Program Overview and Curriculum

Phase 1 (Classroom)

During the first phase of the medical laboratory science program, a student classroom setting is used to introduce each of the major clinical areas and assist in the development of basic skills and knowledge.

Phase 2 and 3 (Clinical Rotations)

Upon successful completion of all of the introductory classroom sessions, the medical lab science student enters the second and third phases of the program which includes the clinical laboratory rotations. These clinical phases will challenge the student to further develop the knowledge and skills required to perform, interpret, and trouble-shoot laboratory services by automated, semi-automated, and manual methods in a state-of-the-art hospital laboratory. Students perform patient testing under direct supervision of clinical instructors or other qualified staff.

The MLS program operates Monday through Friday, with a typical day beginning at 7:00 a.m. and ending at 3:30 p.m.

Throughout the program year, students are evaluated based on their academic achievement, laboratory performance/technical skills, and professional behavior.

Service Work Policy

Clinical Experience Location

The clinical education is conducted on the Methodist Hospital campus in The Pathology Center at 8303 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE.

Other medical facilities, such as Children’s Hospital & Medical Center, Methodist Women’s Hospital, Methodist Physicians Clinic, Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital, and a blood donor center may be utilized for enrichment sites.

The Medical Laboratory Science Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to give the student a thorough background in the performance, interpretation, and application of medical laboratory procedures. Equally important is the emphasis placed on correlation of test results with pathologic conditions of patients.

The major areas of the hospital laboratory are Microbiology, Clinical Chemistry, Hematology, Immunohematology (Blood Bank/Transfusion Medicine), Immunology/Serology, and Microscopy (Urinalysis/Body Fluids). Upon completion of the 11- month program, the individual will be proficient in each of these areas.

Students will also be introduced to the clinical disciplines of phlebotomy and molecular diagnostics. In addition, students are exposed to the basics of health care management, quality assurance, educational methodologies, research, and laboratory computer skills, which are all applicable to career advancement and/or graduate school.
 

MLS Course List and Descriptions