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Curriculum

Curriculum

The Wichita State University Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS) Program is a university-based program that culminates in a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences (BSMLS). The program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).

Pre-Professional and Professional Program

To earn the BSMLS at Wichita State University, students must successfully complete both the pre-professional coursework and the 17-month professional program. The professional program consists of 12 months of formal lectures and student laboratory sessions on-campus at Wichita State, followed by 12 weeks of clinical experience at an affiliated medical facility.

Student Laboratory Practice

MLS students participate in over 100 hours of laboratory practice on the WSU campus before they are eligible to enter the clinical phase of the program. Student laboratory sessions provide students with opportunities to practice basic clinical procedures on prepared specimens in a controlled setting. This hands-on experience builds confidence and competency before working with patient specimens.

Clinical Semester

In our program, students will receive a foundational academic education as well as a clinical education. During the clinical semester, students rotate through specialized clinical laboratory departments at an affiliated medical facility. The clinical experience provides opportunities for students to apply their newly acquired skills, knowledge, and attitudes as members of the healthcare team.

Program Entry and Career Preparation

Students may enter the professional program in either the fall or spring semester. Graduates of the program are awarded a BSMLS degree and are eligible to apply for national certification examinations.
 
Through comprehensive academic and clinical training, graduates gain the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the medical laboratory profession.

Gain Clinical Experience at a Medical Facility

Gain Clinical Experience at a Medical Facility

As a Medical Laboratory Sciences student, you will complete a semester of clinical rotations—also called a preceptorship—designed to prepare you for professional practice. Clinical rotations are completed in a medical facility where you will be supervised by a faculty member called a preceptor. Your preceptor will act as both your mentor and supervisor while you are on rotation.

Apply Course Knowledge in the Laboratory

Apply Course Knowledge in the Laboratory

As part of the program, you will gain clinical experience in affiliated laboratories to support your transition from student to working professional. This experience allows you to apply the information and concepts learned in your coursework to real laboratory settings. It also gives you the opportunity to experience the working world of the laboratory and to observe and assist in the treatment and care of patients.

Work in our Affiliated Clinical Sites

Work in our Affiliated Clinical Sites

In our program, you'll gain clinical experience at one of many clinical sites affiliated with the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences at Wichita State University. These partner sites are located across Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma.

 

Full Course Listing and Descriptions

To view full course listings and descriptions, visit the Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences program in the Wichita State University College & Undergraduate Catalogs.

Medical Laboratory Sciences Degree Catalog

Flexible Program Plan Options

Full-Time Program Plan

Full-Time Program Plan (54 total credit hours)

Full-time students may begin the program in either the fall or spring semester. The full-time professional program is four semesters in duration. Three semesters are completed on campus; the fourth and final semester—the clinical semester—is completed at a medical facility.

Fall Courses (16 Hours Total)

  • MLS 453 Clinical Chemistry (8 credit hours)
  • MLS 463 Clinical Hematology (8 credit hours)

Spring Courses (16 Hours Total)

  • MLS 473 Immunohematology (8 credit hours)
  • MLS 495 Clinical Microbiology (8 credit hours)

Summer Courses (8 Hours Total)

  • MLS 400 Clinical Laboratory Management/Education (3 credit hours)
  • MLS 452 Principles of Urinalysis (2 credit hours)
  • MLS 494 Special Topics in Clinical Microbiology (3 credit hours)

Clinical Semester (14 Hours Total)

These courses are taken in the last semester of study and are offered every semester.

  • MLS 488 Core Laboratory Practicum (8 credit hours)
  • MLS 479 Applied Immunohematology (3 credit hours)
  • MLS 498 Applied Clinical Microbiology(3 credit hours)

Part-Time Program Plan

Part-Time Program Plan

Part-time students may begin the program in the fall, spring, or summer semester. The part-time professional program is six semesters in duration. Five semesters are completed on campus and one semester is completed at a medical facility. Assigned semesters are scheduled to allow two part-time students to enroll in one full-time opening. Students may individualize the program only with permission of the program director.

First and Second Fall Semesters (as assigned)

  • MLS 453 Clinical Chemistry (8 credit hours)
    OR
  • MLS 463 Clinical Hematology (8 credit hours)

First and Second Spring Semesters (as assigned)

  • MLS 473 Immunohematology (8 credit hours)
    OR
  • MLS 495 Clinical Microbiology (8 credit hours)

Summer

  • MLS 400 Clinical Laboratory Management/Education (3 credit hours)
  • MLS 452 Principles of Urinalysis (2 credit hours)
  • MLS 494 Special Topics in Clinical Microbiology (3 credit hours)

Clinical Semester

These courses are taken in the last semester of study and are offered every semester.

  • MLS 488 Core Laboratory Practicum (8 credit hours)
  • MLS 479 Applied Immunohematology (3 credit hours)
  • MLS 498 Applied Clinical Microbiology(3 credit hours)

MLT-to-MLS Program Plan

MLT-to-MLS Program Plan (29-34 total credit hours)

MLT-to-MLS students may begin the program in either the fall or spring semester. Students are encouraged to meet with the MLS program director to prepare an individualized degree completion plan.

Fall Courses

  • MLS 458 Advanced Clinical Chemistry (4 credit hours)
  • MLS 468 Advanced Hematology (4 credit hours)
  • HS 400 Intro to Pathophysiology (4 credit hours)

Spring Courses

  • MLS 478 Advanced Immunohematology (4 credit hours)
  • MLS 499 Advanced Clinical Microbiology (4 credit hours)

Summer

  • MLS 400 Clinical Laboratory Management (3 credit hours)
  • MLS 452 Principles of Urinalysis (2 credit hours)
  • MLS 494 Special Topics in Clinical Microbiology (3 credit hours)

Clinical Semester

These courses are taken in the last semester of study and are offered every semester.

  • MLS 411 Applied Clinical Practice (1-6 credit hours)
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