Medical laboratory scientists work in the clinical laboratory of a hospital or in other medical facilities. They perform the laboratory analyses used in the diagnosis and treatment of disease and the maintenance of health.
Medical laboratory scientists are trained to work in the five areas of the laboratory: blood banking (immunohematology), chemistry, hematology, immunology, and microbiology. They must have the skills to do accurate analysis, be comfortable working with a wide variety of analytical instruments and enjoy laboratory work. Medical laboratory scientists have very little direct contact with patients. They have a wide choice of practice settings, including hospitals, independent labs, clinics, forensic crime labs, and more.
Pre-Medical Laboratory Science students at PSU complete a set of prerequisite courses designed to fulfill admission requirements for Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS) programs at other institutions.
Pre-medical laboratory science is a professional track (not a major). Students can choose any major while also completing their pre-MLS coursework. Many pre-MLS students attend PSU for 2-3 years working on prerequisites with the goal of applying for acceptance into a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Medical Laboratory Science program elsewhere. Students may also choose to complete a degree at PSU (common majors for pre-MLS students include: Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Health Studies: Health Science) before attending an MLS program to complete a 2nd undergraduate degree.
Prospective students interested in PSU can meet with a pre-medical laboratory science advisor to learn about the pre-MLS track.
Pre-Medical Laboratory Science is a pre-professional track, not a major. Students can select any major of their choice.
PSU has dedicated pre-health advisors to help students plan their coursework, support them in gaining relevant healthcare experience, and guide them through the MLS school application process.
PSU students can complete the pre-requisite courses to apply to the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Medical Laboratory Science offered at Oregon Institute of Technology – Wilsonville – in partnership with Oregon Health & Science University. Admission is limited and competitive. In order to apply, students must complete the prerequisite coursework and have earned either a minimum of 103 transferable quarter hours from an accredited institution(s) or a bachelor’s degree.
There are a very wide range of clinical and other volunteer opportunities available in the Portland area to help students better understand the role of medical laboratory scientists, gain exposure to different work settings, and boost their application to MLS programs in the future.
Many of Portland State’s departments and schools offer student research opportunities, including Biology, Chemistry, and the School of Public Health.
PSU has the Ignite Scholarship program, developed in collaboration with Kaiser Permanente and Portland Leadership Foundation, which emphasizes a culture of support and community for students in healthcare career pathways that can sometimes be complex and overwhelming. Students who receive the Ignite scholarship will be part of a program emphasizing leadership and mentorship (supported by a $5,000 scholarship), which includes serving as mentors for incoming pre-health students.
Incoming pre-health students seeking mentorship can apply to be matched with PSU's Ignite mentors. This is a one-year commitment (fall, winter, and spring terms) for mentors and mentees.
Student organizations on campus help students to connect with peers pursuing pre-health tracks or science fields, as well as many different multicultural, social, and community involvement focused groups. Examples of student groups include the Health Promotion Student Organization, Portland State Women in STEM, Science Outreach Society, Biology Investigation and Outreach, and the Neuroscience Club at PSU.
Students who complete this track go on to careers in the five areas of the laboratory: blood banking (immunohematology), chemistry, hematology, immunology, and microbiology in hospitals, independent labs, clinics, forensic crime labs, and more.