Medical Laboratory Science
Medical laboratory scientists play an important role in detecting and diagnosing a number of diseases.
Working with pathologists or other scientists, these highly skilled professionals perform a wide range of laboratory tests and analyze the findings. Most medical laboratory scientists work in hospital laboratories; others work in clinics, health agencies, research facilities, and pharmaceutical facilities.
Yes. Students need to complete professional/clinical education in MLS to work in the field. Elmhurst University has affiliations with Hines VA Hospital and NorthShore University HealthSystem in MLS to assist students with completing their clinical education. Students must apply to these MLS affiliate partners as they are not guaranteed admission for these tracks; even if a student has been admitted to Elmhurst University.
The Hines track requires applicants to be a U.S. citizen to be eligible. If accepted, students spend three years at Elmhurst University majoring in biology and take their final phase of coursework and clinical training at Hines or NorthShore (11 months) earning a degree from Elmhurst University after successful completion of the MLS courses/training (approximately four years total). Courses completed in the MLS track count toward the requirements to graduate with a major in biology. Graduates of one of these tracks are eligible to take national certifying examinations offered by the ASCP Board of Certification or any other approved certifying agency. However, graduation is not contingent upon certification.
Students have the option to graduate from Elmhurst and then apply to MLS programs/tracks as well. Transfer students are eligible to apply for this affiliation. Their timeline may vary from the traditional one. Transfer students are required to attend Elmhurst full-time for 1.5 years (3 fall/spring semesters) prior to beginning at the hospital if accepted by them. Most transfer students will attend Elmhurst for 2 years full-time prior to beginning at the hospital if accepted. All interested students should contact health professions advising to learn more about how to apply and eligibility requirements.
Tuition for those accepted into the Hines affiliation is based on current Elmhurst University rates and fees for both the coursework at Elmhurst and at Hines. There are additional costs for books which may vary from year to year ($0-$500). Hines VA Hospital is located at 5000 South 5th Avenue, Hines, IL 60141-3030. Please visit the Hines website for more details.
Tuition for those accepted into the NorthShore affiliation is based on the current Elmhurst University rates and fees for both the coursework at Elmhurst and at NorthShore. If the tuition at NorthShore surpasses that of Elmhurst, students may need to pay the difference. Additional costs for books and other fees may also apply. The NorthShore MLS program is offered at Evanston Hospital at 2650 Ridge Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201. Please visit the NorthShore website for more details.
To apply for one of the affiliations, students must be biology majors. However, students applying outside of the affiliations can major in any discipline the schools or hospitals allow, taking care to complete the appropriate prerequisite courses.
Students who are accepted into one of these tracks must complete the Elmhurst University Integrated Curriculum and biology major requirements at Elmhurst University. The following courses are required for the MLS tracks and may fall under the biology major or graduation requirements.
- Biology: four courses for the major including microbiology (BIO 321) and immunology (BIO 341) and for Hines specifically, some physiology which may be included in a general course
- Chemistry: four courses including some organic and/or biochemistry
- Math: one course of college-level math
- Statistics and physics are recommended
Students must speak with an advisor to learn about recommended courses and the specific details about the prerequisites for the Hines and NorthShore affiliations.
You will meet the health professions advisor to discuss your specific academic and professional interests. Your advisor will work with you throughout your Elmhurst career, giving expert guidance.
After successfully completing an MLS track, students are eligible to take the national certification exam.
You can start by contacting your health professions advisor or check out these useful websites:
Any student interested in applying for the program is responsible for learning about all the requirements. Admission to Elmhurst University does not guarantee acceptance into any affiliate program or track.