Medical Laboratory Science

220 Pasteur Hall
507.457.5270
Medical Laboratory Science website
Peter Knopick, Program Director
507.457.2993

WSU Director

Peter Knopick, Assistant Professor; BS, Winona State University; MS, PhD, University of North Dakota-Grand Forks; 2020 -

Adjunct Faculty

Note: ASCP = American Society of Clinical Pathology

Winona Health, Winona, Minnesota
Erin Rako, BS, Winona State University
† Allen College, Waterloo, Iowa
Brenda Barnes, PhD, MLS (ASCP) SBB, Program Director
† Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, Illinois
Carrie Carlson, MS, MLS (ASCP), Program Director
† Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC), Minneapolis, Minnesota
Lynn Poth, MS, MT (ASCP), Program Director
† Mercy College of Health Sciences Clinical Laboratory Science Program, Des Moines, Iowa
Kyla Dippold, MS, MLS (ASCP), Program Chairperson
† University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Brooke Solberg, PhD, MLS (ASCP), Program Director

† Schools with which WSU has affiliated internship programs

Program Overview

The Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) - BS Major is offered through the Biology department at Winona State University in conjunction with several National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)-accredited clinical internship affiliates. This Bachelor of Science degree is intended for career-minded students interested in pursuing certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist by the American Society for Clinical Pathology.

The Medical Laboratory Scientist performs a variety of diagnostic testing and analysis of laboratory data.

Professionals in this field can work as:

Medical laboratory generalists in hospitals, clinics, or in reference laboratories
Medical laboratory specialists in areas of the clinical laboratory, such as microbiology & virology, chemistry & toxicology, hematology (stem, bone marrow labs), transfusion medicine, molecular biology, and flow cytometry
Clinical laboratory management including supervisors, managers of laboratory departments, and laboratory directors
Quality assurance professionals in the hospital or in pharmaceutical quality control industry
Sales or technical representatives for biomedical firms
Research or development specialists in laboratory industries
Clinical research associates in clinical trial organizations
Laboratory information systems specialists in hospitals or biomedical companies
Infection control officers in hospital or clinics
Educators for employee training programs or formal academic CLS programs
Forensic scientists in governmental or commercial laboratories
Medical laboratory scientists in veterinary laboratories

Students complete a sequence of courses: three to four years of classes on WSU’s campus and one year at a WSU Clinical Affiliate. This last year will occur at an accredited NAACLS institution (off campus) where students will take additional classes and rotate through stations within the clinical laboratory. Upon completion of program requirements, a baccalaureate degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences is conferred by WSU. After completion of the ASCP Board of Registry Exam and earning certification, individuals with a degree in Medical Laboratory Science will be eligible for employment as a Medical Laboratory Scientist.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 13% increase in job growth for Medical Laboratory Scientists according to the 2016-2026 outlook, providing an excellent job market for graduates.

Program Admission

Sophomore standing
Target GPA: 2.75
Statement letter indicating desire to participate in program
Meet with Program Director

General Education Intensive Requirements

Students may use intensive courses to satisfy both General Education Program (GEP) and major requirements. Intensive courses will usually be in the student’s major or minor program. The following are offered as GEP intensive courses in the Biology Department:

Intensives

Oral (◎)

Math/Critical Analysis (◆)

◆ BIOL 310 - Genetics (3 credits)

Writing (△)

Intensive courses that can be used to satisfy major/minor requirements are identified in the lists of required courses and electives.

Programs

Bachelor of Science

Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) - BS Major