum in-major GPA of 2.75 required to graduate. GPA is calculated using all courses required for the major, and any course used in the major by petition.

Open Credit Hours (38-43 credits)

These credits can be used to fulfill additional courses, majors, minors, and/or REAL Curriculum requirements, including Foundational Writing and Foundational Math.

Total Credits Needed for Degree 120

Additional Information

ENGL 112 and ENGL 306 are recommended to satisfy the WI requirement.