Medical Laboratory Science
The MLS program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences.
Program graduates are eligible for a national certification examination.
How can we better detect disease and help doctors find the best treatment for their patients? Medical Laboratory Scientists are health care professionals who conduct special diagnostic tests in clinical laboratories to provide important data that physicians use in diagnosing and treating patients.
The Medical Laboratory Science degree provides a curriculum to train students to practice medical laboratory science in diagnostic laboratories or other health care related settings. Students begin by declaring a Pre-MLS Major and apply for acceptance into the program in their Junior year. Once in the program, students complete two semesters of intensive coursework, followed by a one semester internship in a clinical facility. The program in medical laboratory science is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences. Program graduates are eligible for the national medical laboratory scientist certification exam."
To be admitted to the program, students must receive at least a C in all prerequisite courses. Recommended GPA is 3.0 or higher, minimum GPA is 2.5.
MLS Program Admittance Rates
2020-2021: 94%
2021-2022: 92%
2022-2023: 86%
2023-2024: 92%
2024-2025: 95%
2025-2026: 100%
ASCP Board of Certification Exam for MLS Graduates
| Year | Number Taking | Percentage Passed |
| 2017 | 41 | 95% |
| 2018 | 35 | 91.40% |
| 2019 | 21 | 90.5% |
| 2020 | 24 | 96% |
| 2021 | 32 | 84% |
| 2022 | 30 | 80% |
| 2023 | 28 | 96% |
| 2024 | 22 | 95% |
| 2025 | 29 | 90% |
Graduate Job Placement Rates
| Year | Graduate Job Placement Rate |
| 2018 | 100% |
| 2019 | 100% |
| 2020 | 100% |
| 2021 | 100% |
| 2022 | 100% |
| 2023 | 100% |
| 2024 | 95% |
| 2025 | 100% |
Graduation Rates
| Year | Percentage |
| 2020 | 100% |
| 2021 | 89% |
| 2022 | 100% |
| 2023 | 100% |
| 2024 | 100% |
| 2025 | 100% |
External Certification Rates
| Year | Percentage |
| 2020 | 100% |
| 2021 | 85% |
| 2022 | 89% |
| 2023 | 88% |
| 2024 | 95% |
| 2025 | 96% |
Medical Laboratory Science Accrediting Agency NAACLS, 5600N. River Rd, Suite 720 Rosemont IL, 60018-5119
ph: 773.714.8880; fx: 773.714.8886; info@naacls.org
For More Information If you have questions or want to learn more about the MLS program, please contact Dr. Mary Davis at mary.davis@byu.edu or (801) 422-6207.
What can I do with my degree?
Laboratory Scientist
Forensic Scientist
Research and Development
Medical Diagnostic Sales
And More:
A MLS major opens the door to start working as soon as you graduate. Medical laboratory scientists are in high demand and many students have multiple job offers before finishing their degree.
Medical laboratory scientists can specialize in specific laboratory disciplines such as hematology, microbiology, chemistry, blood banking, or molecular biology. Laboratory specialists provide expertise and leadership in the clinical field.
The clinical experience that students receive in the MLS major provides excellent preparation for medical school, PA school, or other medical professions. Many of the required courses for medical school and other professional schools are covered in the program.
A graduate degree prepares you to pursue further opportunities in the MLS field, including directing a clinical laboratory, teaching medical laboratory science at a college or university, or conducting your own research to develop diagnostic tests.
