Medical Laboratory Science

The goal of the Medical Laboratory Science program is to provide students with the background and tools necessary to enter the medical laboratory science profession. The program addresses the broad array of responsibility, requisite education and experience necessary to succeed by providing preparation for entry and advancement at a variety of places and provide tools and opportunities for lifelong advancement and professional engagement.

Professions

Currently there is a national shortage of certified MLS's. The majority of ISU's successful MLS graduates have multiple opportunities for employment upon completion of the program. Professions associated with laboratory professionals include: clinical service, research, sales, and education. A certified MLS is qualified for a variety of employment opportunities, including: reference laboratory, public/private hospital, physician's office laboratory, and management.

Program Outcomes

• PASS RATE (ASCP Board of Certificaiton Exam)

• Cohort Year	Pass Rate (%)
  2015-2016	96%
  2016-2017	81%
  2017-2018	84%
  2018-2019	94%
  2019-2020	*83%
  2020-2021	*83%
  2021-2022	**85%

  ** This rate is TBD (incomplete) but the current rate is 85%

• COMPLETION RATE-  students who began the final half of the MLS program that graduated

• Cohort Year	Graduation Rate (%)
  2018-2019	100%
  2019-2020	100%
  2020-2021	100%
  2021-2022	100%

• EMPLOYMENT/PLACEMENT RATE- within 12 months of graduation

• Cohort Year	Placement Rate (%)
  2018-2019	100%
  2019-2020	100%
  2020-2021	100%
  2021-2022	100%

  
  *Cohort affected by COVID restrictions.

Program Accreditation

Idaho State University's MLS Program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).

Program Level Student Outcomes:

Upon completion of the ISU Medical Laboratory Science program, students should be able to:

1. Develop, establish, oversee and perform the pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of testing on body fluids, cells and other specimens.
2. Ensure appropriate laboratory utilization to optimize full value patient outcomes.
3. Apply statistical analysis of data for use in laboratory epidemiology, examining the relationships of tests to treatment decisions, and to health care outcomes.
4. Establish and use quality assurance and performance measurements to develop solutions to problems and to assure the validity and accuracy of information concerning laboratory data, generated both within and external to the laboratory.
5. Advocate for patients by utilizing the results of laboratory diagnostic procedures and employing algorithms to achieve optimal, full value patient outcomes.
6. Comply with regulations and guidelines of relevant governmental and non-governmental agencies.
7. Implement laws, regulations and accrediting standards within the operating requirements of the organization to minimize risks and maximize patient outcomes.