What is Medical Laboratory Science?
Medical Laboratory Scientists are important health care providers who perform laboratory analyses used in the diagnosis and treatment of disease and maintenance of health. Medical Laboratory Scientists typically receive their degrees in Microbiology, Biology or Biochemistry.

 

Is this the career for me?
Is “science” considered one of your strengths? Have you thought about going into the medical field? Are you looking for a career that is exciting, rewarding and always evolving? Medical Laboratory Science requires a sharp mind, willingness to help others and continuous learning.  Medical Laboratory Scientists work in hospitals, commercial laboratories, research facilities, veterinary clinics, public health facilities, forensic laboratories, the armed forces, the Peace Corps and more.

 

Medical Laboratory Scientists are trained in four main areas of a medical laboratory:

Microbiology
Bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi are isolated from patient specimens and identified.

Blood Banking (Immunohematology)
Compatible blood products are identified for patients needing blood, platelets or plasma.

Clinical Chemistry
Blood serum, plasma and body fluids are analyzed for metabolites such as cholesterol, glucose, and electrolytes.

Hematology
Whole blood and fluids are analyzed and examined for abnormal cells and diseases of the blood.

 

What is the Montana Medical Lab Science Program?

The Montana Medical Laboratory Science (MMLS) Professional program was established in 2008 by the Montana State Legislature. The program has helped alleviate the critical need for medical lab scientists in the state, especially in rural communities. The program accepts students from MSU, University of Montana, and Montana State University-Billings. We are accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS).

  • The program accepts 19 students each year.
  • Students train during the summer at MSU and then move to one of eight hospitals for two semesters of clinical rotations.
  • Students complete 37 credits over three semesters.
  • Students participate in a two-week rural rotation near the end of their training.
  • Students can complete their training in four years, becoming eligible to sit for a national certification exam.  Once certified, students can become licensed Medical Laboratory Scientists and work in laboratories throughout Montana.
  • From the inception of the program we have had a 100% graduation rate, national certification pass rate and employment rate.
  • Our students score 30-40 points above the average for University Based Programs on the ASCP Board of Certification (B.O.C) exam.

 

How long does this program take?

In the 3+1 (Plan A Option) Students can be career ready in 4 years.

  • MSU students enroll in the Medical Laboratory Science option in the Microbiology Department
  • UM students enroll in the Medical Technology option in the Division of Biological Science
  • MSU- Billings Students enroll in the Medical Laboratory Science option in the Biological and Physical Sciences Department

If accepted, the fourth year consists of a year-long clinical training program which includes a summer semester at MSU-Bozeman and two semesters in a Montana hospital.

4+1 (Plan B Option)

Students can apply to the MMLS program after they have received a degree as long as prerequisites are fulfilled. Students with degrees also have the option of attending clinical training in other accredited programs.

At the successful completion of the MMLS Program, students are eligible to take a national registry exam, which qualifies them to obtain a license and work in Montana laboratories. There is very high demand for new Medical Laboratory Scientists in Montana and elsewhere, so this career provides many employment opportunities.

 

What kind of Prerequisites are Required for Training Programs?

Typical courses required by internship programs:

  • At least 4 chemistry courses (2 General, 1 Organic, 1 Biochem)
  • Statistics
  • Anatomy & physiology
  • Two “general” biology courses
  • General microbiology and lab
  • Parasitology lecture and lab
  • Hematology and lab
  • Immunology
  • Medical bacteriology and lab 

Strongly recommended electives:

  • Immunology lab
  • Second semester of anatomy and physiology
  • Microbial genetics
  • Microbial physiology
  • Virology and lab
  • Mycology and lab

 

Tuition and Fees

Over three semesters you take 37 credits and you continue to pay tuition to your home institution. You also will pay an addition laboratory fee (>$1,000/semester) for each of the three semesters.

 

How do I apply? 
Visit our Application Information page for further details.

  

Additional Questions?

Please contact us:

Kay Rasmussen, MMLS Interim Director,Kay Rasmussen.

Kati Visser, MMLS Associate Director, (406) 994-5664  [email protected]