THE MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE PROFESSION
Medical laboratory scientists are highly skilled medical professionals who perform diagnostic laboratory testing and work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, public health laboratories, reference laboratories, research facilities, forensics, and industry. Medical laboratory scientists are nationally certified professionals. Some states, including Louisiana, also require a license to practice.
MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Program at 91自拍 (XULA) is a 4-year program that culminates in a B.S. degree in Medical Laboratory Science. The MLS Program can accommodate up to twenty students per cohort, with one enrollment annually in August. Students majoring in MLS spend the first three years enrolled in didactic courses with the remaining year spent both on campus and at the clinical rotation site.
PROGRAM MISSION AND GOALS
MLS Program Mission Statement
The mission of the Medical Laboratory Science Program at 91自拍 is to prepare students to become skilled medical laboratory professionals who contribute to a more just and humane society by delivering quality patient care, serving the needs of the community, and advancing the body of knowledge in medical laboratory science.
MLS Educational Goals
The XULA MLS Program aims to:
- To provide an educational program within the framework of the University in accordance with the Standards established by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS).
- To provide the health care community with qualified individuals who are highly competent to conduct diagnostic laboratory procedures in large medical facilities and small rural laboratories, and who demonstrate positive professional attitudes, ethics, and practices.
- To produce graduates who will serve in leadership roles and contribute toward improving the patient care experience by providing quality care and concern for the dignity and rights of all patients.
- To work toward meeting the workforce needs of New Orleans and the state of Louisiana as well as numerous industries seeking qualified medical laboratory professionals.
Medical Laboratory Science Program Outcomes
| Outcomes | May 1, 2025 - April 30, 2026 | May 1, 2026 - April 30, 2027 |
| Graduation Rates | 80% | 80% |
| Placement Rates | 100% | 100% |
| Certification Exam Pass Rates | 100% | TBD |
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENTIST
Essential functions represent requirements that must be met by students for admission, retention, and successful completion of the Medical Laboratory Science Program. Prior to beginning MLS Program-specific courses, students must acknowledge that they are able to meet these requirements with or without reasonable accommodations. Students with accessibility questions or who need to request accommodations should contact the Office of Disability Services in the Convocation Annex, Room 215A, at 504-520-7607or disabilityservices@xula.edu.
Vision and Hearing
- Determine and macroscopic and microscopic elements of objects, read and interpret text, numbers, and graphs displayed in print and/or a display monitor.
- Discriminate color and interpret color reactions.
- Auditory ability sufficient to recognize and respond to alarms and emergency signals, taking appropriate action in a timely manner.
Mobility
- Move and maneuver safely and efficiently throughout the classrooms, laboratories, and workspaces to complete assigned tasks.
- Perform intricate manual procedures that require good hand-eye coordination.
Communication
- Interpret and communicate information in an effective, clear, accurate, and professional manner utilizing various formats (i.e., written, verbal, or assisted with an interpreter).
- Follow verbal and written instructions in English to properly perform diagnostic laboratory procedures.
- Prepare accurate laboratory reports to legibly record laboratory data.
Analytical Skills
- Receive, analyze, and interpret information to satisfactorily perform assigned tasks.
- Employ critical thinking ability to provide effective clinical judgment.
- Read and comprehend educational and technical materials, including, but not limited to, textbooks, policy manuals, and procedure manuals.
- Demonstrate the ability to detect performance deviations and correct them.
Behavior
- Work independently, in small groups, or as a part of a larger health care team to maintain the highest standards of healthcare delivery.
- Perform laboratory testing by properly operating various types of laboratory analyzers and equipment.
- Demonstrate the ability to manage workloads, while prioritizing tasks, maintaining organization and efficiency, and working effectively under stress.
- Treat others with dignity and respect, regardless of their background, values, and opinions.
Safety
- Demonstrate the ability to recognize, handle, and safely dispose of biohazardous materials, including contaminated sharps.
- Practice established safety precautions to minimize risk of injury to self and others.