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Medical Laboratory Science (B.S.)

  • Location IconBrookings Main Campus

Contribute to better health care by providing clues key in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

If you are looking for a career path that marries chemistry, biology, medicine and problem solving, then a degree in medical laboratory science may be a good fit for you. The medical laboratory science program prepares its graduates for employment in hospital or medical laboratories. The curriculum emphasizes basic science, medical laboratory science, critical thinking and communication skills, including structured learning in the laboratories of clinical affiliated laboratories. The program provides the scientific background in hematology, immunohematology, urinalysis, phlebotomy, microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, clinical chemistry and management necessary for a laboratory career.

Program Outcomes Information

ASCP Board Examination Pass Rate

90.5%

2023

92%

2022

95%

2021

Job Placement Rate

100%

Graduation Student Survey – 2023, 2022, 2021

Graduation Rate

100%

2021-2023

Is it for you?

This program will be a good fit if you:

  • Enjoy chemistry and biology.
  • Like solving complex problems.
  • Are detail-oriented.
  • Are interested in caring for people's health.
  • Appreciate working with others, as part of a team.

Career Opportunities

  • Clinical medical laboratory scientist
  • Clinical specialists (clinical chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunohematology)
  • Clinical researcher

Recent Employers

  • Avera Health
  • Rapid City Regional Hospital
  • Sanford Health
  • VA Health System

Suggested Minors

Clubs and Organizations

  • Medical Laboratory Science Club
  • American Society of Clinical Laboratory Science
  • National Lambda Tau Honor Society

Undecided or still deciding on a major and future career?

If you are uncertain about your major and have questions about career planning, you are not alone. Choosing a major or career can be a very difficult decision. The exploratory studies program may be a good fit if you are unsure of your major and career focus. Entering the university in the exploratory studies program will help you gain confidence and valuable insights on majors and minors available at SDSU and future career choices. 

In addition, FOCUS 2 Career, a self-guided assessment, education and career planning program, will help you reflect on your values, interests, personality traits and skills to provide valuable insight as you explore major and career choices. SDSU students may access FOCUS 2 Career by using their student email and password. After completing FOCUS 2 Career, you may find it helpful to discuss your results with a career coach in the Office of Career Development.