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Ruth Perez

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Ruth Perez

B.S. in Medical Laboratory Science

One of the Best Medical Laboratory Science Programs in the Nation

Medical laboratory scientists do save lives. In our Clinical Laboratory Science bachelor’s degree program,  you’ll learn to analyze cells and body fluids to identify blood disorders, bacteria, and viruses; perform blood tests prior to major operations, and track the effectiveness of treatments.

In New Jersey, our Medical Laboratory Science program is a university-based bachelor’s degree program. Our graduates work in hospitals, physician offices, veterinary labs, national and regional testing laboratories, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, chemical and cosmetic industries, health agencies, research and teaching institutions and use their degree as a preparation for advanced degrees in medicine, dentistry or biomedical sciences.

Our 45-credit curriculum begins in the summer semester. It can be taken full-time in four semesters, or part-time in eight semesters. It is located on the Newark campus, with some didactic components offered online. On and off-campus practical experiences complement classroom instruction.

After completion of the medical laboratory science program, students are eligible to sit for the national certification exam with the American Society for Clinical Pathology – Board of Certification (ASCP-BOC).

Students in our  bachelor’s degree program learn to use sophisticated microscopes and instruments and perform biochemical, microscopic, molecular, and immunological tests to analyze blood, tissues and other medical specimens. In a clinical laboratory, they use their skills in science, biotechnology, and medicine to provide essential information to physicians and other health care professionals. Working in a laboratory requires excellent technical skills as well as problem-solving, data analysis, computer skills and good oral and written communication.

The practice of modern medicine would be impossible without the valuable services provided by medical laboratory scientists.

Fast facts:

  • 100 percent of our Medical Laboratory Science graduates who seek employment, find employment in their field
  • Rutgers University is ranked #1 in health professions in the country by College Factual
  • We offer career laddering from a bachelor’s degree to a Doctorate in Clinical Lab Science

3 options:

Joint Baccalaureate Degree: For students who have completed a minimum of 88-90 credits of general education and prerequisite basic science coursework at one of 13 collaborating NJ Colleges and Universities.

Second Baccalaureate Degree: For students who have completed prerequisite basic science requirements and have previously earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited U.S. college or university or baccalaureate-equivalent degree from an accredited international college or university.

Certificate: For international students who have completed prerequisite basic science requirements and have an international bachelor’s equivalent degree from a non-accredited college or university.

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].

Academic Year 2019-2020 2020-2021 2021-2022
Graduation Rate 93.9% 79.5% 78.1%
Job Placement Rate 100% 97% 100%
Certification Rate (ASCP-BOC) 82.7% 73.3% 72.7%

Graduate Performance on the National Certification Exam

Out of 131 program graduates who took the Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) certification exam given by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) –Board of Certification from 2018-2021, 107 (82%) passed the exam and are now certified as MLS(ASCP).

Graduation Rates

Out of 105 students who started the MLS Program between 2018-2021 (Graduating Classes 2019-2021), 88 students graduated thereby making the average three-year graduation rate 88%.

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

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.

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.

The Program is fully accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), 5600 North River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont, Illinois, 60018-5119, phone: 773-714-8880. http://www.naacls.org. Accredited in October 2020 for 10 years.

You are invited to a Virtual Information Sessions to explore degree programs from the Rutgers School of Health Professions. Please register in advance to receive the Zoom link.

Admissions deadline is February 15

Generally, 50 students are admitted annually to the Clinical Laboratory Science bachelor’s degree program. Applicants from collaborating academic institutions receive first consideration for admission.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received after the application period opens on November 1. The first round of acceptance letters will be sent out in mid-December, before the application deadline of February 15. It is recommended for applicants to apply when the application period opens due to the program’s competitiveness.

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

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

Selection of applicants for admissions is a competitive process that is the responsibility of the program faculty admissions committee. Rutgers – SHP places no restrictions on prospective applicants because of their color, creed, race, sex, age, marital status, or national origin. Rutgers University and SHP recognizes the value of diversity and is committed to providing appropriate support to its student body.

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

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

  • 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.  www.wes.org.
  •   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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
For Tuition and Fees, please see the Undergraduate Tuition and Fees.
(Scroll down to 2023-2024 Rutgers Health Tuition and Fee Rates and click on School of Health Professions)

The 15-month curriculum prepares graduates for entry-level practice in scientific/technical areas, supervisory/management positions, education, and research. It is also designed to socialize the student to the attitudes and values of the profession, to provide an overview of the legal, ethical, economic, political and social aspects of the profession and the health care delivery system in general, and to instill a commitment to life-long learning. Finally, the curriculum is designed to expand generic skills in effective communication, problem-solving and self-directed learning.

 Clinical Lab Science curriculum

The following health centers are affiliated with Rutgers SHP to provide clinical practice experience:

Accurate Diagnostics Labs, South Plainfield, NJ
Atlantic Consolidated Laboratory, Morris Plains
Bayshore Community Hospital, Holmdel
CentraState Medical Center, Freehold
Chilton Medical Center, Pompton Plains
Clara Maass Medical Center, Belleville
Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, Livingston
Englewood Hospital & Medical Center, Englewood
Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack
Holy Name Medical Center, Teaneck
Hudson Regional Hospital, Secaucus
Hunterdon Healthcare System, Flemington, NJ
Jersey City Medical Center, Jersey City
Lab Corp,Inc., Raritan
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, NY
Morristown Medical Center, Morristown
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Newark
New York Presbyterian Hospital, NY
Overlook Medical Center, Summit
Quest Diagnostics, Teterboro
Robert Wood Johnson – University Hospital, New Brunswick
Robert Wood Johnson – University Hospital, Somerset
Saint Joseph’s Regional Medical Center, Paterson
Saint Mary’s Hospital, Passaic
Saint Michael’s Medical Center, Newark
Saint Peter’s University Hospital, New Brunswick
Silver Lake Hospital
Summit Medical Group, Berkeley Heights
Trinitas Hospital, Elizabeth
University Hospital, Newark
VA New Jersey Health Care System, East Orange

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.

A: 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: 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 applications open on November 1st and close on January 15th. The program begins the Wednesday after Memorial Day in May.

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

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

A: 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: Educational Opportunity Fund – Rutgers – School of Health Professions

Questions? Contact Program Director Ruth Perez at ruth.perez@rutgers.edu.

State Authorization and Professional Licensing Requirements: Licensure is required in only 11 states in the U.S. To the best of our knowledge, the Rutgers School of Health Professions Medical Laboratory Science Program – B.S. in Clinical Laboratory Sciences meets the professional licensing requirements of the following 11 states: CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MT, ND, NV, NY, TN, and WV.

UPDATED: October 21, 2021

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APPLY NOW

To learn more,
email Program Director
Ruth Perez