MLS-recruitment-PPoint-Campbell-1
                     WEST LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
Choose a Career in 
Medical Laboratory Science!
Sponsored by the Medical Laboratory Science
Program at West Liberty University
West Liberty, WV., 26074
304-336-8177
Campbell Hall houses the West Liberty University
Medical Laboratory Science Program
Did you know…..?
•It is estimated that 70 - 80% of all physician decisions are 
based on laboratory tests performed by the Medical 
Laboratory Scientist (MLS).   In fact, two-thirds of a 
patient’s medical records are laboratory tests.
•There is currently a shortage of the MLS in the U.S.  The
American Society of Clinical Pathologists Board of 
Registry found vacancy rates for the MLS at between 7-
20% depending on the job type and location.
 (Laboratory Medicine, 2001, 32:124-137)
National Shortages
Currently there is a national shortage
of properly trained 
medical laboratory personnel.
There are many opportunities in this
exciting and fulfilling career

2000 Wage and Vacancy Survey
of Medical Laboratories
Wages on the Upswing, Vacancy Rates Accelerate
Kory Ward-Cook, PhD, MT(ASCP),1 and Suzanne Tannar2
From the 1ASCP Board of Registry, Chicago, IL, 
and 2Morpace International, Detroit, MI
Laboratory Medicine 2001, volume 32, number 
3
Summary and Conclusions
“Overall, the wages for all medical laboratory positions are on
the upswing. The percentage median wage increases are
collectively greater than in any other time in the 12-year
comparison period. Vacancy rates are concurrently continuing
to accelerate for 8 of the 10 positions. Difficulty in filling shifts, 
coupled with more staff turnover, presents a challenge for 
laboratory directors and managers.”
Bureau of Labor Statistics
• 53,000 new jobs • 93,000 positions to be filled
• 40,000 vacancies • 9,000 openings per year
• 4,990 graduates/year
Listen! Would you like to know…
How you can help doctors diagnose and treat 
disease?
How you can have an exciting and  rewarding 
career helping others? 
How you can join a growing field with flexibility 
and job security?
A career in the medical 
laboratory is your answer!
Medical Laboratory 
Science is a dynamic, 
exciting profession 
that continually 
changes as new
medical knowledge 
and medical 
technologies  are 
discovered.
Let’s Talk….
Positions are now available in the medical 
laboratory !!
Education, preparation and training:
a look at a typical medical  laboratory
Career path and options.
The Medical Laboratory Scientist  (MLS)..
 Also known as a Medical Technologist …
 Needs a Four year Bachelor of Science Degree. 
 Works in all areas of the medical laboratory:
          Microbiology
          Blood banking and transfusion medicine
          Clinical chemistry
          Hematology  
          Molecular diagnostics
  Uses microscopes, electronic/robotic equipment 
and instruments, and  computers.
 Must provide accurate and reliable results to 
doctors. 
Why Choose to Become a Medical Laboratory 
Scientist …?
•Laboratory tests are extremely valuable 
•Contribute up to 80% of all medical decisions made 
                                                                             by 
doctors
•Modern medicine could not function without    
laboratory test results.
•Demand for laboratory professionals has exceeded 
the supply to date nationally !!!!!!
Education, Training, Preparation
High School: Solid skills in Math and Sciences; successful 
College: completion of  Basic Health Science courses in 
chemistry, biology, computer Science, & math. (A,B, and + 
grades may be acceptable)
West Liberty’s MLS program: Combo of classes and 
clinical training.
      2 years general studies and science courses,
      2 years in the MLS program
      Senior year includes a 16 week internship in an
           actual hospital laboratory !       
 Education, Training, Preparation
cont...
NAACLS accredited program (National Accrediting 
Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science, 8410 West Bryn 
Mawr Ave., Suite 670, Chicago, IL, 773-714-8880)
Guidance Counselor or local hospital laboratory can 
provide more info or email us at:
Dr. William Wagener, Ph.D., MT(ASCP), Professor and Program 
Director,  Medical Laboratory Science Program
[email protected]
Education, Training, Preparation
cont...
“Real life” training directly prepares you for the job.
 National Certification Exam is available though the 
American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) Board 
of Certification (BOC)
 You are permitted to use these initials after your 
  name:  MLS(BOC)
State Licensure may be required
Masters Degree in Specialties
Many graduates continue on to graduate or professional 
( medical, dental, physician assistant) schools
Do You Have What it Takes?
Problem solvers
Enjoy challenge and high levels of responsibility
Enjoy working in laboratories
Focus on accuracy and reliability
 
Perform many tasks at the same time
High standards and demand quality
Commitment to help others
Typical Open Laboratory Configuration
Organization of the Medical 
Laboratory
Typical (Discipline-Specific)
     Microbiology
      Blood Banking & Transfusion Medicine
      Clinical Chemistry
      Hematology/Coagulation
      Immunology
     Urinalysis
     Molecular diagnostics and Esoteric Testing
MICROBIOLOGY is:
Bacteriology, mycology, 
parasitology, virology

Parasitology





West Liberty University Medical Laboratory Science
Freshman Year
General Studies
Introductory Science Courses
General studies Courses
Sophomore Year
General Studies
Microbiology
Anatomy and physiology
Intro. to Medical Lab Science
Junior Year*
Clinical Chemistry
Hematology
Immunology
Clinical Microbiology
Blood Bank
*Student Labs in most
Body Fluids
   areas
Senior  
  Year  
 
Where you will work…..
Hospitals Laboratories
Physician Office Laboratories
Independent or Reference Laboratories
Public Health Laboratories
Pharmaceutical Companies
Fertility Clinics
Veterinary Laboratory
and others
Career Options…
Educational Program Director and/or teaching
Research/ Clinical Trials
Product Development
Medical laboratory Sales and Marketing/Consulting
Medical company technical representatives
Genetics
Laboratory Information Technology
Multi-departmental Manager/Hospital 
 laboratory Administration
Medical Informatics & computers
Basic Working Career Levels….
Clinical Departments: Hematology, Chemistry Blood 
Bank, Microbiology, Immunology
“Bench” testing
Supervisor
Manager
A great Career...
Perfect Blend of Science, Medicine and Technology
Reasoning and Technical Skills
Interesting, Life Long Learning
Allows for branching into other fields
and…...
……. a 
challenging,
rewarding, 
way to help
people.
Finally...
Though we are behind 
the scenes….
We are the Heroes of 
the Health Care Team
Solving Today’s 
Medical Mysteries.
If you are interested about learning more about the Medical
Laboratory Science program at West Liberty University
please call us at 304-336-8177 or 8174
Or you may email the Program Director at:
[email protected]
This presentation was prepared  by William Wagener, Ph.D., MT(ASCP),
Program Director, and is intended  for educational  purposes only
Edited 10/13, 04/14 bp, 2/18 WW