Home » 2025-2027 Undergraduate Bulletin » Programs » Medical Laboratory Science

Medical Laboratory Science

Information

Website: www.uwosh.edu/medical-lab-science/

MLS

Faculty

Janquart

Degrees

Undergraduate: A major in Medical Laboratory Science can lead to the degree(s): Bachelor of Science.
Graduate: The Medical Laboratory Science Program does not offer a graduate program. However, students who complete a major in our program may wish to consider advanced study at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh in these programs: Microbiology, Education, Business. For specifics, please see the Graduate Bulletin.

Summary of Fields of Study

Goal(s)

Graduates of the Medical Laboratory Science program will demonstrate a broad foundation in basic chemistry, biology and microbiology. Medical Laboratory Science graduates will also demonstrate the theoretical knowledge and technical skills necessary to effectively function in the following major disciplines of Medical Laboratory Science: Clinical Chemistry, Hematology, Immunohematology (Blood Banking), Immunology and Microbiology. Our Medical Laboratory Science graduates will be able to anticipate and correlate expected results within the disciplines of Medical Laboratory Science to provide identification and confirmation of disease processes. They will critically evaluate new analytical procedures and new instrumentation in order to keep pace with developing technologies. Finally, UW Oshkosh Medical Laboratory Science graduates will be conscientious professionals in the clinical laboratory setting who can communicate with their peers, doctors and patients.

The Major(s)

Medical Laboratory Science

The Minor(s)

None

Admission/Graduation Requirements

There is no formal admission process for this major. However, Medical Laboratory Science majors are required to work closely, on an ongoing basis, with the Medical Laboratory Science Office. Careful course sequencing and academic advisement are critical to students’ successful completion of this major.

Students attending other universities and considering a transfer to UW Oshkosh to major in Medical Laboratory Science should contact the Program Director for advice on course selection and the timing of their transfer. The application process for the senior clinical year begins near the end of the sophomore year and is completed early in/or prior to the beginning of the junior year. Because the clinical internship placement process is annual, missing just one required course can result in a yearlong delay in the completion of the major. Students, transfers or those changing majors, should contact the Program Director as soon as they begin to seriously consider the Medical Laboratory Science major. This will help to make the transition as seamless as possible.

In order to graduate with a Medical Laboratory Science major, students must be selected for a clinical practicum by one of our affiliated hospital schools of Medical Technology/Laboratory Science. Selection into the clinical program is a competitive process based upon grade point average at the end of the sophomore year, letters of recommendation and personal interviews. A grade point average in excess of 3.2 is recommended for a student to be competitive in the placement process for the clinical practicum. Students with a grade point average of less than 2.75 will be considered on an individual basis. Majors must apply for the clinical year through the Medical Laboratory Science Program. Note: Majors are required to undergo a criminal background check, mandated by state statute, as part of the selection process for their clinical practicum.

Required Core Courses

This major consists of a single program of study.

The Major(s), with Emphases and/or Options

Medical Laboratory Science Major

Required Credits: 84 minimum

Required Courses:

Medical Technology 100, 403, 404, 411, 412, 413, 414, 416, 421, 422, 423, 431, 432
Chemistry 105, 106, 234, 235, 303, 304, 320, 334, 335
Biology 105 or 108; Biology 212 or 319 or 420; Biology 309 or 233; Biology 312, 313, 323, 341, 344
Mathematics 201

Other Required Courses:

Medical Technology 402, 420
Students interning at Zablocki VA Medical Center, Milwaukee, Edward Hines Jr. Veteran’s Affairs Hospital, Chicago, IL, or St. Luke’s Hospital, Kansas City, MO, would not take these courses. This material would be included in Medical Technology 413 and 421.
Students interning at other hospital affiliates would take these courses on the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh campus, during the summer following their Junior year, as part of the clinical internship.

Electives: For students who wish to take additional courses beyond the Minimum Requirement, these classes are recommended: Biology 250, 315, 343, 354, 450

Comment: The Medical Laboratory Science Major is designed primarily to prepare students for a career in hospital laboratories. During the first three years of study, program requirements relate mainly to Chemistry and Biology. The fourth year of clinical study is taken at one of our affiliated hospitals.

We are currently affiliated with the following hospitals:

Ascension St. Elizabeth Hospital – Appleton, WI and Ascension Mercy Hospital – Oshkosh, WI
Aspirus Wausau Hospital – Wausau, WI
Marshfield Labs/Marshfield Clinic Health System – Marshfield, WI
Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center – Milwaukee, WI
Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, IL
St. Luke’s Hospital, Kansas City, MO

The Minor(s)

None

Course Offerings

Medical Lab Science 100	1 (crs.)
Introduction to Medical Laboratory Science
An orientation course required of all freshmen and transfer students intending to major in Medical Laboratory Science. Topics include: Historical development of the profession, organization and function of a modern clinical laboratory, correlation of chemical and biological tests with disease states, student perspective of the clinical internship, government regulations, and professional and educational opportunities for the Medical Laboratory Scientist. Students will also be required to visit a hospital laboratory to observe the daily routine of a Medical Laboratory Scientist. Prerequisites: Majors or Program Director consent. Pass/Fail


Medical Lab Science 344	3 (crs.)
Introduction to Hematology
An introduction to the basic techniques used in the chemical and microscopic examination of blood. Morphology of blood cells is emphasized. (Primarily for Medical Laboratory Scientists). As a part of this course, students will be instructed in universal precautions for handling blood and body fluids consistent with U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 341 and instructor consent. Special course fees may apply.


Medical Lab Science 351	1 – 2 (crs.)
Selected Topics in Medical Technology
Includes an introduction to quality control, laboratory management and educational techniques as related to Medical Technology. Prerequisite: Clinical Internship Status. Pass/Fail


Medical Lab Science 402	1 (crs.)
Immunohematology
An introduction to the theoretical and practical aspects of blood transfusion practices. Prerequisite: Clinical Internship Status.


Medical Lab Science 403	3 (crs.)
Clinical Microbiology I
A study of general principles and techniques used in clinical microbiology and an introduction to the study of common pathogenic bacteria. Prerequisite: Clinical Internship Status.


Medical Lab Science 404	2 – 4 (crs.)
Clinical Microbiology II
A detailed study of pathogenic bacteria and of methods for their identification. Prerequisite: Clinical Internship Status.


Medical Lab Science 411	3 – 5 (crs.)
Clinical Hematology I
An introductory study of the hematopoietic system including diseases of the red blood cells; types, determination, and diseases of the hemoglobins. Prerequisite: Clinical Internship Status.


Medical Lab Science 412	2 – 4 (crs.)
Clinical Hematology II
Study of the types of stains for blood cells, and special laboratory tests in clinical hematology; an investigation of stained blood smears and bone marrow smears. Prerequisite: Clinical Internship Status.


Medical Lab Science 413	1 – 2 (crs.)
Clinical Blood Bank I
An introduction to immunological principles as applied to blood cells; theory and practice of blood collection, grouping, typing, and cross matching; detection, identification, and titration of selected antibodies. Prerequisite: Clinical Internship Status.


Medical Lab Science 414	2 (crs.)
Clinical Blood Bank II
Study of blood and blood components; blood processing and blood bank records; infusion reactions; disease and blood banking. Prerequisite: Clinical Internship Status.


Medical Lab Science 416	3 (crs.)
Clinical Immunology-Serology
A study of the basic principles of immunology and serology as applied to the identification of common hospital pathogens. Prerequisite: Clinical Internship Status.


Medical Lab Science 420	1 (crs.)
Introduction to Urinalysis
An introduction to the chemical, physical, and microscopic aspects of urinalysis and their relationship to renal function. Prerequisite: Clinical Internship Status.


Medical Lab Science 421	1 – 2 (crs.)
Clinical Urinalysis
Includes the theory of renal function, and the theoretical and practical aspects of chemical and microscopic urinalysis. Prerequisite: Clinical Internship Status.


Medical Lab Science 422	1 (crs.)
Clinical Parasitology
A study of the common pathogenic parasites and of methods for their identification and treatment. Prerequisite: Clinical Internship Status.


Medical Lab Science 423	1 (crs.)
Clinical Mycology
A study of common infectious fungi and of methods for their identification and treatment. Prerequisite: Clinical Internship Status.


Medical Lab Science 431	5 (crs.)
Clinical Chemistry I
Covers the fundamental concepts in clinical biochemistry including a correlation of body chemical levels with normal and diseased states, and the study of a variety of analytical techniques for diagnosing diseases. Prerequisite: Clinical Internship Status.


Medical Lab Science 432	3 – 5 (crs.)
Clinical Chemistry II
Includes a study of the chemistry of body fluids and the related analytical techniques for measuring chemical substances which aid in the diagnosis of diseases. Prerequisite: Clinical Internship Status.


Medical Lab Science 446	1 – 3 (crs.)
Independent Study
See Independent Study under Course and Academic Advisement Policies information for general course description, general prerequisites, and proper contract form requirements.


Medical Lab Science 456	1 – 3 (crs.)
Related Readings
See Related Readings under Course and Academic Advisement Policies information for general course description, general prerequisites, and proper contract form requirements.


Medical Lab Science 474	3 – 6 (crs.)
Honors Thesis
The Honors Thesis is one of two options offered to Honors students to meet the senior capstone requirement of The Honors College. Students who choose the thesis engage in research as an independent study over two semesters (fall/spring or spring/fall) with the support of a faculty advisor. They decide on a topic in their major or minor, address recent scholarship, develop a prospectus, and produce substantial work (e.g., a written thesis, scientific experiment or research project, or creative arts exhibit or production). At the end of the term in which the capstone is completed, students give presentations at the Honors Thesis Symposia. Credits are applied to the respective program. Prerequisites: In good standing with The Honors College, prior enrollment in HNRS 175Q and HNRS 275Q, and senior status.