The mission of the Medical Laboratory Science program is to educate students who will function competently, creatively, responsibly, and collaboratively in a dynamic health care environment.

The educational goals of the Medical Laboratory Science Program are:

1. to prepare competent scientists to function in the clinical laboratory science field at the baccalaureate level;
2. to provide the student with a broad-based background to serve as a foundation for future growth and development;
3. to prepare graduates to adapt to a changing health care environment.

The curriculum covers all the major areas of clinical lab science with additional experiences provided in laboratory management, statistical analysis and laboratory method evaluation, research methods, and molecular diagnostics.

Standard IV

Starting May 1st, 2023, programs must present external certification rate, graduation rate, and placement rate outcomes data for each of the last three active years. These must be listed year by year as a percentage. For programs with a website, the outcomes must be no more than one click away from the program’s homepage, with the link clearly identified as program outcomes.

For programs without a website, programs must describe and submit supporting evidence of how the program provides prospective and current students access to the required data [in the annual survey or when contacted].

Graduate Performance on the National Certification Exam

91 out of 102 program graduates from 2021-2023 graduates took the Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) certification exam given by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) –Board of Certification from 2021-2023, 67 (73.6%) passed the exam and are now certified as MLS(ASCP). For more information concerning certification and licensure, please visit www.ascp.org.

Graduation Rates

Out of 120 students who started the MLS Program between 2020-2023 (Graduating Classes of 2021-2023), 103 students graduated thereby making the average three-year graduation rate 85%.

The employment outlook is excellent. There is a national and regional shortage of clinical laboratory professionals and many employment opportunities are available in clinical laboratories of hospitals, commercial and reference laboratories, physician offices and health clinics and local and State public health departments.

Overall employment of medical laboratory scientists and technicians is projected to grow 13 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations, according to the US. Bureau of Labor Statistics. An increase in the aging population is expected to lead to a greater need to diagnose medical conditions, such as cancer or type 2 diabetes, through laboratory procedures.

Out of 142 program graduates from 2018-2021 who sought employment after graduation, 100% found jobs in the field within one year.

Students from collaborating NJ Colleges and Universities seeking admission to the program as the professional component of the joint Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Sciences (BS in CLS) degree program can find prerequisite courses here.

• Bloomfield College, Bloomfield
• Caldwell University, Caldwell
• St. Elizabeth’s University, Convent Station
• Fairleigh Dickinson University, Madison and Teaneck
• Felician University, Lodi
• Georgian Court University, Lakewood
• Kean University, Union
• Monmouth University, West Long Branch
• New Jersey City University, Jersey City
• New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark
• Ramapo College, Mahwah
• Rutgers University, Newark
• St. Peter’s University, Jersey City

1. A minimum GPA of 2.85 is required with a C or better in all prerequisite courses below is required:

• Precalculus (3 credits)
  Statistics (3 credits)
  Biochemistry with lab (4 credits)
  Organic Chemistry (4 credits)
  General Chemistry I and II (8 credits)
  Immunology (3 – 4 credits)
  Microbiology (4 credits)
  Cell Biology (3-4 credits)
  Human Anatomy & Physiology with lab (4-8 credits) – Anatomy & Physiology II highly recommended

2. Hold a baccalaureate degree from a U.S. accredited academic institution. If the baccalaureate degree is from a foreign country, it must be evaluated as equivalent to a U.S. baccalaureate degree. The preferred evaluation service is the World Education Services.

3. A second baccalaureate degree will be granted to a student with a bachelor’s degree equivalent from another country, providing the institution is accredited. Students with a bachelor’s degree equivalent, international degree from a non-accredited institution, will receive a certificate of completion.

4. No matter which route a student applies for: joint degree, second bachelor’s degree or certificate, they will be eligible to sit for the national ASCP exam in the category of Medical Laboratory Scientist.

5. Achieve a minimum of 79/80 on the Internet-based or 550 on the written TOEFL exam (Test of English as a Foreign Language) if the applicant’s native language is not English.

The Medical Laboratory Science Program is a university-based program in NJ. The curriculum consists of 45 credits of professional coursework taken in 15 months (4 semesters full-time) starting with the summer semester. Part-time options are available.

Medical Laboratory Scientists use their biomedical expertise to:

• • • Provide lab data and information to physicians to help diagnose cancer, diabetes, liver and kidney disease, drug overdoses, and many other conditions;
    • identify pathogens and determine their susceptibility to various drugs; analyze DNA and RNA in infectious agents to identify drug resistance mutations;
    • prepare stem cells, red blood cells and platelets for safe transfusion; identify leukemic cells so appropriate therapy can be initiated;
    • identify mutations associated with genetic diseases by analyzing a patient’s DNA, RNA or proteins; monitor therapy with anticoagulants and other drugs to ensure patient safety.

A minimum GPA of 2.85 and a C or better in all prerequisite coursework is required. Students from collaborating NJ Colleges and Universities seeking admission to the program as the professional component of the joint Bachelor of Science degree program must complete 88-90 general education and basic science courses prior to admittance.

All other applicants must meet the following requirements:

• • • Possess a baccalaureate degree from a U.S. accredited academic institution. If the baccalaureate degree is from a foreign country, then it must be evaluated as equivalent to a U.S. baccalaureate degree.
    • Complete the required basic science courses: Human Anatomy & Physiology with lab (4-8 credits) Cell Biology (3-4 credits) Microbiology (4 credits) Immunology (3 – 4 credits) General Chemistry I & II (8 credits) Organic Chemistry (4 credits) Biochemistry with lab (4 credits) Statistics (3 credits) Precalculus (3 credits)

Students apply online. The application deadline is November 1st for a start date of May of the following year.

Only in some cases may students take courses on a non-matriculated basis.

Yes. The best source for financial aid information is at the Rutgers Student Financial Aid Office. They can be contacted 973-972-4376.

Yes. Rutgers University and the School of Health Professions offer a limited number of scholarship programs.

The Rutgers School of Health Professions EOF program believes that with proper resources and access, students who are motivated to succeed can diversify the health professions field. It is our goal to provide EOF students access to the health field profession by providing individualized success plans. Our primary emphasis is the development of students who want to pursue careers within the health professions by providing a supportive environment through a combination of academic ‘intrusive advising,” workshops, and academic support services.

Eligible students can receive financial assistance for tuition and books, as well as additional academic, personal, and social support to help them successfully transition to Rutgers School of Health Professions.

Find out below if you are eligible. For questions, contact Enrollment Management at 973 972-5454 or email Iris Espinosa at ije6@shp.rutgers.edu.

Rutgers School of Health Professions Admission Requirements:

• • • Must demonstrate an educationally and economically disadvantaged background
    • Must be a New Jersey resident 12 consecutive months prior to receiving the award
    • Must apply and be accepted to Rutgers School of Health Professions
    • Must meet the academic criteria as set by the institution of choice
    • Must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application. http://www.fafsa.ed.gov.

The Rutgers School code to be used on your FAFSA is: 002629.

Gross Income must fall within the criteria shown on the EOF webpage.