School of Health Professions 2024 - 2025 Catalog

Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS)

This program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).

5600 N River Rd., Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018
(773) 714-8880

Program Description

The clinical laboratory plays a major role in diagnostic medicine. Graduates of the Program in Medical Laboratory Science (medical technology) analyze patient specimens for indications of disease. Results of these tests are used by the physician in confirming the patient's diagnosis and in prescribing therapy. Academic preparation for a career in medical laboratory science is a four-year baccalaureate degree, including a clinical preceptorship. Two years of prerequisite courses in chemistry, mathematics, biology, microbiology, and liberal arts precede a two-year professional component dealing specifically with medical laboratory science. The professional program combines didactic instruction with student laboratory experience, followed by clinical practice in affiliated laboratories.

The TTUHSC Medical Laboratory Science program culminates in the Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Laboratory Science. Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for a national certification examination.

TTU Honors College students accepted into the MLS program may complete honors college credit in the School of Health Professions and graduate with the honors designation.

Individuals seeking a second Bachelor's degree are welcome to apply to the B.S. in MLS program.

Special Features

Candidates seeking a degree in medical laboratory science have the option of pursuing the Bachelor of Science in medical laboratory science tract offered at the Lubbock campus or the second-degree online track for students who already hold a Bachelor of Science degree. A third track is available for students who wish to earn a certificate in medical laboratory science. All three tracts are eligible to sit for the national certification in clinical laboratory science through the American Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (BOC).

Some states require additional state licensure (California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Montana, Nevada, New York, North Dakota, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and West Virginia). Since each state has its own set of rules and guidelines, you must contact the licensure agency in each state for information about these requirements which can be found at https://www.ascp.org/content/board-of-certification/verify-credentials

Essential Functions/Technical Standards

Essential functions and technical standards represent the essential non-academic requirements that students must master to successfully participate in and complete the program. Please consider your ability to meet these functions as you read through the list below of the technical abilities and skills. Students must meet the following technical standards with or without reasonable accommodations. 

  1. Mobility: The student must have adequate gross mobility in order to maneuver in a timely and safe fashion throughout the department. The student must be able to lift his or her arms above shoulder height in order to place or remove items of ten pounds or less from shelves. The student must be able to bend over at the waist or squat (waist and knees) in order to place and remove items of ten pounds or less from drawers and cabinets.

  2. Manual Dexterity: The student must have adequate fine motor skills to be able to manipulate small objects in a safe and precise manner. Examples would include (but are not limited to) being able to operate a computer keyboard; dial a telephone; handle cuvettes, sample cups, pipette tips, and reagent vials; pick up glass slides from tabletop, manipulate tools and instruments used in the clinical laboratory (including a microscope and pipettes); collect specimens, and use a pen or pencil in order to communicate effectively in writing for coursework and clinical/fieldwork/preceptorship to ensure patient/client safety.

  3. Auditory Acuity: The student must be able to hear well enough to respond to significant sounds in a clinical lab. Examples would include (but are not limited to) being able to hear signals generated from instrumentation that may indicate normal operating status, critical sample value or equipment malfunction, and being able to hear and follow verbal instruction from a coworker or supervisor in order to ensure patient safety. (National Patient Safety Goals NPSG)

  4. Verbal Communication Skills: The student must be able to orally communicate professionally to persons on the telephone or other health care workers listening specifically, to the student in-person to ensure patient safety. (National Patient Safety Goals NPSG)

  5. Visual Acuity to read, write, discern colors, and use a microscope: The student must have adequate eyesight such that he/she can recognize and distinguish gradients of color (such as on a urine reagent strip and special stains), read numbers and words either on a video display screen, computer printout, or legible handwriting, and interpret lines and points on graphs and charts to ensure patient safety.

  6. Intellectual, Conceptual, Integrative, and Quality Skills: The student must possess the ability to develop and exhibit organizational problem-solving skills. Specifically, the student must have the ability to measure, calculate, analyze, interpret, synthesize, and evaluate data; have the ability to learn to perform duties and assignments in a timely manner while under stress and in a variety of settings; exhibit the maturity to accept feedback and demonstrate professional conduct in the classroom, laboratory, and at the preceptorship site.

  7. Social Behavior Skills: Demonstrate respect for individual, social, and cultural differences in fellow students, faculty, staff, patients, clients, and patients’/clients’ families during clinical/fieldwork/preceptorship/and academic interactions. Demonstrate flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in academic and clinical/fieldwork/ preceptorship situations. Conduct oneself in an ethical and legal manner, demonstrating honesty, integrity, and professionalism in all interactions and situations.


Admission to the Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science Program

This program begins in August of each year. Third-year students (juniors) seeking admission must have the required number of semester hours of credit for admission. All courses must be completed prior to beginning the professional program. A personal interview is the final part of the admissions review.

Application Process

Applications are considered on a rolling basis for acceptance into the professional program. Individual applications are reviewed once materials have been received; therefore, it is in the applicant’s best interest to complete their application, including submission of required documentation, as early as possible. Fulfillment of the basic requirements does not guarantee admission. The following is required for an individual to be considered for the MLS program:

  • Completion of the Texas Common Core, Information on the Texas Common Core curriculum can be found at https://www.ttuhsc.edu/health-professions/admissions/texas-common-core.aspx.
  • Specific prerequisite courses must be completed before applying to the professional phase of the Medical Laboratory Science program. 
  • A minimum overall GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale and a grade of “C” or better in each standard science prerequisite course is required. GPA calculations are based on the required courses.
  • Applicants that have not completed the required prerequisites, must submit a plan of completion at the time of application to the SHP Office of Admissions. All prerequisites must be completed by August of the enrollment year.

Applicants who meet the above listed requirements and are deemed competitive candidates for admission will be invited to TTUHSC for an interview. The admissions committee selects the most qualified applicants for admission by considering the following: cumulative GPA, prerequisite science GPA, interview scores, student essay, and other factors.

Prerequisite Course Requirements

Students wishing to enter the Medical Laboratory Science program should choose either the standard, pre-med or pre-PA option. Substitution of courses may be authorized by the Program Director.

Texas Common Core Requirements (42 minimum hours)

Information on the Texas Common Core curriculum can be found at https://www.ttuhsc.edu/health-professions/admissions/texas-common-core.aspx.

STANDARD OPTION SCIENCE PREREQUISITES*


Credit Hours

General Chemistry I with lab

4

General Chemistry II with lab

4

Biology I or A&P I with lab

4

Biology II or A&P II with lab

4

Microbiology with lab

4

Intro to Organic or Organic Chemistry I with lab

4

Genetics or science elective                3-4

 

Total Hours = 27     
*These hours may be included as part of your Texas Common Core.

 

Pre-Med Option Prerequisites

The pre-med mentor program is designed to provide direction to students interested in attending medical school following the completion of a degree in medical laboratory science. The primary purpose of this program is to help the student, by means of meetings and counseling, to prepare for and apply to medical school. Preparation for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), the admission interview, and other aspects of personal preparation are considered. The goal of this program is to provide to those students with both academic and professional potential the best opportunity to successfully gain admission to medical school.

STANDARD PREREQUISITES PLUS THE FOLLOWING:
Required Course
Semester Hours            

Organic Chemistry II

4

Physics I & II

8

Calculus I or Statistics

3

Biochemistry                                                            

4

*Must verify with medical school of choosing as prerequisites vary per school.


Pre-Physician Assistant Option Prerequisites
STANDARD PREREQUISITES PLUS THE FOLLOWING:
Required Course
Semester Hours         

Anatomy & Physiology

8

Organic Chemistry or Biochemistry

4

Genetics

4

Psychology                                                             

3

GPA: overall cumulative GPA of a 3.0 and a CASPA science GPA of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale


GRE

*Must verify with PA school of choosing as prerequisites vary per school.


*For additional requirements for the Pre-Med and Pre-PA options, please visit our website (http://www.ttuhsc.edu/health-professions/or contact the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs 806.743.3220 or health.professions@tttuhsc.edu.

  • All science courses must be intended for science majors
  • Prerequisite courses completed in the last 7 years are preferred
  • Required prerequisite courses must be taken at a regionally accredited US or Canadian college or university. Transfer credit from a school outside the US or Canada will not apply to the required prerequisite courses.
  • Applicants that have not completed the required prerequisites must submit a plan of completion at the time of application to the SHP Office of Admissions. All prerequisites must be completed by August of the enrollment year.


Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (MSHA) Dual Track

The Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (MSHA) track within the medical laboratory science program (MLS) will prepare graduates for entry-level practice and management in the clinical laboratory with a strong foundation in management theories and practices specifically related to leading and managing a clinical laboratory.

Qualifications

A candidate for the MSHA program must meet prerequisite requirements for the standard option within the MLS program and have been accepted into the MLS program. The minimum overall GPA for a candidate to be considered for the MSHA track is an overall 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 GPA scale. The candidate will apply to the MSHA program in the spring semester of their first year enrolled in the MLS program.

Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science Program Curriculum

The following courses are offered once each year in the semester listed and must be taken in sequence unless granted permission by the course director and Program Director. The course plan is the same for the standard, pre-med, and pre-PA options.

FIRST-YEAR (JUNIORS)
Fall Semester Courses
Credit Hours          

HPML 3110      Professional Issues in MLS

1

HPML 3400      Clinical Chemistry I

4

HPML 3405      Clinical Bacteriology I

4

HPML 3455      Principles of Immunology                                                           

4


Total Hours = 13

Spring Semester Courses
Credit Hours

HPML 3450      Clinical Chemistry II

4                   

HPML 3460      Clinical Bacteriology II

4

HPML 3470      Clinical Hematology I

4

HPML 4405      Molecular Diagnostics                                                                                                        

4                                  


Total Hours = 16

SECOND-YEAR (SENIORS)
Summer I Semester Courses
Credit Hours           

HPML 3310      Urinalysis & Body Fluids

3

HPML 4300      Applied Statistics and Research

3

HPML 4420      Laboratory Management

4

HPML 4455      Clinical Parasitology and Mycology                                                

4


Total Hours = 14

Fall Semester Courses
Credit Hours            

HPML 3465      Immunohematology I

4

HPML 4385      Clinical Correlations

3

HPML 4480      Hematology II

4

HPML 4440      Clinical Preceptorship I                                                                         

4


Total Hours = 15

Spring Semester Courses
Credit Hours            

HPML 4105      Senior Seminar

1

HPML 4741      Clinical Preceptorship II

7

HPML 4842      Clinical Preceptorship III                                                                     

8


Total Hours = 16

Total Hours Required (Standard Option)
Credit Hours             

Prerequisites

58

Professional Curriculum                                                                                                   

74


Total Hours = 131

Total Hours Required (Pre-Med Option)
Credit Hours            

Prerequisites

69

Professional Curriculum                                                                                                 

74


Total Hours = 142

Total Hours Required (Pre-PA Option)
Credit Hours           

Prerequisites

58

Professional Curriculum                                                                                               

74


Total Hours = 131

During professional studies, students are required to adhere to all program policies and academic and behavioral guidelines as outlined in the Student Handbook and Clinical Preceptorship Manual.


MLS/MSHA Dual Track Curriculum

Students accepted into the MSHA program will be required to complete 36 semester hours to meet degree requirements. This will include 30 hours of core requirements within the MSHA program and 7 credit hours of requirements within the Medical Laboratory Science program.

MSHA CORE COURSES
HPHA 5306      Healthcare Delivery System
HPHA 5307      Human Resource Management in Healthcare
HPHA 5310      Health Law & Ethics
HPHA 5311      Healthcare Finance
HPHA 5312      Strategic Planning & Marketing in Healthcare
HPHA 5313      Healthcare Economics & Policy
HPHA 5314      Healthcare Administration Capstone (final course in the program)
HPHA 5330      Health Informatics & Data Analytics

Choose two of the following electives:
HPHA 5302      Medical Sociology
HPHA 5318      Organizational Behavior in Healthcare
HPHA 5320      Health Insurance & Reimbursement
HPHA 5321      Healthcare Operations & Supply Chain Management
HPHA 5322      Quality, Patient Safety & Risk Management
HPHA 5323      Healthcare Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship
HPHA 5324      Health Systems Engineering
HPHA 5325      Long Term Care Administration
HPHA 5326      Healthcare Decision Sciences and Business Analysis
HPHA 5327     Comparative Health

MLS CORE COURSES
HPML 4420      Laboratory Management

HPML 4300      Applied Statistics and Research



Matriculation of the MLS to MSHA program FIRST YEAR and SECOND YEAR are spent completing prerequisites for MLS program, as well as completing Texas Common Core curriculum.

THIRD YEAR (1st year in MLS Program)
Fall Semester Courses
Credit Hours

HPML 3400      Clinical Chemistry I

4

HPML 3405      Clinical Bacteriology I

4

HPML 3455      Principles of Immunology

4

HPML 3110      Professional Issues in MLS                                          

1


Total Hours = 13

Spring Semester Courses
Credit Hours       

HPML 4405      Molecular Diagnostics

4

HPML 3450      Clinical Chemistry II

4

HPML 3460      Clinical Bacteriology II

4

HPML 3470      Clinical Hematology I                                                            

4


Total Hours = 16

Apply to the TTUHSC MSHA Program.


FOURTH YEAR (2nd year in MLS Program)
Summer I Semester Courses
Credit Hours

HPML 3310      Urinalysis & Body Fluids

3

*HPML 4300    Applied Statistics and Research

3

*HPML 4420     Laboratory Management

4

HPML 4455      Clinical Parasitology and Mycology                                 

4


Total Hours = 14

Full Summer Semester Course
Credit Hours

Take one course in the MSHA program                                              

3


Total Hours = 3

Fall Semester Courses
Credit Hours

HPML 4385      Clinical Correlations

3

HPML 3465      Immunohematology I

4

HPML 4480      Hematology II

4

HPML 4440      Clinical Preceptorship I                                                     

4


Total Hours = 15

Spring Semester Courses
Credit Hours

HPML 4741      Clinical Preceptorship II

7

HPML 4842      Clinical Preceptorship III

8

HPML 4105      Senior Seminar                                                                  

1


Total Hours = 16
Complete Requirements for BSMLS.


FIFTH YEAR (MSHA courses)

Students will complete 30 hours in total in the MSHA program, in the following semesters:

  • Summer Semester
  • Fall Semester (Fall I 8-week term & Fall 2 8-week term)
  • Spring Semester (Spring I 8-week term & Spring 2 8-week term)

                   TOTAL  30 hours         

The Healthcare Administration Capstone course (HPHA 5314) should be taken in the final semester.                     


COMPLETE REQUIREMENTS FOR MSHA & graduate with MSHA degree
  • HPML 1002 Foundations of Interprofessional Collaborative Practice with TeamSTEPPS Essentials (0:0:0,O)

    An introduction to broad concepts related to interprofessional core competencies for healthcare providers.

  • HPML 3000 Audit (0:0:0,F)

    Audit

  • HPML 3015 Special Problems in MLS (1:1:0,O)

    Special Topics

  • HPML 3110 Professional Issues in MLS (1:1:0,H)

    An overview and introduction to the profession.

  • HPML 3310 Urinalysis & Body Fluids (3:4:3,F)

    Analysis of the physical, chemical, and microscopic parameters of urine and body fluids. Special emphasis is placed on understanding kidney function and pathology.

  • HPML 3400 Clinical Chemistry I (4:3:4,F)

    An introduction to the basic principles, methodologies, and physiology of clinical chemistry.

  • HPML 3405 Clinical Bacteriology I (4:3:6,F)

    Study of the isolation, cultivation, identification, and susceptibility testing of pathogenic bacteria. The taxonomy, physiology, and pathogenesis of medically important bacteria are covered.

  • HPML 3450 Clinical Chemistry II (4:3:4,F)

    Prerequisite: HPML 3400. The qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis of blood and other body fluids. Correlation of test results to health and disease states.

  • HPML 3455 Principles of Immunology (4:3:3,F)

    Fundamentals of immunology and the human immune system. An introduction to the theory, practical application, and technical performance of immunologic and serologic procedures used in diagnostic laboratory medicine.

  • HPML 3460 Clinical Bacteriology II (4:3:6,F)

    Prerequisite: HPML 3405. A continuation of HPCS 3405 with an emphasis in clinical virology, clinical correlations, and case studies and bioterrorism.

  • HPML 3465 Immunohematology I (4:3:4,F)

    Prerequisite: HPML 3455. The theory, practical application, and technical performance of blood bank procedures required for transfusion of blood, blood components, and the handling and storage of blood components. Correlation of test results to normal and abnormal physiology.

  • HPML 3470 Clinical Hematology I (4:3:4,F)

    An introduction to the study of coagulation, blood cells, blood forming organs, and related diagnostic laboratory procedures.

  • HPML 4105 Senior Seminar (1:1:0,O)

    A comprehensive review of topics in clinical laboratory science.

  • HPML 4300 Applied Statistics and Research (3:3:0,O)

    Introduction to descriptive, inferential, and non-parametric statistics related to basic and clinical science. Introduction to the process of basic and clinical research and research design. Application of statistical analysis to assigned research projects.

  • HPML 4385 Clinical Correlations (3:3:0,H)

    Review of current topics and case studies in clinical laboratory science.

  • HPML 4405 Molecular Diagnostics (4:3:3,F)

    Introduction to basic genetics and genetic testing techniques used in molecular and forensic pathology.

  • HPML 4420 Laboratory Management (4:4:0,O)

    An introduction to management with emphasis upon management issues and concerns specific to the clinical laboratory.

  • HPML 4440 Clinical Preceptorship I (4:1:3,F)

    A course designed for the senior student to begin preparation for supervised clinical practicum in an affiliated clinical laboratory.

  • HPML 4455 Clinical Parasitology and Mycology (4:4:6,F)

    Prerequisite: HPML 3405, 3460. Study of medically significant protozoan and helminthic parasites and their vectors and pathogenic fungi. Emphasis is placed on laboratory methods and isolation and identification of these agents of disease.

  • HPML 4480 Hematology II (4:3:4,F)

    Prerequisite: HPML 3470. The study of blood cells and their abnormalities with emphasis on disease processes.

  • HPML 4741 Clinical Preceptorship II (7:0:40,F)

    An intermediate supervised clinical practicum in an affiliated clinical laboratory.

  • HPML 4842 Clinical Preceptorship III (8:0:40,F)

    An advanced supervised clinical practicum in an affiliated clinical laboratory.