Med Lab Sciences
Medical Laboratory Scientists, also known as clinical laboratory scientists, are highly skilled professionals who perform analytical tests on blood, tissue, and body fluids to provide laboratory information for the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of human diseases.
Undergraduate Preparation
Undergraduate Preparation
Choosing a Major
There is no formal major for student preparing to become a medical laboratory scientist. Professional programs are interested in broadly educated students who have developed excellent writing and speaking skills, possess analytic and synthetic thinking ability, and can demonstrate an understanding of the basic sciences. Your major will not determine your success in applying to professional school. Your interests should determine your choice of major. Majoring in an area that you enjoy is more likely to lead to academic success than pursuing a field for which you have little enthusiasm.
Tests and Application
Tests and Application
Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
For detailed information on the GRE go to www.gre.org The GRE® (Graduate Record Examination) General Test measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and critical thinking and analytical writing skills that have been acquired over a long period of time and that are not related to any specific field of study. The GRE® Subject Tests gauge undergraduate achievement in eight specific fields of study and is often required for admission into a master's degree program.
Timetable
Design an Academic Plan
It is important to know your timetable and plan accordingly.
FIRST YEAR |
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Fall Semester Explore various majors and declare as early as possible. As soon as you declare your major, you will be assigned an academic advisor within that department. Make sure to identify that you are a pre-health professions student on the major declaration form. Make an appointment with your advisor to discuss professional goals and determine an academic game plan to ensure you will have taken all courses needed to prepare for standardized admissions tests in your field of interest by the time you take the exam (usually around the end of your junior year). Most medical laboratory programs require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) which is not subject specific. As soon as you get settled into your classes, contact the Pre-professional Health Advisor, to make an advising appointment to discuss professional goals and discuss the necessary prerequisites, shadowing/volunteer work etc. Spring Semester Meet with your academic advisor to discuss your progress. Search for shadowing and volunteer opportunities in your field of interest. First Summer Shadowing/Work/ or volunteer to gain insight into your career choice. |
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SECOND YEAR |
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Fall Semester Meet with your advisor to discuss your Spring schedule. Visit the Center for Student Learning and get acquainted with the GRE. Fall Semester
Spring Semester
Third Summer
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FOURTH YEAR |
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Fall Semester Meet with your advisor. Get a degree audit and apply for graduation. Make sure your application materials are organized and submitted within the deadlines (earlier is always better than later when submitting application materials). Prepare for interviews (if applicable) Interview and wait. Search for sources of financial aid. Spring Semester Send updated transcripts directly to the professional schools to which you have applied. Sometimes it takes more than one try to get accepted. If you don't get accepted the first time, discuss options with the pre-health advisor. |
Letters of Recommendation
Letters of reference are an important part of the application process to professional schools. Letters frequently come from professors, supervisors, or licensed clinicians who know you well. Individual schools will almost always provide specific forms that should be used by your evaluators. Failing to use the proper form when submitting your reference letters, may delay processing of your application.
Online Resources
Please visit the resources page for links to professional organizations, educational programs and other online materials.
Do I have to be a science major?
No. Your major is not important as long as you complete the pre-requisite course work to satisfy the admissions requirements and prepare for the standardized admissions test in your field of interest.
Will majoring in science give me an advantage in applying to professional schools?
Not necessarily. Most perfusion programs are looking for well rounded students who have an aptitude for science. They do not give preference to science majors.
Should I minor or take a double major?
Only if you are truly interested in another field of study. There is no evidence that those students who have a second major or minor have a better chance of accepted than those who do not.
Should I take a commercial prep course before taking the GRE?
There is no hard evidence that commercial courses produce significant gains in test scores. These courses may benefit students who need the extra motivation to buckle down and study. They do provide the opportunity to take multiple full length practice test in real time situations. However, motivated students can do the same on their own or in a study group. There are plenty of practice materials available and practice exams are even offered by the GRE The Director of the Center for Student Learning at the College of Charleston works with students to prepare for standardized tests, both individually and in groups.
Can I take required courses in the summer and/or at another institution?
In general, it is best to take your required courses at your primary academic institution and during the regular school session. Professional schools want to know that a student can handle science courses while taking a normal academic load. If you have a compelling reason, for taking a course during the summer, for example to be able to get the proper course sequence, then do so. You should try, at least, to take the course at your primary institution or one with equivalent academic rigor. Taking your science courses in a piecemeal fashion and at a two-year institution may be looked on with suspicion by health professions schools. You should also check with the appropriate department to see that the credits from another institution will transfer.
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