Program Coordinator/Contact
Patricia Tille, Program Director
College of Pharmacy
Avera Hall
605-688-6016
E-mail: pat.tille@sdstate.edu
www.sdstate.edu/cee/degrees/mls
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 science, medical laboratory science, critical thinking and communication skills, including structured learning in the laboratories of clinical affiliated laboratories. During the first two years, students complete basic science courses necessary for entrance into the professional clinical program. Upon completion of three semesters, 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 clinical experience. 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 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
Accreditation, Certification, and Licensure
Accreditation
The program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), 5600 N. River Rd. Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018-5119.
Certification
Graduates will be eligible to take the certification examination as a medical laboratory scientist from the Board of Certification by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists.
Licensure
Licensure requirements will vary by state.
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 in consultation with clinical affiliates and the MLS program faculty. Current available sites are Brookings Health System, Avera Health System facilities, Mayo SW Regional Health Network, Allina Health System facilities, 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. Availability of clinical placement is not guaranteed.
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