?In addition to performing sophisticated laboratory tests, the medical laboratory scientist solves technical problems and is responsible for keeping laboratory equipment in optimal operating condition. The medical laboratory scientist may also supervise the work of medical laboratory technicians and laboratory assistants. A variety of administrative and management positions may be available to the medical laboratory scientist with job experience or further education.

The program consists of two and one half years of general education and medical laboratory science program prerequisites, including supporting courses in the biological sciences and chemistry. The last semester of the third year and the first semester of the fourth year of study consist of the professional phase courses of the program. A?22-week?clinical field experience rotation at a clinical laboratory facility affiliated with the SVSU program completes the program. The clinical field experience may be conducted in either the Winter/Spring semesters or Summer/Fall semesters. Upon successful completion of the field experience, the medical laboratory science student will become proficient in the following areas of medical laboratory science: clinical hematology, analysis of body fluids, clinical immunology, clinical microbiology, clinical immunohematology (blood banking), clinical chemistry and the major principles of laboratory management. Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree i n Medical Laboratory Science, the student is eligible to take an entry-level national examination for certification as a medical laboratory scientist.

Admission as a Medical Laboratory Science major is open to students who meet general requirements for admission to Saginaw Valley State University. Formal application to the Medical Laboratory Science program for admission to the upper division (professional phase) courses of the program is required upon completion of the university and departmental requirements through the sophomore level.