The School of Medical Laboratory Science was established in 1966 and has graduated more than 550 students to date. The school is supported by the Corewell Health Department
of Clinical Pathology located at William Beaumont University Hospital in Royal
Oak, Michigan.
The School is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences. The School’s accreditation enables any student who successfully completes the requirements of the clinical program to apply for the Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) national certification examination offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology, Board of Certification (ASCP-BOC) under the Route 1 option.
- This clinical laboratory education program is designed for post-baccalaureate degree candidates with a major in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Medical Laboratory Science or other laboratory-based science field.
- Candidates from a Michigan university who meet the program academic requirements are considered first.
- Class Size: The program accepts 16-20 students per session.
- Sessions: Winter (January start) and Summer (July start).
- Length: approximately 46-weeks.
- Winter Dates (tentative): 2nd week of January thru 3rd week of November with a 1-week break at the end of June.
- Summer Dates (tentative): 1st week of July thru last week of May with a 2-week break at the end of December.
The full-time Monday-Friday program consists of didactic lecture (approximately 55%) and clinical laboratory rotations (approximately
45%) at campuses throughout all Corewell Health regions –
East, West and South – in Michigan. Students will apply to their region of
preference
Students will spend 40 hours a week, Monday through Friday, receiving lecture, demonstration, observation and/or hands-on practice at a student laboratory or live clinical bench. Under the supervision of faculty or teaching technologists, students will have opportunities to work with state-of-the-art biomedical instrumentation and a diverse collection of clinical specimens.
Students must be highly motivated, self-directed learners with strong study skills who will be able to commit to the rigorous program.
Students who successfully complete the program are eligible to apply for the Medical Laboratory Scientist certification exam offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification and seek employment in numerous clinical laboratory
disciplines.
Service work performed by students in clinical settings outside of program hours is non-compulsory.
Program mission
The primary mission of the School of Medical Laboratory Science is to provide a clinical educational program of merit and thoroughness which reflects the high standards of patient care established at Corewell Health. In addition, we strive to reecruit and retain excellent
graduates for employment and promotion within the health system.
More specifically, the School of Medical Laboratory Science is committed to providing students:
- An education program in accordance with the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) Standards for Medical Laboratory Science.
- Educational experiences in the application of theory and ethical practice of clinical laboratory science that will prepare students with the knowledge, technical skills and professional attitudes to become proficient, certified members of the health
care team.
- Career-entry competencies in clinical laboratory testing, quality assurance, and professionalism.
- An introduction to topics in clinical education methodology and laboratory operations.
Program goals
The program’s goals are to graduate individuals who will:
- pass the national certification examination to enter professional practice
- be competent, entry-level laboratory professionals
- support and promote the Corewell Health Values of Compassion, Respect, Integrity, Teamwork and Excellence
- recognize the role of the medical laboratory scientist in the assurance of high quality, efficient, and accessible health care services to all patient populations
- possess a commitment to continuing medical laboratory education
- contribute to the improvement of laboratory services and processes to meet the challenges of the changing health care environment
Learning outcomes
Upon program completion, the graduating student will be expected to demonstrate:
- entry-level competency to perform the full range of clinical laboratory testing in a state-of-the art clinical laboratory. This includes pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical components of laboratory services in the disciplines of chemistry,
hematology/hemostasis, immunohematology, immunology, microbiology, molecular pathology, urinalysis & body fluid analysis and point-of-care testing.
- entry-level competency to interpret, problem-solve, troubleshoot and evaluate clinical procedures and laboratory test results including the use of statistical methods to evaluate data.
- compliance with safety and government regulations and standards as applied to clinical laboratory practice, including competency assessment and proficiency testing.
- professional conduct that includes respecting the confidentiality, privacy, and diversity among patients and the healthcare team as well as displaying appropriate composure under stressful conditions.
- appropriate skills to communicate laboratory test information to the healthcare team, patients and the public.
- basic knowledge of laboratory operations including the principles and practice of administration, personnel management, quality assurance, process improvement, patient safety activities, and financial resource management within the clinical laboratory
setting.
- skills in education methodology principles to appropriately instruct peers, consumers and providers of laboratory services and an appreciation of the importance of continuing professional development.