Medical Laboratory Sciences–BS
Program Director:
Steven Einheber
Brookdale Campus West 700A
(212) 481-4442, 4502
E-mail: seinhebe@hunter.cuny.edu
Web site: http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/mls
HEGIS Code: 1223
Curricula for the Bachelor of Science Degree
The Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS) Program offers two majors: (1)Medical Laboratory Sciences: Clinical Science BS and 2) Medical Laboratory Sciences: Biomedical Science BS . The Clinical Science major is intended for students pursuing careers in the diagnostic laboratory and meets the requirements for NY State licensure of clinical laboratory technologists. The Biomedical Science major is appropriate for students seeking other careers or graduate education in the biomedical field.
Professional Outcomes
Entry-Level Positions Students completing the MLS degree are prepared for positions in a variety of settings. These include clinical (medical) technologists in diagnostic laboratories in hospitals and commercial environments, research assistants in medical center and university labs, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies and public health laboratories. Personnel shortages are severe in several of these areas, and opportunities are predicted to grow. The Monthly Labor Review projects a growth rate of 23% for clinical laboratory positions through 2014.
The passage of the Clinical Laboratory Technology Practice Act in 2005 created a transparent professional pathway defining the education, experience and examination to qualify as a clinical technologist in New York State. http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/clt/clplaw.htm. The course of study in the Medical Laboratory Sciences: Clinical Science major fulfills the educational and practice components for licensure. It is expected that status as licensed professionals will help to alleviate shortages in the field.
Further Education
MLS students are encouraged to plan for postbaccalaureate education, and guided to complete prerequisites. MLS alumni have been successful in medical and dental school, graduate programs in biomedical science (master’s and PhD), management and clinical specialties (PA, forensic science, etc.) and advanced laboratory diagnostics such as cytotechnology.
Opportunities for Pre-Professional Experience
Professional Practice Qualified students planning for careers in the diagnostic lab enroll in MLS 410 to fulfill the practical experience requirement of the clinical technologist license. Students are assigned to hospital, reference or public health labs for summer or semester-long internship experience in an area consistent with their interests.
Biotechnology BS/MA
Qualified seniors may apply to the BS/MA collaboration Medical Laboratory Sciences with Specialization in Biotechnology - Accelerated BS/MA between MLS and the department of Biological Sciences. An intensive techniques workshop (BIOL 41000) is taken prior to graduation and upon successful completion, students may continue with professional internship and the MA program, allowing MLS graduates to complete the degree at an accelerated pace.
Student Research
Qualified students are encouraged to participate in faculty research projects in such areas as cancer vaccine development, bacterial pathogenesis, gastric secretion and central nervous system myelination through independent study and honors courses. Several honors and awards are available to recognize excellent projects.
Academic Advising
MLS majors meet each semester with a faculty adviser to review progress and plan the next semester’s program. The adviser helps students pace their studies appropriately. Counseling for graduate school, employment and reference support is ongoing for our alumni, and a strong professional network exists among MLS alumni.
Admission Requirements
The requirements for consideration for admission to Medical Laboratory Sciences - BS programs are as follows:
Completion of 60 credits before enrolling in MLS, including: 1 year general chemistry with lab (CHEM 10200 , CHEM 10400 , CHEM 10600 , or equiv) 1 year general biology with lab (BIOL 10000 , BIOL 10200 , or equiv) and overall GPA of at least 2.5. Students enter the Medical Laboratory Sciences Program in fall and spring semesters. Advisers welcome e-mail inquiries anytime. To apply both current Hunter College students and transfer students must complete a Transfer Application with the CUNY University Application Processing Center. Visit http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/prospectivestudents/ug_students/transfer.shtml and select On-Line Application from the choices. Be sure to select “Medical Laboratory Sciences” at Hunter College as the choice of curriculum. Use CUNY curriculum code 0344 when applying. Admissions take place on a rolling basis so students should apply as early as possible. Admission deadlines for fall and spring semesters are February 1 and September 15, respectively. Students are encouraged to complete most of their General Education Requirement (GER) before entering the program, but liberal arts classes can be interspersed with major courses.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program, which is based, by necessity, on the limitations of space and resources. The Hunter College Medical Lab Sciences Program is dedicated to equal opportunity for all applicants who meet admission requirements.
Course of Study Candidates for the BS degree complete a total of 120 credits and are exempt from the college’s foreign language requirement. In addition to the special requirements of Medical Laboratory Sciences, all candidates for graduation must also complete a Hunter-wide General Education Requirement that is explained in detail in the General Education section of this catalog. We recommend that students complete most General Education Requirements before they enter any of the programs in the School of Health Sciences.
Scholastic Requirements Student grades are reviewed each semester to determine eligibility for remaining in programs of the School of Health Sciences. Each student must maintain an overall GPA of 2.5 for each semester and a grade of C or better in each major course. Major courses must be taken for letter grades except, at the discretion of the program director, for clinic, field or independent study. Program permission is required in order to register for most courses offered at the School of Health Sciences. Permit forms are authorized by program advisers during the pre-registration and registration periods.
