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Medical Laboratory Science

Emory Healthcare Medical Laboratory Science Program

Start your future today...

Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) is one of the fastest-growing fields in medicine today. A Medical Laboratory Scientist (Medical Technologist) conducts detailed clinical laboratory tests for the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, and monitoring ongoing treatment. Working with blood samples and other body fluids and tissues, a Medical Laboratory Scientist performs a broad range of complex, quantitative lab tests, from biological screening to molecular analysis.

The demand for qualified Medical Laboratory Scientists is growing rapidly. Hospital laboratories, physician's offices, public health agencies, research laboratories — all need Medical Laboratory Scientists. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, the field is growing much faster than the national average, due to increases in population and new diagnostic tests. The department also rates future job opportunities for MLS as "excellent."

If you have a four-year degree (preferably in science), becoming a certified Medical Laboratory Scientist might be the right path for you. Find out more by exploring our website now.

Why Choose Emory?

EMORY HEALTHCARE — known the world over for its renowned teaching staff and progressive, state-of-the-art medical research — offers a one-year curriculum in Medical Laboratory Science that puts you on the leading edge of diagnostic testing.

The Emory Healthcare Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) program raises the bar for MLS education in the state. As one of the most prestigious medical teaching facilities in the Southeast, Emory provides the education and experience you will need to be successful after you graduate.

David Jaye, MD
Medical Director, Emory Healthcare Medical Laboratory Science Program
Associate Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine,
Emory University School of Medicine

Angela M. Baxter, MS, MLS (ASCP)
Program Director, Emory Healthcare Medical Laboratory Science Program

Learn From the Best
Pursuing your Medical Laboratory Science certificate at Emory Medical Laboratory puts you at the center of one of the leading health care systems in the U.S.

Emory Healthcare includes more than 4,000 physicians throughout The Emory Clinic, Emory University Hospital, Emory University Hospital Midtown, Emory University Orthopedic and Spine Hospital, Emory John's Creek Hospital, Emory Saint Joseph Hospital, Emory Decatur Hospital, and Wesley Woods (our geriatric specialty center and hospital).

As an Emory Healthcare student, you’ll rotate between three hospitals: Emory University Hospital (Decatur campus), Emory University Hospital Midtown and Emory University Orthopedic and Spine Hospital. This gives you the opportunity to experience a wider variety of diagnostic procedures performed by Emory Medical Laboratory.

A Top Faculty and Staff
The faculty of Emory Healthcare’s Medical Laboratory Science Program is comprised of world-renowned pathologists who will expose you to a higher level of diagnostic and laboratory testing not readily available elsewhere. Our highly experienced medical laboratory scientists will provide you with the comprehensive hands-on clinical practice needed to succeed in laboratory medicine.

Program Information

Emory Healthcare's Medical Laboratory Science Program (EHC MLS) is a full-time hospital-based (4+1) program. The program is designed to prepare students (already holding a bachelor's degree) for the national Medical Laboratory Science certifying examination by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). Students are awarded a certificate in Medical Laboratory Science from the EHC MLS upon successful program completion. Students do not receive college/university credits for course work.

Along with teaching you diagnostic testing basics — such as urinalysis, coagulation, clinical chemistry, and immunohematology (blood bank) — you will also learn the latest advancements and clinical testing skills in esoteric areas, such as molecular diagnostics, flow cytometry and histocompatibility (HLA).

The program length is 11 months and begins in August. The program schedule is Monday through Friday. Students attend lectures daily for the first several months, then complete clinical rotations for the remainder of the program. The hours vary but are typically 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. during lectures and 6:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. during clinicals. Students receive weeks off for holidays and breaks.

Accreditation and Certification


Emory Healthcare's Medical Laboratory Science Program is fully accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).

National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS)
5600 N. River Rd., Suite 720
Rosemont, Illinois 60018-5119
Telephone: 773-714-8880

Fees


Fees are $9,000 (subject to change).

$200 payable upon acceptance to program
$4,400 payable upon enrollment to program
$4,400 payable prior to commencement of clinical rotation
Service-Cancelable Loan available - contact program for details

Refunds/Withdrawal


Students who decide to withdraw from the Medical Laboratory Science Program must notify the program director, program coordinator or the program office via written letter or email as soon as possible. The date of this document will decide if a refund, if applicable, is required. Students are entitled to claim a refund of paid tuition according to the following refund schedule.

 Withdrawal Period

 Percent Refund

 First week of classes

Second week of classes

Third week of classes

Fifth week of classes

 100%

75%

23%

0%


Payment of fees for the EHC MLS is required and students do not receive any monetary compensation or stipend for participation in the clinical training activities. Students will have the opportunity to apply for paid positions in the Emory Medical Laboratory during the training program, but service work is not mandatory and must be outside of the EHC MLS training hours.

Books

A list of required texts will be provided to students for purchase upon acceptance into the program.  

Uniforms

Students must provide their own scrub attire and non-canvas work shoes with closed toes-and-heels.

Scholarship Information

   

Our Mission

The mission of Emory Healthcare’s Medical Laboratory Science Program is to provide exceptional education and training to prepare future Medical Laboratory Scientists with the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to become leaders in the profession of clinical laboratory science.

The Program supports the Emory Medical Laboratory mission of providing high-quality, cost-effective, innovative laboratory services which enhance patient health.

Our Goals


Emory Healthcare’s Medical Laboratory Science Program is committed to providing:

  • A comprehensive education and clinical experience necessary for national certification examinations offered by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP)
  • Education in accordance with NAACLS standards for Medical Laboratory Science programs
  • Career entry-level competencies in clinical laboratory testing, quality assurance, and professionalism

Program Outcomes

   2021  2022 2023 
 Graduation Rate  100%  100%  100%
 Job Placement Rate  100%  100%  100%
 National Certification exam pass rate  100%  100%  100%
 Attrition rate for last half of program  0%  0%  0%

What to Expect


Career entry-level competencies:

  • The EHC MLS graduate will be able to perform and analyze a full range of clinical laboratory tests in areas such as hematology, clinical chemistry, immunohematology, microbiology, serology/immunology, coagulation, molecular, and other emerging diagnostics.
  • The EHC MLS graduate will be qualified to participate in the development and evaluation of test systems and interpretive algorithms.
  • The EHC MLS graduate will be equipped to handle diverse responsibilities in areas of analysis and clinical decision-making, regulatory compliance with applicable regulations, education, and quality assurance/performance improvement wherever laboratory testing is researched, developed, or performed.

The medical laboratory scientist will also possess basic knowledge, skills, and relevant experiences in:

  • Communications – Enable consultative interactions with members of the healthcare team, external relations, customer service and patient education
  • Finance, operation, marketing, and human resource management of the clinical laboratory – Enable cost-effective, high-quality, value-added laboratory services
  • Information management – Enable effective, timely, accurate, and cost-effective reporting of laboratory-generated information
  • Research design/evaluation – Enable the design and evaluation of clinical research studies.

Program policies are available to prospective candidates upon request:

  • Student advisement
  • Clinical assignment
  • Student grievance
  • Criteria for program completion
  • Academic calendar
  • Rules and regulations governing personnel and academic conduct

Curriculum

Emory Healthcare Medical Laboratory Science Program

Course Descriptions: Didactic and Applied Experience

Introduction to Medical Laboratory Science Program (1 week)
This introductory course provides new program students with the fundamental information needed to be successful in other Medical Laboratory Science courses and at Emory Healthcare. Topics include laboratory safety, regulatory requirements, introduction to quality control and assurance, specimen collection and handling procedures, laboratory equipment, information systems, and laboratory math.

Clinical Chemistry (8 weeks)
This course covers principles and interpretation of modern clinical chemistry as it applies to the quantitative and qualitative analysis of body fluids. It includes the study of carbohydrates, acid-base and electrolytes, proteins and other nitrogen-containing compounds, enzymes, lipids, endocrinology, vitamins, toxicology, and therapeutic drug monitoring.

Clinical Microbiology (12 weeks)
This course looks at pathogenic bacteria, mycobacteria, parasites, viruses, and fungi of humans in relation to pathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, infectious diseases, antimicrobial agents, and chemotherapy. Technical aspects include specimen collection; handling and transport; media composition and utilization; culture, isolation, and identification methods; and automation, quality control methods, and laboratory safety. Practical laboratory instruction covers bacteriology, mycobacteriology, parasitology, virology and mycology isolation techniques and identification methods.

Hematology (8 weeks)
Topics of study cover the physiology and pathophysiology of erythrocytes, leukocytes and platelets, cellular morphology, cellular diseases, automated and manual determinations, and laboratory operations.

Immunohematology/Blood Banking (8 weeks)
Topics of study include genetics and biology of red cell antigen systems, antibody screening and identification, compatibility testing and solving compatibility problems, additional laboratory analyses, donor requirements, preparation of blood components for transfusion, quality and inventory control, instrumentation, and current practices in component preparation and hemotherapy.

Urinalysis/Body Fluids (4 weeks)
This course of study covers the physical, chemical, and microscopic analysis of urine. Renal function, disease states, and the physiology and clinical analysis of CSF and other body fluids are also covered.

Hemostasis/Coagulation (3 weeks)
This course covers the mechanisms involved in the coagulation system, including platelet function, protein interaction and clot breakdown. Bleeding and clotting disorders as well as treatment modalities are discussed. Laboratory evaluation of the hemostatic process and the correlation of laboratory findings with disease states will be emphasized.

Immunology (3 weeks)
The principles of immunology: antigen/antibody structure function and interaction as they relate to serologic diagnosis are studied. The course looks at the human immune system in relation to immunophysiology, hypersensitivity, immunochemistry, immunities to infectious agents, disorders of the immune system, and clinical applications. The course also provides principles of current clinical techniques, methodologies and instrumentation, result interpretation and clinical applications.

HLA (Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics Laboratory) (1.5 weeks)
This rotation provides an overview of the theory and testing needed to support a clinical transplantation program. It includes didactic discussions/clinical case reviews focusing on aspects of human histocompatibility, transplant immunology and molecular immunogenetics. Review of basic antigen/antibody interactions includes HLA typing by molecular techniques, antibody detection, antibody identification, and donor/recipient cross-matching. Instruction will be lectures and observation of clinical testing.

Molecular Diagnostics (1.5 weeks)
This course offers an overview of molecular-based principles, techniques, and applications for an array of nucleic acid amplification, signal amplification, and nucleic acid sequenced-based testing. Lectures cover nucleic acid chemistry as well as structure and function.

Flow Cytometry (1 week)
Part of the hematology course, this lecture and clinical series describes the basic principles and applications of flow cytometry. A seminar in cytogenetics is also included.

Special Topic Seminars: 1 Week

Educational Techniques and Terminology Seminar This course will provide students with the knowledge and skills to educate laboratory personnel, other health care professionals, and consumers. Fundamentals of adult learning theory, objective writing, evaluation techniques, and modes of instruction are reviewed.

Introduction to Anatomic Pathology and Cytopathology Seminar
This lecture series introduces students to the basic procedures performed in anatomic pathology. Sections include accessing, grossing and basic specimen preparation and the role the pathologist plays in providing an accurate diagnosis. Additional areas covered include cytopathology microscopic review of gynecologic and non-gynecologic cytology specimens, review of cytopathology QA/QC and testing procedures, and observations of cytopathology specimen processing. A short tour of the anatomic pathology section is also included.

Point-of-Care Testing Seminar
Get an overview of testing in point-of-care testing (POCT), an emerging specialty in laboratory medicine. Rotation includes a brief history of POCT, test menus, clinical utility, and aspects of analytical performance, regulatory issues, management in the hospital setting and future directions for POCT.

Research Design Seminar
Students learn basic research approaches and have a chance to develop a small-scale research or improvement project for Emory Healthcare.

Clinical Laboratory Operations/Management Seminar
This seminar provides students with an overview of various operating structures in today's hospital environment — including vertically and horizontally integrated healthcare delivery systems and networks, Principles of human resource management, financial management principles, and process improvement as it relates to the clinical laboratory will be discussed.

Other seminar topics will include medical ethics, critical pathways and decision making, communication/team building, and quality management/compliance.

Admissions

Apply early!!

The program begins accepting applications September 1st through Feb 1st, for the Fall class.

Admission to our Medical Laboratory Science program is competitive and limited to sixteen (16) students per year. Applicants are considered based on overall GPA, science GPA, written essay, references, and a personal interview. Early application is encouraged.

Applicants must meet the following minimum admission requirements to be considered for entry into the MLS program:

  • Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university
  • 16 semester (24 quarter) hours of credit in chemistry
  • 16 semester (24 quarter) hours of credit in biological sciences
  • Overall GPA 2.75 or better on a 4.0 scale
  • Science GPA 2.75 or better on a 4.0 scale
  • Required Prerequisite Courses (1 semester each)
    • Organic or Biochemistry
    • Microbiology
    • Immunology (a separate course or part of a Microbiology course, provide a course outline or letter from the course instructor)
    • Human Anatomy and/or Physiology
    • Statistics or Biostatistics
  • Official transcripts from each college/university attended
  • Acknowledgement of Essential Functions (see application packet)

Please Note:

  • The content of the chemistry and biological science courses must be considered applicable toward a degree in those fields or in clinical laboratory science/medical technology
  • Exempts are not made for work experience or education level
  • At least 1 chemistry, 1 biology, and 1 microbiology course must have been completed within the last seven years
Foreign Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must submit official TOEFL scores taken in the last two years. Minimum total score of 80 (iBT internet based; with minimum of 18 in each section) is required for consideration. Enter code number 1548 as the institution score recipient for Emory Healthcare Medical Laboratory Science Program.

Transcripts from foreign colleges/universities must first be evaluated by an approved transcript evaluation service and sent directly from evaluating agency to the MLS program. List science courses individually with accompanying grade, as well as an overall GPA. Use approved evaluators listed on ASCP.org.

Please note there is a five-year limit by which you may submit these requirements.

Additional requirements

Essay

  • Complete essay/narrative
  • Write a 200- to 300-word essay, stating your understanding of the Medical Laboratory Science field and explaining why you want to enter the field of Medical Laboratory Science
  • Discuss your related qualifications, academic objectives and career plans

Recommendations/References

  • Have three Admission Reference Forms sent
  • References must be from non-family members that can speak to your qualifications
  • References must be from either science professors or current/former employers, sent from reference directly to the program

Transcripts

Official transcripts from each college/university attended must be sent directly to:

Emory Orthopaedics and Spine Hospital
Medical Laboratory Science Program
1455 Montreal Road East, Suite 206
Tucker, GA 30084

or Email medicaltechnologyprogram@emoryhealthcare.org

How to Apply

We begin accepting applications in September, applications are considered late after February 1. Applications will not be processed until all required documentation and application fee has been received.

To apply to the Emory Healthcare Medical Laboratory Science Program, download and complete the application and checklist and mail them along with a $50 non-refundable application fee, and all supporting materials to:

Emory Orthopaedics and Spine Hospital
Medical Laboratory Science Program
1455 Montreal Road East, Suite 206
Tucker, GA 30084

Application Deadline

The deadline for receipt of your application and all supporting materials is February 1 of the year the student wishes to enter. Applicants already in the process of receiving their degree or enrolled in prerequisite courses will be accepted. However, all documents must be received by May 31 of the application year. Applicants submitting documentation after this deadline will have to re-apply for the following year. Applications are accepted until February 1.

Faculty & Staff

Emory’s experienced pathology faculty has impressive credentials:

Clinical Chemistry: Janetta Bryksin, PhD

Coagulation/Hemostasis: Cheryl Maier, MD, PhD

Cytogenetics: Kristin Deeb, PhD

Cytopathology: Michelle D. Reid, MD

Flow Cytometry: Shiyong Li, MD, PhD

Hemopathology/Hematology: David L. Jaye, MD

HLA and Transplantation: H. Clifford Sullivan, MD

Immunology: Jeannette Guarner, MD, Andrew Neish, MD, PhD

Laboratory Information Systems: Hunter Hardy, MD

Microbiology: Eileen Burd, PhD

Molecular Diagnostics & Microbiology: Eric Fitts, MD, PhD

Molecular Pathology: Charles E. Hill, MD

Quality control/Lab Equipment/Lab Math: David D. Koch, PhD

Transfusion Medicine: E. Alex Dent MD

Primary Didactic Instructors: Laboratory Staff
Introduction to Medical Laboratory Science and Special Topics: Program Director

Blood Bank: Lessonjulle Lyons-Dabney

Coagulation/ Hemostasis: Cindy Alexander, MLS (ASCP)

Hematology/Chemistry/Urinalysis: Angela Baxter, MS, MT (ASCP)

Immunology: Brandi Good, MLS (ASCP)

Microbiology: Morissa Kidd-Ellis, MLS (ASCP)

Phlebotomy: Angela Baxter, MS, MLS (ASCP)

Point of Care Testing: Juli Buchanan, MLS (ASCP)

Contact Us

Have a question? Need more information?

Email us at medicaltechnologyprogram@emoryhealthcare.org.
Program Director
Angela Baxter, MS, MLS (ASCP)
Program Director, Emory Healthcare MLS Program

Emory Orthopaedics and Spine Hospital
Medical Laboratory Science Program
1455 Montreal Road East, Suite 206
Tucker, GA 30084