About Us
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.
Now Accepting Applications
Applications for the Fall 2025 cohort are due at the end of February 2025 for priority consideration. Admissions decisions by the first of April.
Late applications are accepted for online students or if space is left on-campus.
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 Certification Exam)
| Cohort Year Ending in | Pass Rate (%) |
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| 2016 | 96% |
| 2017 | 81% |
| 2018 | 84% |
| 2019 | 94% |
| 2020 | *83% |
| 2021 | *83% |
| 2022 | 85% |
| 2023 | **TBD (currently 85%) |
*Cohort affected by COVID restrictions.
** This rate is TBD (incomplete). Data is collected for one year past graduation, and final percentages will be reported each August.
COMPLETION RATE- students who began the final half of the MLS program that graduated
| Cohort Year Ending in | Graduation Rate (%) |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 100% |
| 2020 | 100% |
| 2021 | 100% |
| 2022 | 100% |
| 2023 | 98% |
EMPLOYMENT/PLACEMENT RATE- within 12 months of graduation
| Cohort Year Ending In | Placement Rate (%) |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 100% |
| 2020 | 100% |
| 2021 | 100% |
| 2022 | 100% |
| 2023 | TBD (currently 95%)** |
** This rate is TBD (incomplete). Data is collected for one year past graduation, and final percentages will be reported each August.
Program Accreditation
Idaho State University's MLS Program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).
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Address
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5600 N River Road Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018
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Phone
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773.714.8800
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Fax
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773.714.8886
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Email
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Website
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Program Level Student Outcomes:
Upon completion of the ISU Medical Laboratory Science program, students should be able to:
- Develop, establish, oversee and perform the pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of testing on body fluids, cells and other specimens.
- Ensure appropriate laboratory utilization to optimize full value patient outcomes.
- Apply statistical analysis of data for use in laboratory epidemiology, examining the relationships of tests to treatment decisions, and to health care outcomes.
- 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.
- Advocate for patients by utilizing the results of laboratory diagnostic procedures and employing algorithms to achieve optimal, full value patient outcomes.
- Comply with regulations and guidelines of relevant governmental and non-governmental agencies.
- Implement laws, regulations and accrediting standards within the operating requirements of the organization to minimize risks and maximize patient outcomes.
Online Student Testimonials
"Being an online student in the Medical Laboratory Science 2020 program at ISU was the perfect opportunity for me because I didn't have to move states or fully quit my job. I was worried about being an online student at first since I had never done online classes before. These worries quickly diminished once I started the program. The courses were very well organized and getting to watch the exact same lectures as the on-campus students, I didn't feel like I was "online". All of the instructors were great, they replied to my questions in a timely matter and individually checked up on me throughout the program. I even got to meet on Skype with instructors to help prepare for midterms. I feel very prepared to take the Board of Certification and start my career as a Medical Laboratory Scientist after this program."
-Libby R. | Sponsor: St. Charles Hospital, Bend, OR
"Being a graduate of ISU's Medical Laboratory Science program has positively changed the trajectory of my career in ways that I would never have imagined. After working in the lab for many years, I decided to apply to PA school; however, I needed to finish my Bachelor's degree. I choose ISU's program. My acceptance into a Physician Assistant program came after only one application cycle. Program faculty told me that they were impressed with my ability to manage numerous roles while maintaining the self-motivation to complete a rigorous program. There is absolutely no way that I could have done it without the support of the faculty. Their wealth of knowledge was priceless, and their willingness to be flexible with my work schedule also proved to be valuable. I knew that they cared about my well-being and my success, both in and out of the classroom. I loved being able to listen to the lectures on my own time. It was incredible to hear the questions and learn the answers given. I always felt like part of the classroom.
Fast forward to today, I am a Physician Assistant in a Bone Marrow Transplant clinic. The hiring team credits my laboratory experience as a main selling point. Once again, ISU laid a solid foundation of medical knowledge that has helped me reach my professional goals."
-Jennifer M. | Sponsor: Jordan Valley Hospital/St. Mark's Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT
"A few friends and I were able to participate in the Medical Lab Science Program while living in Alaska where no comparable programs are offered. It was awesome to be able to pursue a career in science and healthcare without having to relocate. Idaho State University offered us in state scholarships, and because we had previously completed the prerequisites, we were able to complete the bachelor’s program in just one year and sit for our licensing examination. We were all offered careers as medical lab scientists before we even finished the program. Before taking online science courses at ISU, I would have never wanted to take a science course online-but these courses are well-organized and offer many resources. The ISU online teachers are knowledgeable, responsive, and interactive. Many times, I would receive a response e-mail from my ISU professor, before I could expect a response e-mail from my in-state professor. They work hard to make sure that you understand everything. The online courses platform called Moodle is very easy to navigate and allows you to link the due dates to your smart phone for reminders to keep you on track. During the initial COVID-19 crisis, when many other programs may have been compromised or put on hold, ISU was able to offer us virtual clinicals so that we could continue to move forward in our program without putting our health at risk. I am grateful for the dedication of the ISU MLS staff and associates that have made the program so well organized and accessible to out of state students. And I am profoundly grateful for the dedication, care, and service the ISU MLS professors have provided us. We could not have done it without you!"
-Cassandra D. | Sponsor: Fairbanks Memorial Hospital, Fairbanks, AK
"I worked full time as a MLT in a CAP accredited lab while attending ISU MLS online program. I got 4.0 GPA and 744 out of 999 on BOC which is about 2 SD above the mean (only need 400 to pass). This is the best program for you if you are willing to put in the extra work."
-Jimmy G. | Sponsor: Interpath Laboratory, Pendleton, OR
