Health Sciences Programs - BAS - Medical Laboratory Science
The School of Nutrition and Health Promotion now offers a new degree program, the Bachelor of Applied Science with a concentration in Medical Laboratory Science. The BAS in Medical Laboratory Science represents a new model of collaborative programming between ASU and Phoenix College.
Students will complete a minimum of 90 designated credits at Phoenix College and will take a minimum of 30 upper division ASU credits, specifically designated for this degree. Unique to this BAS degree is the sequencing of courses: after completion of four terms/semesters [and/or specific prerequisite courses], students admitted into the BAS in Medical Laboratory Science will be co-enrolled in both lower division Phoenix College courses and upper division ASU courses within the same semester or term.
The BAS in Medical Laboratory Science is designed to provide the academic knowledge and professional skills to allow students to advance their employment opportunities within the field of medical technology, cytology, clinical laboratory science, and related areas. 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. They work independently and have skills and knowledge that are greater in depth and breadth compared to medical laboratory technicians, who typically are graduates of a 2-year or community college program. There also is a growing trend for medical laboratory scientists to perform wellness laboratory testing aimed at preventing disease.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 13,000 new laboratory professionals will be needed in the United States each year; however, current training programs graduate only 5,000 students each year. The majority of medical laboratory scientists/technologists work in hospital laboratories. Others work in independent laboratories, reference laboratories, clinics, health maintenance organizations (HMO), public health agencies, pharmaceutical firms, research institutions, scientific equipment companies, physicians' offices, and as teachers in college clinical laboratory science programs. The working environment is as varied as the types of practice in which medical laboratory scientists are engaged.
