Medical Laboratory Science

As a Medical Laboratory Science major at Wilkes, you’ll use the analytical skills of a researcher and the inquisitive mind of a detective, to help solve medical mysteries and find clues that allow health care teams to provide appropriate treatment.

Program Snapshot

Program Type Format Credit Hours
Major 3+1 120

Why Study Medical Laboratory Science at Wilkes?

At Wilkes, you’ll develop your talent for biology, chemistry and mathematics into problem-solving and laboratory skills to solve medical mysteries and help health care teams provide appropriate treatment.

In the unique 3+1 program, you’ll receive a solid science background through rigorous coursework in three years on campus. The fourth year of study provides hands-on training at a clinical site.

You may apply to any clinical program approved by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences external website. Wilkes University has affiliation agreements with the following hospitals:

  • Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital, Sayre, Pennsylvania
  • New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, Brooklyn, New York
  • Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
  • Penn Medicine Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia
  • St. Christopher's Hospital for Children – Tower Health, Philadelphia
  • UPMC Susquehanna, Williamsport, Pennsylvania

What Will You Learn as a Medical Laboratory Science Major?

  • Following requirements recommended by the American Society for Clinical Pathology, you’ll take general education requirements plus courses including Principles of Modern Biology, Elements and Compounds, Organic Chemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology and Biochemistry.
  • At your hospital clinical site, you’ll gain hands-on training and knowledge in phlebotomy, parasitology and immunology.
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Program Highlights

3+1 Program

You’ll study for three years on the Wilkes campus and then complete a hands-on clinical year at a hospital approved by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences external website. Wilkes has affiliation agreements with numerous programs, but you may apply to any accredited program.

Advising

The director of Health Sciences and Student Success will guide you through the application process for clinical training. This ensures that you meet academic and extracurricular requirements, have a complete application packet, and are ready for personal interviews.

Health Sciences Society

Grow professionally, get to know fellow students, and have fun outside the classroom in the Health Sciences Preprofessional Society. The group sponsors activities such as blood drives and fundraisers for cancer and Alzheimer’s research.

2020 Grad Works Two Jobs to Help Fight Against COVID-19

Read the Story

Careers & Outcomes

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, career opportunities for medical laboratory scientists are expected to increase faster than average. Due to an aging population and an increased need to diagnose medical conditions through lab work, employment is projected to grow 7% through 2029. The median annual salary for medical laboratory scientists is $53,120.

Popular Careers

  • Medical Technologist
  • Laboratory Manager
  • Microbiology Technician
  • Accessioner
  • Cytotechnologist
  • Histotechnologist
  • Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Recent Employers

  • Becton Dickinson
  • Centrex Clinical Laboratories
  • Easton Hospital
  • Geisinger Health System
  • Health Network Laboratories
  • National Institutes of Health
  • New Jersey Department of Health
  • Quest Diagnostics
  • VA Medical Center
  • University of Pennsylvania

Wilkes University provided me with unique opportunities that set me up for success in my career as a medical laboratory scientist. 

Emily Kamieniecki '20

Wilkes is a relatively small school, so you can really connect with your professors and get to know them. 

Maddie Plumhoff '21

Clinical Site Preceptors

Carol Bond, MT (ASCP)

Program Director, Medical Laboratory Science
Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences, Lancaster, PA

Jean Buchenhorst, MS, MLS(ASCP)

Program Director, Medical Laboratory Science
Penn Medicine Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia, PA

Susanne Dannert, MS, WT (ASCP)

Program Director, School of Medical Laboratory Science
St. Christopher's Hospital for Children - Tower Health, Philadelphia, PA

Lynn Jones, MSEd, MT (ASCP)

Program Director, Clinical Laboratory Science Program
New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, Brooklyn, NY

Stacy Pond, MS, MLS(ASCP)CM

Program Director, Medical Laboratory Science
Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital, Sayre, PA

Sherry Soost BS, MT (ASCP), CHO (NRCC)

Faculty/Clinical Coordinator, Medical Laboratory Science
Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences, Lancaster, PA

Christine M. Wheary, MS, MT (ASCP)

Program Director, Clinical Laboratory Science
UPMC Susquehanna, Williamsport, PA