Program Overview
UND's Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) programs have a long-standing commitment to providing high quality laboratory education that prepares students for professional success.
The University of North Dakota (UND) has offered a degree in Medical Laboratory Science since 1949. Graduates of UND's MLS programs are highly sought after in laboratories both large and small throughout the country. Our students are supported by faculty and staff that are dedicated to helping students succeed.
Program Options
The UND MLS program offers many options to help reach your professional goals. Whether you are seeking your first bachelor's degree, MLS certification, or to advance your existing MLS career, check out our different program options below:
- Are you seeking your first bachelor's degree?
- Students can earn a BS in Medical Laboratory Science through on-campus coursework
- Are you a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) looking to earn a bachelor's degree?
- Working MLT professionals can earn a BS in Medical Laboratory science through our online program
- Are you an affiliated student from the Western College Alliance for Medical Laboratory
Science (WCAMLS)?
- Students can earn a Certificate in Medical Laboratory Science through the University of North Dakota while completing their BS degree at their home institution
- Are you a student with a previous bachelor's degree?
- Complete a second bachelor's degree, or gain certification eligibility, in Medical Laboratory Science with as little as one year of additional coursework
- Are you a student needing certification in only one area of the lab?
- Earn a certificate in hematology, chemistry, blood bank, or microbiology through our
Categoricals Program
- Note: There are options to complete more than one of these certificate areas
- Earn a certificate in hematology, chemistry, blood bank, or microbiology through our
Categoricals Program
- Are you an employee of the Mayo Clinic Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology
(DLMP)?
- Employees of the Mayo Clinic DLMP in Rochester, MN are able to earn a certificate or a BS through our Mayo Cohort program
- Are you already MLS certified?
- Earn your Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science through our 100% online MLS Graduate Program
Mission
The mission of the Department of Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) is to provide high-quality education that prepares students to positively impact healthcare through medical laboratory practice in the state and affiliated regions.
MLS Program Goals
MLS Department Goals
- Develop and deliver a curriculum that: reflects current laboratory knowledge and best-practice; promotes critical thinking, scholarship, and life-long learning; and aligns with the University of North Dakota (UND), UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences, and National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science standards.
- Provide a student-centered environment through individualized advising, responsive mentoring/instruction for all students including those with diverse backgrounds, and supportive faculty/staff.
- Help address healthcare needs in the state and affiliated regions by graduating students that: meet entry-level competencies; are employable in various settings; and are positioned for leadership in medical laboratory practice.
- Promote and advocate for medical laboratory professions
Undergraduate MLS Learning Goals
- The student will develop technical skills required for practice as an entry-level practice medical laboratory scientist.
- The student will be able to apply managerial concepts, troubleshooting techniques, and problem solving strategies related to entry-level practice as a medical laboratory scientist.
- The student will be able to recognize professional behaviors vital for practices as an entry level Medical Laboratory Scientist.
- The student will incorporate principles related to UND student learning goals (ex. Essential Studies).
Graduate MLS Learning Goals
- Students will understand the role of the clinical laboratory in producing positive patient outcomes, and be able to communicate that role within a team of healthcare professionals.
- Students will be prepared to identify, critically assess, and/or problem solve issues related to professional practice in the field.
- Students will demonstrate knowledge of an advanced scholarly curriculum that encompasses the scope of practice in medical laboratory science.
- Students will build professional communication skills to be utilized across multiple topics of disciplines.
Accredited MLS Program
The UND MLS program is fully accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for CLS (NAACLS) located at 5600 N River Rd, Suite 720, Rosemont IL, 60018-5119.
MLS Student Feedback
In post-graduation surveys of the program, our alumni report feeling that the MLS program prepared them well for clinical practice, and that they are glad they chose UND for their education. Here are a few of those comments:
- "I'm very proud that I went to UND for MLS. It was definitely the best decision for my education."
- "I'm so thankful for graduating from UND MLS. My superiors hold me at a higher standard because of it."
- "Fantastic program! Wouldn't imagine going anywhere else."
- "Keep doing what you are doing! I see on a daily basis the outcomes of many other programs and there truly is no comparison to the level of preparation that UND students have compared to the students from other programs."