Department Webpage: Medical Laboratory Science Master of Science Programs | PCOM Georgia

Medical laboratory scientists, often referred to as a Medical Technologist, perform a wide array of tests on blood and body fluids, reporting all results to the ordering physicians. Their role in medical diagnostics is critical to physicians to aide in medical diagnoses. The complex testing performed on the blood and body fluids aids in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers, anemias, an array of infectious processes, and diseases.

Medical Laboratory Science Philosophy:

The foundation of the PCOM Medical Laboratory Science programs is expressed in the philosophy of the program in the following statements:

The Medical Laboratory Science program is a field of study that is compatible with the mission and policies of PCOM and encourages each medical laboratory science student to contribute as a practitioner in the economic development and stability of their communities through leadership and service. The philosophy of the Medical Laboratory Science program is founded on the value attributed to individual students, the medical laboratory science profession, and technical and professional education.

The PCOM Medical Laboratory Science program of study is consistent with the philosophy and purpose of the institution. The program provides strong academic foundations in medical laboratory science, designed to foster and attract the intellectual curiosity of students, encourages creative activity, requires critical thinking and collaborative engagements through human interaction, as well as technical fundamentals through internship experiences. Program graduates are instructed in the underlying fundamentals of medical laboratory science and are well prepared to enter the workforce as highly qualified, entry level, medical laboratory scientists.

Mission:

The mission of the Medical Laboratory Science program at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine is to produce high quality graduates armed with the knowledge, skills, critical thinking, and professional behavior to function in an array of laboratory settings.

Program Goals:

The purpose of the Medical Laboratory Science program at PCOM is to provide an educational opportunity for individuals that will enable them to obtain the knowledge, skills, and professional attitude and affect required for the success of a future medical laboratory scientist. The general program goals, as aligned with the goals of the  college, include the following goals with outcomes:

1. To provide education, which acknowledges individual differences and respects the right of individuals to seek professional growth in the field of laboratory science.
2. To produce students that will demonstrate a central core of biomedical or behavioral science knowledge in their field of study, including theory, foundations, clinical skills and applied clinical/practical application as appropriate to the specific academic program.
3. To produce students that will demonstrate effective communication skills through clinical assessments, group discussion and/or written or oral presentation in medical laboratory science.
4. To develop students that will demonstrate an understanding of scientific inquiry by designing, conducting, presenting, or interpreting research in medical laboratory science.
5. To guide and nurture students that will identify, retrieve, understand, analyze, synthesize, and apply information collected from various sources and in varied formats, including those sources requiring skills in the use of information technology.
6. To foster and prepare students that will develop recognition of their legal and ethical obligations as professionals and will be able to apply an understanding of public policy and the social, cultural, and economic factors that impact the field of medical laboratory science.
7. To provide educational and related services without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, handicapping condition*, academic disadvantage, or economic disadvantage.
8. To encourage and prepare graduates to become safe, ethical, and competent practitioners of medical laboratory science for the duration of their professional careers.

*Note: Please see Essential Functions/Technical Standards for more information regarding this statement.

Accreditation:

The graduate program for Medical Laboratory Science has applied for initial accreditation through the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), 5600 N. River Rd. Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018-5119; 773-714-8880. Additional information regarding NAACLS can be found on the web www.naacls.org .

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
Term 1		Hours
MLS 604	Advanced Hematology II	4
MLS 605	Advanced Clinical Chemistry II	4
MLS 603	Trends & Topics in the News	4
	Hours	12
Term 2
MLS 608	Advanced Microbiology II	4
MLS 606	Advanced Immunohematology II	4
MLS 601	Research Methods	2
	Hours	10
Term 3
MLS 600	Laboratory Management	3
MLS 610	Directed Research	2
MLS 612	Advanced Education Design	3
	Hours	8
	Total Hours	30

The Master of Science (MS) in Medical Laboratory Science program, offered at PCOM Georgia, is designed to prepare program graduates for an exciting career in the field of laboratory medicine.

Admission Requirements

Completed and verified applications and supporting documents will be reviewed on a rolling basis by the Faculty Committee on Admissions beginning in May. Applicants will be assessed on the following factors:

• Baccalaureate degree in biologic science/chemistry
• Prerequisite coursework: General Biology I/II (no non-major biology credits are accepted), Anatomy & Physiology I/II, General Chemistry I/II, Organic Chemistry or Survey of Organic Chemistry, Algebra or higher-level math
• Essay written on career goals and how this degree will help attain those career goals. Applicants that do not meet the GPA requirement/lapses in consistent enrollment are encouraged to explain any occurrences in the essay.
• Essential Functions form completed
• Interview process

Is there a baccalaureate degree requirement for the Medical Laboratory Science program?

All applicants must complete a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university. It is preferred that the candidate have a conferred degree in biology or chemistry; however, degree concentrations with all science and math conditions satisfied will be considered.

What are the coursework prerequisites for PCOM’s Medical Laboratory Science program?

Courses Required               Credit Hours          Notes

General Biology I/II                  8                           Lab Required
Anatomy & Physiology I/II       8                           Lab Required
General Chemistry I/II             8                           Lab Required
Organic Chemistry I*               4                           Lab Required
Algebra or higher level math   3

*Survey of Organic Chemistry is acceptable

"General" coursework denotes the first two courses in the subject sequence for science majors.

AP coursework will be accepted provided the course and credits appear on your official college transcript.

All courses must be completed at a regionally accredited institution.

The MS in Medical Laboratory Science program will accept credits completed at a community college.

The MS in Medical Laboratory Science program will accept courses completed online or on campus (at a regionally accredited institution).  However, the MSMLS program DOES NOT accept online laboratory courses.

The MS in Medical Laboratory Science program will not accept prerequisite coursework completed as an audit or graded pass/fail.

The MS in Medical Laboratory Science program will not accept credits completed as CLEP courses.

Are you required to submit standardized test scores for the Medical Laboratory Science program?

No, there are no formal testing requirements for this program.

Is there an essay requirement?

Applicants must write a general autobiographical statement explaining your interest in this academic program as it relates to your career goals (in 500 words or less). Your completed essay should explain career goals, and how, if selected for the program, will the degree enable you to attain those goals. If there are any areas of your previous academic coursework that would reflect negatively on your acceptance to the program, applicants are encouraged to explain those concerns.