The online Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science (BSMLS) program is a degree advancement option (DAO) offered through the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC). This program provides working medical laboratory technicians/clinical laboratory technicians the opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree while continuing to work in their home communities.
Students of the program gain skills to:
- Analyze samples of blood, tissue and body fluids using cutting-edge technology.
- Operate, maintain and repair clinical instruments.
- Identify potentially harmful microorganisms in samples.
UNMC works with each student to award credit earned through their MLT program and general education courses and through this program, students focus on the MLS coursework needed to earn a bachelor's degree to qualify to sit for the MLS boards.
Medical Laboratory Science, BS Degree Advancement Option (DAO) objectives:
- Enable practicing medical laboratory professionals, currently registry-eligible or certified, to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Laboratory Science.
- Utilize distance learning technologies; providing access to education and the opportunity for technicians to continue to work in their profession while they complete their degree.
- Provide medical laboratory professionals with the opportunity to advance professionally and personally, develop independent-thinking and critical-judgment skills and become more flexible and competitive in today's healthcare environment.
The Medical Laboratory Science, BS Degree Advancement Option (DAO) gives students the opportunity to work while advancing their education through a rigorous, well-respected program. Students complete coursework on a flexible schedule and graduate with the skills necessary to become medical and laboratory technologists or technicians.
The plan of study includes 35 hours of theory and practical application experiences gained through recorded lectures, assignments/exercises, virtual laboratory simulations and case studies. Coursework is completed independently or in small groups with faculty guidance. faculty advisors will work with students to select an appropriate schedule to complete their individualized plan of study.
Curriculum is coordinated by UNMC faculty from the Omaha campus and delivered online or coordinated via various distance learning technologies to students at distant clinical sites. All required courses must be completed with a minimum passing grade of 70% (C-) to meet program requirements for graduation.
Students will learn laboratory principles and procedures, clinical significance and application, principles and practice of quality assurance, principles of laboratory management and supervision, and more through the MLS program.
The program also focuses on patient-centered educational opportunities, with theoretical knowledge and practical experience in:
- Hematology
- Clinical chemistry
- Microbiology
- Immunohematology
- Immunology
- Molecular diagnostics and management
