Program Contact
Patricia Tille, Program Director
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Avera Hall
605-688-6016
pat.tille@sdstate.edu
http://www.sdstate.edu/cee/degrees/mls.cfm
Click here for additional information.
Program Information
The Medical Laboratory Science program prepares its graduates for employment in hospital or medical laboratories. The curriculum emphasizes basic sciences, medical laboratory sciences, critical thinking skills and communication skills, including structured learning in the laboratories of clinical affiliated hospitals. During the first two years, students take the background science courses necessary for entrance into the professional clinical year. Upon completion of the sophomore year of college, students apply for entrance into the professional component of the major. The professional program consists of on-campus medical laboratory science courses and an off-campus experience at a clinical affiliate. The program provides the scientific background in hematology, immunohematology, urinalysis, phlebotomy, microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, clinical chemistry, and mathematics necessary for a laboratory career.
Program Goals
- Provide an educational program within the framework of the University setting in accordance with the Standards of Accredited Programs for the Medical Laboratory Scientist as established by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS).
- Provide adequate numbers of entry-level medical laboratory scientists to meet the workforce needs of the state of South Dakota and surrounding areas.
- Provide the health care community with quality individuals who are competent to conduct laboratory procedures in large medical facilities and small rural laboratories and who demonstrate positive professional attitudes, ethics and practices.
Enabling Objectives
- Provide a curriculum that includes a general or liberal education, content specific theory and applications, technical knowledge, professionalism and clinical competence to successfully complete a national registry exam
- Assist students in career placement by providing academic and occupational advisement.
- Instill in students a sense of professionalism, commitment to lifelong learning and academic excellence.
- Prepare students to successfully enter the health care field as competent entry-level professionals that communicate well, appreciate social diversity and possess a genuine compassion and concern for others.
Program Admission
Course Delivery Format
MLS courses are delivered through lecture, discussion, laboratory, and clinical practice experiences. The on campus program consists of lectures and laboratory courses that provide hands-on skills and technical training. The MLS program is a technology and lap-top based program. Course materials are provided electronically utilizing the Desire 2 learn course management system.
Clinical Practice courses will be completed at a clinical affiliate site. Placement at the clinical affiliate will be made by MLS program faculty. Current available sites are Brookings Health System, Avera Health System facilities, Mayo SW Regional Health Network, Allina Health System facilities, Army Hospital Fort Collins Colorado, VA Regional Medical Center Sioux Falls, Huron Regional Medical Center, Prairie Lakes Healthcare, VA Medical Center Black Hills of Hot Springs, Rapid City Regional Hospital, Sanford Health Network Affiliated Hospitals and Spearfish Regional Hospital
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