Department website: http://medicine.wvu.edu/biomedical-laboratory-diagnostics/
Degree Offered
- Bachelor of Science
Nature of the Program
The BS in Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics has two tracks: Medical Laboratory Science (formerly Clinical Laboratory Science) and Histotechnology. Medical laboratory scientists are healthcare professionals educated in all aspects of clinical laboratory analysis, including test development, performance, and evaluation. Medical laboratory scientists may work in many areas, including clinical chemistry, hematology, immunohematology, immunology, clinical microbiology, and molecular diagnostics.
Histotechnologists are healthcare professionals who are qualified through academic and applied science education and training to provide service, research, and management in histotechnology and areas related to anatomic pathology. Histotechnologists are integral to the success of the anatomic pathology department by performing routine and complex procedures to preserve and process tissue specimens for examination and diagnosis by a pathologist.
Practice settings for both medical laboratory scientists and histotechnologists include hospital, clinic, public health, or private clinical laboratories; research, cytogenetic, pharmaceutical, or in-vitro fertilization laboratories; technical or sales representatives for medical manufacturers and suppliers; biotechnology; and state or federal forensics laboratories.
Students may be admitted into either the medical laboratory science or the histotechnology track within the biomedical laboratory diagnostics major after completing the pre-requisite courses at an accredited college or university. As students complete the pre-requisite courses, they may apply to the biomedical laboratory diagnostics major, typically during the sophomore year.
Within both tracks, the junior year (the first year of the professional curriculum) includes core and area-specific courses to introduce the student to the biomedical sciences and to prepare for the senior year curriculum. During the senior year (the second year of the professional curriculum), the student receives didactic instruction, as well as practical experience at one or more of the affiliated hospital laboratories. Students must provide their own transportation and housing during the clinical rotations.
Administration
Vice Chair and Program Director, Medical Laboratory Science
- Michelle Butina - PhD, MLS (ASCP) (University of Georgia)
Associate Professor
Program Director, Histotechnology
- Kimberly Feaster - MA, HTL(ASCP)QIHC (West Virginia University)
Assistant Professor
Faculty
Associate Professors
- Michelle Butina - PhD, MLS(ASCP) (University of Georgia)
Vice Chair, Laboratory Sciences Division and Program Director, Medical Laboratory Science - Jason V. Evans - PhD, MLS(ASCP) (West Virginia University)
- Michelle Herdman - PhD, MLS(ASCP) (Marshall University)
Assistant Professors
- Kimberly Feaster - MA, HTL(ASCP)QIHC (West Virginia University)
Program Director, Histotechnology - Rebecca A. Radabaugh - MA, HTL(ASCP)QIHC (West Virginia University)
- Amara Sugalski - MA, MLS(ASCP) (University of Michigan)
Instructors
- Magdalena Baumgartner - BS, MLS(ASCP) (West Virginia University)
Associate Professors Emeriti
- Barbara J. Gutman
- Kerry Harbert
- Beverly Kirby
- Mary Ellen Koenn
- Karen S. Long
Admissions for 2025-2026
Direct Admit
Entering WVU freshman may be admitted directly into the biomedical laboratory diagnostics major if they meet the minimum general admission requirements to the University. Direct admit students must maintain a minimum 3.0 overall GPA, and a prerequisite GPA of 2.75.
Current WVU Students
Students enrolled in another major at WVU who have sophomore level or higher standing and who do not meet the Direct Admit requirements must complete the Professional Program Admissions process (see below).
Pre-Requisites
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Biology | ||
| BIOL 101 & 101L | General Biology 1 and General Biology 1 Laboratory (GEF 2) | 4 |
| or BIOL 115 & 115L | Principles of Biology and Principles of Biology Laboratory | |
| BIOL 102 & 102L | General Biology 2 and General Biology 2 Laboratory (GEF 8) | 4 |
| or BIOL 117 & 117L | Introductory Physiology and Introductory Physiology Laboratory | |
| Chemistry | ||
| CHEM 115 & 115L | Fundamentals of Chemistry 1 and Fundamentals of Chemistry 1 Laboratory (GEF 8) | 4 |
| CHEM 116 & 116L | Fundamentals of Chemistry 2 and Fundamentals of Chemistry 2 Laboratory | 4 |
| CHEM 233 & 233L | Organic Chemistry 1 and Organic Chemistry 1 Laboratory | 4 |
| or CHEM 231 & 231L | Organic Chemistry: Brief Course and Organic Chemistry: Brief Course Laboratory | |
| Mathematics | ||
| MATH 124 | Algebra with Applications (GEF 3) | 3 |
| Statistics | ||
| STAT 211 | Elementary Statistical Inference (GEF 8) | 3 |
| or ECON 225 | Elementary Business and Economics Statistics | |
| Physiology | ||
| BIOL 235 | Human Physiology | 3 |
| or PSIO 241 | Elementary Physiology | |
| Medical Terminology | ||
| PALM 200 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| GEF | 18 | |
| Credits to satisfy foundations 1, 4, 5, 6 & 7 | ||
| Total Hours | 50 | |
- *
Students may take either CHEM 233 and CHEM 235 or CHEM 231 and CHEM 231L; however, two semesters of organic chemistry (CHEM 233/235 and CHEM 234/236) are strongly recommended to better prepare for the professional curriculum.
Although not required for admission to the biomedical laboratory diagnostics tracks in medical laboratory science and histotechnology, eight credits of organic chemistry, eight credits of physics, cell biology, and six credits of social sciences are suggested electives for those students interested in applying to medical, dental, or other graduate programs. In addition, a foreign language is recommended for students who plan to do graduate work.
Admission decisions are based upon the applicant’s grade point average, recommendations, and interview. Applicants should have a minimum overall and pre-requisite science and math GPA of 2.5. A GPA of 2.5 or above does not ensure admission. Two letters of recommendation are required; one from a college science professor is preferred. A personal interview with the Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Admissions Committee is required.
Application Procedure
Each year the biomedical laboratory diagnostics major selects a limited number of applicants from the applications received for admission into the medical laboratory science and histotechnology track. The application is available online beginning December 1st.
There is an application fee for residents and non-residents. The priority deadline is March 15th. Applications received by March 15th will be given first consideration for admissions. The standard deadline is June 1st. In the event the class is not filled, the application deadline may be extended.
Major Code: 8351
Click each link below to view the corresponding track requirements and Suggested Plans of Study.
General Education Foundations
Please use this link to view a list of courses that meet each GEF requirement.
NOTE: Some major requirements will fulfill specific GEF requirements. Please see the curriculum requirements listed below for details on which GEFs you will need to select.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Foundations | ||
| F1 - Composition & Rhetoric | 3-6 | |
| Introduction to Composition and Rhetoric and Composition, Rhetoric, and Research | ||
or ENGL 103 | Accelerated Academic Writing | |
| F2A/F2B - Science & Technology | 4-6 | |
| F3 - Math & Quantitative Reasoning | 3-4 | |
| F4 - Society & Connections | 3 | |
| F5 - Human Inquiry & the Past | 3 | |
| F6 - The Arts & Creativity | 3 | |
| F7 - Global Studies & Diversity | 3 | |
| F8 - Focus (may be satisfied by completion of a minor, double major, or dual degree) | 9 | |
| Total Hours | 31-37 | |
Please note that not all of the GEF courses are offered at all campuses. Students should consult with their advisor or academic department regarding the GEF course offerings available at their campus.
Curriculum Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| University Requirements | 19 | |
| Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Program Requirements | 32 | |
| Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Major Requirements | 71-72 | |
| Total Hours | 122-123 | |
University Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Foundations (GEF) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 (31-37 Credits) | ||
| Outstanding GEF Requirements 1, 4, 5, 6, and 7 | 18 | |
| PALM 191 | First-Year Seminar | 1 |
| Total Hours | 19 | |
Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 101 & 101L | General Biology 1 and General Biology 1 Laboratory | 4 |
| or BIOL 115 & 115L | Principles of Biology and Principles of Biology Laboratory | |
| BIOL 102 & 102L | General Biology 2 and General Biology 2 Laboratory | 4 |
| or BIOL 117 & 117L | Introductory Physiology and Introductory Physiology Laboratory | |
| BIOL 235 | Human Physiology * | 3 |
| or PSIO 241 | Elementary Physiology | |
| CHEM 115 & 115L | Fundamentals of Chemistry 1 and Fundamentals of Chemistry 1 Laboratory | 4 |
| CHEM 116 & 116L | Fundamentals of Chemistry 2 and Fundamentals of Chemistry 2 Laboratory | 4 |
| Organic Chemistry ** | 4 | |
| Organic Chemistry 1 and Organic Chemistry 1 Laboratory | ||
Or | ||
| Organic Chemistry: Brief Course and Organic Chemistry: Brief Course Laboratory | ||
| MATH 124 | Algebra with Applications (or higher) | 3 |
| PALM 200 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| STAT 211 | Elementary Statistical Inference | 3 |
| or ECON 225 | Elementary Business and Economics Statistics | |
| Total Hours | 32 | |
Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MICB 200 | Medical Microbiology | 3 |
| PALM 300 | Introduction to Pathology | 3 |
| PALM 303 | Laboratory Methods | 1 |
| PALM 320 | Medical Biochemistry | 3 |
| PALM 322 | Medical Biochemistry Laboratory | 1 |
| PALM 380 | Medical Immunology | 3 |
| PALM 381 | Research and Educational Methodology | 2 |
| PALM 464 | Scientific Writing Seminar | 1 |
| PALM 465 | Medical Laboratory Management | 2 |
| PALM 475 | Medical Relevance - Capstone | 3 |
| There are two Tracks: Histotechnology or Medical Laboratory Science | 49-50 | |
| Histotechnology (50 credits) | ||
| Mechanisms of Body Function | ||
| Introduction to Histotechniques | ||
| Introduction to Human Anatomy | ||
| Histotechnology Microanatomy | ||
| Staining Techniques 1 | ||
| Histotechnique 1 | ||
| Staining Techniques 2 | ||
| Histotechnique 2 | ||
| Histology Laboratory | ||
| Histotechnologist Practicum | ||
| Molecular Pathology for Laboratory Professionals | ||
| Medical Laboratory Science (49 credits) | ||
| Phlebotomy | ||
| Clinical Mycology & Parasitology | ||
| Urinalysis and Body Fluids | ||
| Medical Immunology Laboratory | ||
| Phlebotomy Practicum | ||
| Molecular Diagnostics | ||
| Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory | ||
| Immunohematology | ||
| Immunohematology Laboratory | ||
| Immunohematology Practicum | ||
| Clinical Chemistry | ||
| Clinical Chemistry Laboratory | ||
| Clinical Chemistry Practicum | ||
| Clinical Hematology | ||
| Clinical Hematology Laboratory | ||
| Hemostasis | ||
| Clinical Hematology Practicum | ||
| Hemostasis Laboratory | ||
| Clinical Microbiology | ||
| Clinical Microbiology Laboratory | ||
| Clinical Microbiology Practicum | ||
| Urinalysis and Body Fluids Laboratory | ||
| Med Lab Science Review | ||
| Total Hours | 71-72 | |
- *
Or 2 semester of combined Anatomy and Physiology courses.
- **
Two semesters of organic chemistry (CHEM 233/235 and CHEM 234/236) are strongly recommended to prepare for graduate level education.
- ***
PALM 100, PALM 101, and PALM 201 are required for Direct Admit students and highly recommended for Pre-Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics students. A minimum of 120 hours are required for graduation. However, students may have to take additional hours.
Suggested Plan of Study for Histotechnology
| First Year | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | ||
| CHEM 115 & 115L (GEF 8) | 4 | CHEM 116 & 116L | 4 | ||
| MATH 124 (or higher; GEF 3) | 3 | ENGL 101 (GEF 1) | 3 | ||
| Select one of the following (GEF 2): | 4 | Select one of the following (GEF 8): | 4 | ||
| GEF 4, 5, 6, or 7 | 3 | GEF 4, 5, 6, or 7 | 3 | ||
| PALM 191 | 1 | ||||
| 15 | 14 | ||||
| Second Year | |||||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | ||
| ENGL 102 (GEF 1) | 3 | BIOL 235 or PSIO 241 | 3 | ||
| STAT 211 or ECON 225 (GEF 8) | 3 | PALM 200 | 3 | ||
| CHEM 233 & 233L | 4 | GEF 4, 5, 6, or 7 | 3 | ||
| GEF 4, 5, 6, or 7 | 3 | ||||
| 13 | 9 | ||||
| Third Year | |||||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | Summer | Hours |
| PSIO 441 | 4 | MICB 200 | 3 | PALM 305 | 4 |
| PALM 300 | 3 | PALM 205 | 3 | PALM 406 | 3 |
| PALM 303 | 1 | PALM 304 | 4 | ||
| PALM 307 | 1 | PALM 306 | 3 | ||
| PALM 320 | 3 | PALM 381 | 2 | ||
| PALM 322 | 1 | ||||
| PALM 380 | 3 | ||||
| 16 | 15 | 7 | |||
| Fourth Year | |||||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | ||
| PALM 405 | 4 | PALM 408 | 14 | ||
| PALM 407 | 8 | PALM 475 | 3 | ||
| PALM 409 | 2 | ||||
| PALM 464 | 1 | ||||
| PALM 465 | 2 | ||||
| 17 | 17 | ||||
| Total credit hours: 123 | |||||
Suggested Plan of Study for Medical Laboratory Science
| First Year | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | ||
| CHEM 115 & 115L (GEF 8) | 4 | CHEM 116 & 116L | 4 | ||
| MATH 124 (or higher; GEF 3) | 3 | ENGL 101 (GEF 1) | 3 | ||
| Select one of the following (GEF 2): | 4 | Select one of the following (GEF 8): | 4 | ||
| GEF 4, 5, 6, or 7 | 3 | GEF 4, 5, 6, or 7 | 3 | ||
| PALM 191 | 1 | ||||
| 15 | 14 | ||||
| Second Year | |||||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | ||
| ENGL 102 (GEF 1) | 3 | BIOL 235 or PSIO 241 | 3 | ||
| STAT 211 or ECON 225 (GEF 8) | 3 | PALM 200 | 3 | ||
| CHEM 233 & 233L | 4 | GEF 4, 5, 6, or 7 | 3 | ||
| GEF 4, 5, 6, or 7 | 3 | ||||
| 13 | 9 | ||||
| Third Year | |||||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | Summer | Hours |
| MICB 200 | 3 | PALM 350 | 2 | PALM 312 | 1 |
| PALM 300 | 3 | PALM 360 | 1 | PALM 401 | 1 |
| PALM 303 | 1 | PALM 381 | 2 | PALM 444 | 1 |
| PALM 320 | 3 | PALM 430 | 3 | PALM 446 | 1 |
| PALM 322 | 1 | PALM 432 | 2 | ||
| PALM 380 | 3 | PALM 440 | 3 | ||
| PALM 382L | 1 | PALM 442 | 2 | ||
| PALM 462 | 1 | ||||
| 15 | 16 | 4 | |||
| Fourth Year | |||||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | ||
| PALM 410 | 2 | PALM 425 | 4 | ||
| PALM 412 | 1 | PALM 435 | 4 | ||
| PALM 420 | 3 | PALM 445 | 4 | ||
| PALM 422 | 2 | PALM 455 | 4 | ||
| PALM 450 | 3 | PALM 466 | 1 | ||
| PALM 452 | 2 | PALM 475 | 3 | ||
| PALM 464 | 1 | ||||
| PALM 465 | 2 | ||||
| 16 | 20 | ||||
| Total credit hours: 122 | |||||
Major Learning Outcomes
Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics
Upon graduation, students will:
- Demonstrate entry level knowledge for a laboratory medicine professional.
- Perform accurate and reliable qualitative and quantitative test procedures using sophisticated instrumentation.
- Model the professional traits of a laboratory medicine practitioner in a workplace setting (e.g., during clinical rotations).
- Communicate effectively in written and oral forms appropriate to a laboratory medicine professional.
Accreditation
The WVU Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics tracks in Medical Laboratory Science and Histotechnology are accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), 5600 N. River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018, and (773) 714-8880. Graduates of the Medical Laboratory Science and Histotechnology programs are eligible for certification by the Board of Certification of the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).