Medical Laboratory Sciences Department of Biology

Medical Laboratory Sciences Department of Biology

mls Why Choose Medical Laboratory Sciences at the University of North Florida? The development of the Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS) program is a result of a partnership between The UNF College of Arts and Sciences Department of Biology and three area hospitals: Baptist Health, Mayo Clinic Florida, and Shands Jacksonville Medical Center. The courses are taught by local experts from the three hospitals supporting the program. These individuals work in the laboratory and students benefit from their ability to provide real-life case studies and scenarios. The Medical Laboratory Science program is housed in the new state-of-the-art Biological Sciences Building on UNF s campus In February 2012, UNF completed construction of a $40.5 million Biological Sciences Building. The four-story, 116,500-square-foot building houses the Biology Department and includes 16 modern teaching labs and 27 faculty research labs designed for research in virology, ecology, genetics, physiology, and molecular cell biology. The building includes three state-of the-art lecture halls, one large one with 192 seats, a multi-purpose classroom with 48 seats, and 96-seat classrooms with an operable partition to allow the spaces to be divided into two classrooms when needed. There are 37 offices, office support space, and a conference room on each floor. Wireless Internet is available for all faculty and students throughout the building and in a semi-enclosed courtyard. Every lab is equipped with modern technology. The MLS program at UNF is a modified 3+1 program in which students spend two and a half years completing prerequisite and general education courses. The last year and half is spent completing the MLS core curriculum and two semesters of internship at local area hospitals. The program consists of several distance learning courses as well as hybrid courses. The hybrid courses combine online lectures with face to face labs. Mission The mission of the MLS program is to provide quality and innovative laboratory education that will continuously progress with the advances in laboratory medicine and technology. Goals The primary goal of the program is to provide quality, professional, and highly trained medical laboratory scientists to the local, state, and national communities. To achieve the mission and goals set forth, the program has defined the fol-lowing objectives: train MLS students to work in large complex laboratories as well as small laboratories; provide students with the knowledge and hands-on training to qualify for the national certification exam; maintain relationships with clinical affiliates at a local, state, and national level to ensure internships for students and potential job opportunities for graduates; and keep abreast of new advances in laboratory education by attending national society meetings annually.

faqs What is Medical Laboratory Sciences? Formally known as medical technologists or clinical laboratory scientists the medical laboratory scientists is one of the most important people in medicine. In a single day, a medical laboratory scientist performs some of the most complex tests on blood, tissue, body fluids and other samples from many patients. This helps provide doctors with most of the information they use to treat infections, diagnose cancer and other diseases. Laboratory testing encompasses such disciplines as clinical chemistry, hematology, hemostasis, urinalysis immunology, immunohematology, microbiology, reproductive medicine and molecular diagnostics. What do Medical Laboratory Scientists do? Medical Laboratory Scientists examine and analyze body fluids, and cells. They look for bacteria, parasites, and other microorganisms; analyze the chemical content of fluids; match blood for transfusions; and test for drug levels in the blood that show how a patient is responding to treatment. Medical Laboratory Scientists also prepare specimens for examination, count cells, and look for abnormal cells in blood and body fluids. They use microscopes, cell counters, and other high-tech laboratory equipment. They also use automated equipment and computerized instruments to test specimens. After testing and examining a specimen, they analyze the results and relay them to physicians. MLS is a great career for people enjoy solving problems and have an interest in science, anatomy and physiology. Why is Medical Laboratory Sciences important? Research has shown that at least 70% of all medical decisions rely on some sort of laboratory data. As a laboratory professional, you play a huge role in the processing and analysis of laboratory samples. In turn, you largely influence the reliability and credibility of laboratory data as well as the accuracy of patient diagnoses and the quality of care that patients receive. Medical Laboratory Sciences may be a good career if you enjoy the following: You have a strong interest in science and particularly enjoy anatomy and physiology. You would prefer to work in a lab behind a microscope over interacting with patients all day. You enjoy solving mysteries or finding answers to the unknown. What is the average starting salary for a Medical Laboratory Scientist? National Average $54, 413 Florida $49, 462

jobs There are numerous options in the MLS profession throughout Northeast Florida and around the country. Where can I work? A majority of graduates work in clinical hospitals such as Baptist Health, Mayo Clinic Florida, Shands Jacksonville Medical Center, Flagler Hospital, Florida Department of Health Bureau of Laboratory, Florida Hospital Flagler, Memorial Hospital, Orange Park Medical Center, St. Vincent s Health. Other areas where graduates can work are Commercial or reference laboratories Public health laboratories Pharmaceutical or chemical industries Biotechnology companies Forensic and law enforcement laboratories Veterinary clinics Research and teaching institutions Transplant and blood donor centers Fertility clinics Cosmetic and food industry Regulatory agencies (CDC, CMS, CAP and ASCP) Work hours may vary, depending on the work setting, but most hospital and reference laboratories operate 24 hours/7 days a week. This lends itself to great flexibility in scheduling work shifts, which can be especially helpful for working parents. What else can I do with a Medical Laboratory Sciences degree? Due to the diverse diagnostic background that MLS graduates have, some might go on to graduate school to pursue careers as physician assistants, pathology assistants, perfusionists, genetic counselors or apply to medical school to become pathologists. Other graduates will pursue graduate degrees in the discipline of interest such as molecular biochemistry, immunology, microbiology, or health sciences. There are several master s degrees in clinical laboratory science offered online for those who wish to pursue careers in laboratory management. Many of the local hospitals support tuition reimbursement for degrees.

apply What are the MLS Prerequisites? 16 Semester Hours Required - Biological Sciences 1) General Biology 1 (BSC 1010C) 2) Microbiology (MCB 2010C) 3) Anatomy & Physiology (BSC 2085C & BSC 2086C) or Human Structure and Function (ZOO 3733C) 4) * Any combination of two of these: Molecular Biology (PCB 3023C with lab) Molecular Techniques (MCB 4021) Genetics (PCB 3063C with lab) 16 Semester Hours Required - Chemistry 1) General Chemistry 1 & 2 (CHM 2045C & CHM 2046C with labs) 2) Organic Chemistry 1 & 2 (CHM 2010C & CHM 2011C with labs) Math Requirement 1) College Algebra (MAC 1105) 2) Elementary Statistics - Health (STA 2014) If you have any questions about the application process, please contact Elaine Staley at elaine.staley@unf.edu The following course is strongly recommended: Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (BCH 4024) How Do I Apply? Once applicants have completed the prerequisite requirements or will have them complete in the fall in which they are applying they can apply to the MLS program. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75. The MLS Application Packet should include: 1) Completed Application Form (online) 2) Three (3) letters of recommendation (at least two (2) from science professors) 3) Official college transcript(s), unless a current UNF student Mail or deliver your completed packet to: University of North Florida Department of Biology (59/2302) - Attention: Elaine Staley 1 UNF Drive Jacksonville, Florida 32224 Is the Program Accredited? UNF is actively seeking accreditation for the MLS program through the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). NAACLS can be contacted in writing at 5600 N River Road, Suite 720 Rosemont, IL 60018-5119, by phone at (847) 939-3597, and online at www.naacls.org.

courses Spring Curriculum Whether you are a high school student or college freshman interested in the program, you will need to satisfy the prerequisites for the program and complete the following didactic and clinical internship sequence. MLS 3038 Essentials in Medical Laboratory Sciences 1 Credit / Hybrid Introduces students to the principles and practices of Medical Laboratory Sciences. Topics include safety, phlebotomy, automation, laboratory mathematics, laboratory information systems, quality assurance, management, education, ethics, professional roles, accreditation and regulation. This is a hybrid course with one hour of lab. MLS 4460C Diagnostic Bacteriology 3 Credits / Hybrid Advanced comprehensive study of bacteria that influence human health and disease. Emphasis on identification, diagnosis, microbial attributes, mechanisms that facilitate infectious disease, and treatment. This is a hybrid course with two hours of lecture per week and a three hour lab (A laboratory fee will be assessed). MLS 4308C Hematology & Hemostasis 3 Credits / Hybrid Study of human blood ontogeny, kinetics, and pathophysiology. Theory and application of analytical techniques used to diagnose and monitor hematological disease and disorders of hemo-stasis. This is a hybrid course with two hours of lecture per week and a three hour lab (A laboratory fee will be assessed). MLS 4505 Clinical Immunology 2 Credits / Distance Learning Course integrates basic and clinical immunology featuring clinical presentation, immunopathological features, diagnosis and treatment of immunologically related diseases. In addition, diagnostic techniques and procedures utilized in a clinical immunology laboratory will be covered. MLS 3220 Biological Fluid Analysis 2 Credits / Distance Learning This course introduces students to the theory and practices underlying the laboratory analysis of various biological fluids. Students study microscopic and physiochemi-cal testing and correlates laboratory and clinical data to health and disease.

Summer Curriculum MLS 4627 Clinical Biochemistry 3 Credits / Distance Learning Relationship and application of biochemistry to the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of human disease. Theoretical principles and study of techniques for proteins, enzymes, carbohydrates, lipids, electrolytes, nitrogen metabolites, inborn errors of metabolism, TDM and toxicology. MLS 4191 Molecular Diagnostics 2 Credits / Distance Learning This course will provide an overview of nucleic acid structure, gene expression and genetic disease. Proper collection and processing of blood, bone marrow, and body fluids for molecular testing will be covered. Fundamentals of DNA and RNA isolation, amplification, hybridization and analysis will also be discussed. MLS 4462 Diagnostic Virology, Mycology and Parasitology 3 Credits / Hybrid Study of viruses, fungi and parasites that influence human health and disease. Emphasis on identification, diagnosis, microbial attributes mechanisms that facilitate infectious disease, and treatment. MLS 4550C Immunohematology and Transfusion Medicine 3 Credits / Hybrid This course integrates theoretical concepts and applications related to blood donation process, transfusion therapy and blood group system biochemistry, genetics and serology. This is a hybrid course with two hours of lecture per week and a three hour lab. (A laboratory fee will be assessed). Internship MLS 4821C Clinical Microbiology Practicum (Fall Sememster) 5 Credits / Clinical Internship Advanced practical experience in a clinical microbiology laboratory utilizing diagnostic techniques in the identification of pathogenic bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. MLS 4826C Clinical Immunology Practicum (Spring Semester) 2 Credits / Clinical Internship Advanced practical experience in a clinical immunology laboratory including diagnostic serological techniques with emphasis on clinical correlation of infectious diseases. MLS 4822C Clinical Hematology Practicum (Fall Semester) 5 Credits / Clinical Internship Advanced practical experience in a clinical hematology/ hemostasis laboratory includes performance of diagnostic procedures and application of knowledge with emphasis on clinical correlation. Departmental permission, acceptance into the MLS program, and senior standing required. MLS 4823C Clinical Immunohematology Practicum (Fall Semester) 4 Credits / Clinical Internship Advanced practical experience in a clinical immunohematology laboratory and perfusion service including compatibility testing, blood transfusion procedures and antibody detection and identification. Departmental permission, acceptance into the Department of Clinical Laboratory Science and senior standing. There are many local clinical affiliates participating in this program including Baptist Health, The Mayo Clinic at Jacksonville and Shands Jacksonville Medical Center. MLS 4820C Clinical Biochemistry Practicum (Spring Semester) 5 Credits / Clinical Internship Advanced practical experience in a clinical chemistry laboratory emphasize chemistry instrumentation, immunochemical analysis, electrophoresis, blood gases, TDM, and toxicology. Departmental permission, acceptance into the Department of EHMCS, and senior standing. IHS 3203 Management and Leadership in Health Care Organizations (Fall Semester) 2 Credits / Distance Learning Interdisciplinary analysis of leadership and management concepts; managerial skills and techniques; fiscal responsibility; human resource development; out-comes assessment; building strategic alliances in changing environments; and organizational ethics. IHS 4938 Senior Seminar (Spring Semester) 1 Credits / Distance Learning Course synthesizing career and life experiences across disciplines, via exploration of interdisciplinary issues and civic projects.

University of North Florida Department of Biology 1 UNF Drive Jacksonville, Florida 32224 Phone (904) 620-2830 Fax (904) 620-3885 Dr. Barbara Hetrick Dean, College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Daniel Moon Chair, Department of Biology Elaine Staley MA BLS, MLS(ASCP) Program Director Medical Laboratory Sciencess www.unf.edu/coas/biology/undergraduate/medical_lab_sciences.aspx