Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Education Program

This is an exciting time for medical laboratory scientists and the field of medical laboratory science (MLS). Advancements in technology and research are revolutionizing diagnostics, and there is growing recognition of the critical role that medical laboratory scientists play in healthcare systems worldwide.

MLS is the healthcare profession that provides laboratory information and services that aid in the identification, diagnosis and treatment of disease. Medical laboratory scientists perform laboratory tests on patient biological specimens, playing an integral role in patient care by providing timely and accurate test results in collaboration with the clinical care team.

The MLS education is built on a biology and chemistry foundation. Through a combination of traditional classwork and robust clinical experiences, the Medical Laboratory Science Education Program at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) will prepare students for entry-level career opportunities upon completion. All in-person education and training will be completed at the main hospital located in University City Philadelphia.

The MLS curriculum at CHOP is meticulously crafted with emphasis placed on the practical application of theoretical principles in conducting medical laboratory procedures. Moreover, it aims to cultivate in students a profound appreciation for their professional obligations, ensuring the delivery of top-tier, outcome-driven clinical laboratory services across all stages of the testing process, with a focus on disease prevention, diagnosis, monitoring and treatment.

Our program endeavors to produce competent medical laboratory scientists equipped with a robust knowledge base, adept skills and practical experience, empowering them to pursue diverse career paths within the profession. The program promotes CHOP’s values and service standards including Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence.

The MLS Education Program is supported by the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine which performs three million laboratory tests per year.  The department consists of twelve different labs, ranging from routine chemistry, hematology, microbiology, and immunohematology to more advanced diagnostics such as immunogenetics, molecular diagnostics, and stem cell therapy. The Program offers enriching elective rotations in the advanced diagnostic laboratories, in addition to the comprehensive routine MLS clinical training. MLS students will have access to cutting-edge technology and expert faculty members who are leaders in their respective fields. This exposure will not only enrich their academic journey but also prepare the MLS graduate to meet the evolving demands of the healthcare industry. 

CHOP is deeply dedicated to maintaining exceptional standards in patient care, education, and research. This dedication to education is demonstrated through robust internship and residency training, competitive fellowship opportunities, teaching medical students, and providing nursing education. This commitment extends to the training program in medical laboratory science, ensuring the same level of excellence is upheld throughout all educational endeavors.

Didactic Courses (with number of credit hours)

• (3) Clinical Chemistry
• (4) Hematology & Coagulation
• (3) Immunohematology (Blood Bank)
• (2) Immunology
• (3) Laboratory Operations/Clinical Seminar
• (4) Medical Microbiology
• (2) Urinalysis & Body Fluids

Clinical Rotations (with number of credit hours)

• (3) Clinical Chemistry & Urinalysis & Blood Gas
• (2) Hematology & Coagulation
• (2) Immunohematology (Blood Bank)
• (4) Microbiology & Serology

The medical laboratory science course curriculum provides students with comprehensive training in laboratory techniques and procedures incorporating didactic theory essential for diagnosing diseases and monitoring patient health. The curriculum includes courses in clinical chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology and transfusion medicine, among others. Students learn to perform a variety of laboratory tests using state-of-the-art equipment and technologies, interpret results accurately and adhere to quality control and safety standards. Hands-on clinical rotations in the CHOP laboratories allow students to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, gaining practical experience under the supervision of seasoned professionals. Additionally, students receive instruction in professional ethics, communication skills and the importance of teamwork in healthcare settings, preparing them for successful careers as medical laboratory scientists in under 10 months.

The MLS Education Program at CHOP accepts the traditional 3+1 student from an affiliate university to receive a bachelor’s degree, or the non-traditional 4+1 student who already has a bachelors. Both types of applicants require the appropriate prerequisite education prior to admission.

Pre-requisite Coursework

As a college-level internship program, there is prerequisite coursework required prior to enrollment:

• A minimum of 16 credit hours of Biology to include Human Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Immunology
• A minimum of 16 credit hours of Chemistry to include Organic Chemistry and/or Biochemistry
• A minimum of 3 credit hours of college-level Mathematics, preferably statistics

Additional courses are recommended but not required:

• Genetics, Molecular Biology, Medical Microbiology, Parasitology, Medical Terminology, Hematology

Admission Requirements

The inaugural class of MLS students will start their journey by applying online for admission to the Program over the summer followed by an in-person interview during the fall semester of 2024. The MLS education at CHOP will begin in August 2025 and commence in May 2026.

Students are expected to have completed at least 90 college credits including all pre-requisite coursework, and all requirements from the matriculating university prior to entry into the Program. A minimum 2.80 overall grade point average (GPA) and 2.80 science GPA, averaged from all college coursework, are required.

Tuition

As a new MLS training program, we are pleased to announce that the first academic year will be tuition-free. This nine-month college internship program offers students an opportunity to gain invaluable hands-on experience without the financial burden of tuition costs. We believe in providing accessible education and are committed to supporting aspiring medical laboratory professionals in their academic and career pursuits.

Prospective Students

Program policies and other information are available upon request by emailing Susanne Dannert, MLS Program Director, at dannerts@chop.edu.

The Medical Laboratory Science Program at CHOP is submitting the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) Initial Accreditation Application. Once the Program has achieved “serious applicant” status, the students are eligible to receive college credit to graduate and to take the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification exam. The Program should reach serious applicant status by summer 2025, just prior to beginning the 2025-26 academic year.

The MLS Education Program at CHOP will provide a transformative educational experience for aspiring medical laboratory scientists, preparing them to excel in the dynamic and essential field of healthcare diagnostics. Through rigorous academic curriculum, hands-on clinical training and interdisciplinary collaboration, we aim to cultivate a diverse community of learners dedicated to excellence, integrity, and innovation. Our internship program is committed to fostering critical thinking, technical proficiency, and professional competence, empowering students to contribute meaningfully to patient care. By instilling a culture of lifelong learning, collaboration and service, we aspire to graduate compassionate and competent leaders who will positively impact the future of healthcare.