Medical Laboratory Science < West Virginia University

Degree Offered

Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science

The Degree Program

The B.S. in medical laboratory science has two tracks: Clinical laboratory science and Histotechnology. Clinical laboratory scientists are healthcare professionals educated in all aspects of clinical laboratory analysis, including test development, performance, and evaluation. Clinical 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 clinical 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, food, and cosmetic industries; and state or federal forensics laboratories.

Nature of Program

Students are admitted into either the clinical laboratory science or the histotechnology track within the medical laboratory science 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 medical laboratory science 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 medical sciences and to prepare for the senior year curriculum. During the senior year (the second year of the professional curriculum), the student receives both didactic instruction and practical experience. Students receive practical experience at one or more of the affiliated hospital laboratories including:

Ruby Memorial Hospital, Morgantown, WV
Monongalia County General Hospital, Morgantown, WV
West Penn Allegheny Health System, Pittsburgh, PA
WVU Eastern Division which includes City Hospital, Martinsburg, WV and Jefferson Memorial Hospital, Ranson, WV
Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Martinsburg, WV
Excela Health which includes Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg, PA and Latrobe Hospital in Latrobe, PA
Charleston Area Medical Center, Charleston, WV
United Hospital Center, Clarksburg, WV
St. Clair Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA

Students must provide their own transportation and housing during the clinical rotations. Students assigned to the Eastern Division will participate in the rural rotation activities at this site.

The WVU medical laboratory science tracks in clinical 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 clinical laboratory science program and the histotechnology program are eligible for certification by the Board of Certification of the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).

Faculty

Director of Medical Laboratory Science and Clinical Laboratory Science Program Director

Michelle Butina - PhD

Histotechnology Program Director

Kimberly Feaster - B.S. (University of Findlay)

Associate Professor and CLS Medical Director

Peter L. Perrotta - M.D. (Pennsylvania State University)

Clinical Assistant Professor and HTL Medical Director

Olukemi Esan - M.D. (West Virginia University)

Associate Professor

Kerry Harbert - M.A. (West Virginia University)

Instructor

Jane Wade - B.A. (West Virginia University)

Assistant Professor

Marianne T. Downes - PhD (The Catholic University of America)
Abra L. Elkins - M.A. (West Virginia University)
Jason V. Evans - PhD (West Virginia University)

Associate Professor Emeritus

Barbara J. Gutman
Mary Ellen Koenn
Karen S. Long

Adjunct Instructor

Sharon Hall

Admission to the Medical Laboratory Science Tracks

Students in the pre-medical laboratory science major and direct admit students must meet the admission criteria of WVU. Pre-medical laboratory science students are advised by the Center for Learning, Advising, and Student Success (CLASS). Medical laboratory science faculty advise direct admit students. Prospective students are advised to take mathematics, chemistry, and biology in high school.

Qualified applicants may enter the pre-medical laboratory science major at the beginning of any semester, however the professional curriculum begins the fall semester after the student is admitted to either the clinical laboratory science or histotechnology track. Admission to the pre-medical laboratory science major does not ensure admission to the medical laboratory science tracks in clinical laboratory science or histotechnology.

Pre-medical laboratory science students apply for admission into the junior year (first year in the medical laboratory science professional curriculum) before the second semester of the sophomore year in college. Fulfillment of the pre-requisites does not ensure admittance into either the clinical laboratory science or the histotechnology track.

direct admit

Entering freshman may be admitted directly into the Medical Laboratory Science Division with a high school GPA of 3.75 or above, and a minimum math component ACT score of 26 or a minimum math component SAT score of 620. Direct admit students must maintain an overall and science GPA ≥3.0 and receive no final course grade lower than a C in any semester. Any student who fails to meet the direct admit criteria will be permitted to apply through regular admission.

pre-requisites

English		3-6
ENGL 101 & ENGL 102	Introduction to Composition and Rhetoric and Composition, Rhetoric, and Research
or ENGL 103	Accelerated Academic Writing
Biology		8
BIOL 101 & BIOL 103	General Biology and General Biology Laboratory	4
or BIOL 115	Principles of Biology
BIOL 102 & BIOL 104	General Biology and General Biology Laboratory	4
or BIOL 117	Introductory Physiology
Chemistry
CHEM 115	Fundamentals of Chemistry	4
CHEM 116	Fundamentals of Chemistry	4
CHEM 233 & CHEM 235	Organic Chemistry and Organic Chemistry Laboratory	4
or CHEM 231	Organic Chemistry: Brief Course
CHEM 234 & CHEM 236	Organic Chemistry and Organic Chemistry Laboratory	4
or CHEM 231	Organic Chemistry: Brief Course
Mathematics (One of the following):		3
MATH 126	College Algebra
MATH 129	Pre-Calculus Mathematics
MATH 155	Calculus 1
Statistics		3
STAT 211	Elementary Statistical Inference	3
or ECON 225	Elementary Business and Economics Statistics
GEF		12
Credits to satisfy foundations 4-7.
Total Hours		56-59

CHEM 231 Organic Chemistry: Brief Course may be substituted for CHEM 233/235 and CHEM 234/236, however two semesters of organic chemistry are strongly recommended to better prepare for the professional curriculum.

Although not required for admission to the medical laboratory science tracks in clinical 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, interview, and documented ability to successfully complete full-time academic work. Applicants should have a minimum overall and science GPA of 2.5. Applicants may be admitted on probation if their overall or science GPA is less than 2.5. Applicants with less than a 2.0 overall or science GPA will not be admitted. A GPA of 2.5 or above does not ensure admission. Two letters of recommendation are required; at least one must be from a college science professor. A personal interview with the Medical Laboratory Science Admissions Committee is required. Admission of international students is in compliance with WVU regulations.

Application Procedure

Each year the medical laboratory science division selects a limited number of applicants from the applications received for admission into the clinical laboratory science and histotechnology track. The application is available online after December 1.

There is an application fee for residents and non-residents. The application deadline is March 15 if the applicant expects to enter the program the following fall semester. If the class is not filled by those applications, the deadline may be extended.

Click the link below to view the corresponding track requirements and Suggested Plans of Study.

Clinical Laboratory Science
Histotechnology

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.

General Education Foundations
F1 - Composition & Rhetoric		3-6
ENGL 101 & ENGL 102	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 Skills		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.

Degree Requirements

Medical Laboratory Science Pre-Requisites
ENGL 101 & ENGL 102	Introduction to Composition and Rhetoric and Composition, Rhetoric, and Research	6
or ENGL 103	Accelerated Academic Writing
BIOL 101 & BIOL 103	General Biology and General Biology Laboratory	4
or BIOL 115	Principles of Biology
BIOL 102 & BIOL 104	General Biology and General Biology Laboratory	4
or BIOL 117	Introductory Physiology
CHEM 115	Fundamentals of Chemistry	4
CHEM 116	Fundamentals of Chemistry	4
CHEM 233 & CHEM 235	Organic Chemistry and Organic Chemistry Laboratory ^*	4
or CHEM 231	Organic Chemistry: Brief Course
CHEM 234 & CHEM 236	Organic Chemistry and Organic Chemistry Laboratory ^*	4
or CHEM 231	Organic Chemistry: Brief Course
Select 1 of the following:		3
MATH 124	Algebra with Applications
MATH 129	Pre-Calculus Mathematics
MATH 155	Calculus 1
STAT 211	Elementary Statistical Inference	3
or ECON 225	Elementary Business and Economics Statistics
GEF Requirements 4, 5, 6, & 7		12
First Year Studies Requirement
PATH 191	First-Year Seminar	1
Medical Laboratory Science Core Curriculum
MICB 323	Medical Microbiology/Lab	5
or MICB 200 & PATH 323	Medical Microbiology and Medical Microbiology Lab
PATH 300	Introduction to Pathology	3
PATH 303	Clinical Lab Applications	2
PATH 320	Basic Clinical Biochemistry	3
PATH 380	Introduction to Immunology	1
PATH 381	Research and Educational Methodology	2
PATH 403	Community Service Practicum	1
PATH 465	Medical Laboratory Management	2
PATH 475	Medical Relevance (fulfills the Capstone requirement)	3
PSIO 441	Mechanisms of Body Function	4
There are two Tracks: Histotechnology or Clinical Laboratory Science		38
Histotechnology (43 credits)
NBAN 205	Introduction to Human Anatomy
PATH 200	Medical Terminology
PATH 304	Histotechnology Microanatomy
PATH 305	Staining Techniques 1
PATH 306	Histotechnique 1
PATH 405	Staining Techniques 2
PATH 406	Histotechnique 2
PATH 407	Histology Laboratory
PATH 408	Histotechnologist Practicum
PATH 409	Molecular Pathology for Laboratory Professionals
Clinical Laboratory Science (38 credits)
IMMB 327	Parasitology
PATH 310	Clinical Laboratory Mycology
PATH 329	Clinical Chemistry 1
PATH 340	Introduction to Hematology
PATH 401	Phlebotomy
PATH 420	Immunology and Blood Banking
PATH 421	Immunohematology and Blood Banking Laboratory
PATH 430	Clinical Chemistry 2
PATH 431	Clinical Chemistry Laboratory
PATH 440	Clinical Hematology
PATH 441	Clinical Hematology Laboratory
PATH 450	Clinical Microbiology
PATH 451	Clinical Microbiology Laboratory
PATH 470	Clinical Microscopy
PATH 472	Urinalysis and Body Fluids Laboratory
PATH 480	Clinical Immunology
PATH 481	Clinical Immunology Laboratory
Electives ^**		7
Total Hours		120

CHEM 231 may be substituted for CHEM 233/235 and CHEM 234/236, however two semesters of organic chemistry are strongly recommended to prepare for the professional curriculum.

PATH 100, PATH 101, PATH 200, and PATH 201 are required for Direct Admit students and highly recommended for Pre-Medical Laboratory Science 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 (GEF 8)	4	CHEM 116	4
Select one of the following (GEF 3):	3	ENGL 101 (GEF 1)	3
MATH 126		Select one of the following (GEF 8):	4
MATH 129		BIOL 102 & BIOL 104
MATH 155		BIOL 117
Select one of the following (GEF 2):	4	GEF 4, 5, 6, or 7	3
BIOL 101 & BIOL 103
BIOL 115
GEF 4, 5, 6, or 7	3
PATH 191	1
	15		14
Second Year
Fall	Hours	Spring	Hours
ENGL 102 (GEF 1)	3	CHEM 234 & CHEM 236	4
STAT 211 or ECON 225 (GEF 8)	3	GEF 4, 5, 6, or 7	3
CHEM 233 & CHEM 235	4	Elective	2
GEF 4, 5, 6, or 7	3
	13		9
Third Year
Fall	Hours	Spring	Hours	Summer	Hours
PATH 300	3	MICB 323	5	PATH 305	4
PATH 320	3	NBAN 205	3	PATH 406	3
PSIO 441	4	PATH 381	2
PATH 380	1	PATH 304	3
PATH 303	2	PATH 306	3
PATH 200	3
	16		16		7
Fourth Year
Fall	Hours	Spring	Hours
PATH 465	2	PATH 403	1
PATH 405	4	PATH 475	3
PATH 407	8	PATH 408	10
PATH 409	2
	16		14
Total credit hours: 120

suggested plan of study for clinical laboratory science

First Year
Fall	Hours	Spring	Hours
CHEM 115 (GEF 8)	4	CHEM 116	4
Select one of the following (GEF 3):	3	ENGL 101 (GEF 1)	3
MATH 126		Select one of the following (GEF 8):	4
MATH 129		BIOL 102 & BIOL 104
MATH 155		BIOL 117
Select one of the following (GEF 2):	4	GEF 4, 5, 6, or 7	3
BIOL 101 & BIOL 103
BIOL 115
GEF 4, 5, 6, or 7	3
PATH 191	1
	15		14
Second Year
Fall	Hours	Spring	Hours
ENGL 102 (GEF 1)	3	CHEM 234 & CHEM 236	4
STAT 211 or ECON 225 (GEF 8)	3	GEF 4, 5, 6, or 7	3
CHEM 233 & CHEM 235	4	Electives	6
GEF 4, 5, 6, or 7	3
Elective	1
	14		13
Third Year
Fall	Hours	Spring	Hours	Summer	Hours
PATH 300	3	PATH 340	3	PATH 440	3
PATH 320	3	IMMB 327	2
PSIO 441	4	MICB 323	5
PATH 380	1	PATH 310	1
PATH 303	2	PATH 329	2
		PATH 381	2
		PATH 472	1
		PATH 470	1
	13		17		3
Fourth Year
Fall	Hours	Spring	Hours
PATH 450	3	PATH 403	1
PATH 420	3	PATH 475	3
PATH 430	3	PATH 421	3
PATH 480	2	PATH 451	3
PATH 465	2	PATH 431	3
		PATH 441	3
		PATH 401	1
		PATH 481	1
	13		18
Total credit hours: 120

Major Learning Outcomes

Medical Laboratory Science

The mission of the medical laboratory science major at West Virginia University is to provide a high-quality education culminating in a Bachelor of Science degree that prepares laboratory professionals for their roles as members of the healthcare team in an environment of rapidly changing technology.

The goals of the program are to provide:

a program in medical laboratory science which meets the academic standards of the University;
Clinical Laboratory Scientists and Histotechnologists for medical (both urban and rural) laboratories, public health laboratories, research laboratories, and industry;
an educational background which enables graduates to assume teaching and supervisory positions;
an education background acceptable for graduate work in the sciences.

Progression Requirements

Junior Year

Students must maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.5 throughout the program. Failure to maintain at least a 2.5 GPA (cumulative and science) may result in disciplinary sanctions. The Academic and Professional Standards Committee must recommend any student for advancement to the senior year. A satisfactory GPA does not ensure advancement.

Senior Year

Students receive didactic and clinical instruction during the senior year which includes summer, fall, and spring semesters. Students must maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.5 (cumulative and science) for each semester of the senior year.

Graduation requires satisfactory completion of all academic work and the recommendation of the faculty of the School of Medicine. All first degree students are required to complete a total of 120 semester hours for the BS in Medical Laboratory Science degree. Any competencies not completed must be made up by the end of the school year (mid-May) or graduation may be delayed. Graduation is not dependent upon passing a national certification examination.

PATH 100. Medical Laboratory Science. 1 Hour.

Introduction to the profession of medical laboratory science and medical laboratory specialties. (Pass/Fail grading only).

PATH 101. Medical Laboratory Science 2. 1 Hour.

Continuation of PATH 100. (Pass/Fail grading only).

PATH 191. First-Year Seminar. 1-3 Hours.

Engages students in active learning strategies that enable effective transition to college life at WVU. Students will explore school, college and university programs, policies and services relevant to academic success. Provides active learning activities that enable effective transition to the academic environment. Students examine school, college and university programs, policies and services.

PATH 200. Medical Terminology. 3 Hours.

General medical terminology with emphasis on clinical and anatomic pathology terminology.

PATH 201. Basic Medical Laboratory Science. 1 Hour.

Basic techniques for the medical science laboratory and current issues related to the medical laboratory science profession. (Pass/Fail grading only).

PATH 300. Introduction to Pathology. 3 Hours.

A study of principles and processes of pathology from cellular to system, including etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical features of representative or commonly occurring disorders and diseases.

PATH 301. Basic Pathology. 2 Hours.

PR: Enrollment in dental hygiene or physical therapy, or consent. A study of the basic pathologic processes in man.

PATH 302. Oral Pathology. 3 Hours.

PR: PATH 301, and dental hygiene major, or consent. Application of fundamental knowledge of general pathology to pathological conditions that occur in the oral cavity.

PATH 303. Clinical Lab Applications. 2 Hours.

Lectures and laboratory experience on laboratory safety, measurement, use and maintenance of laboratory equipment, preparation, and storage of reagents and solutions, and basic laboratory techniques.

PATH 304. Histotechnology Microanatomy. 3 Hours.

Microscopic identification of the morphology of human cells, tissues and organ systems with relationship to structure and function.

PATH 305. Staining Techniques 1. 4 Hours.

A lecture and laboratory course focusing on the theory and methodology of routine and special staining and the basic principles, components and use of instruments in the histopathology laboratory.

PATH 306. Histotechnique 1. 3 Hours.

A lecture and laboratory course focusing on the principles and theories of routine histologic techniques and the basic principles, components and use of instruments in the histopathology laboratory.

PATH 310. Clinical Laboratory Mycology. 1 Hour.

How to isolate and identify the more commonly encountered pathogenic fungi as well as those fungi frequently seen as laboratory contaminants. The course will include basic taxonomy, isolation procedures, and identifying characteristics.

PATH 320. Basic Clinical Biochemistry. 3 Hours.

Introduction to basic biochemistry and human metabolism of amino acids, proteins, enzymes, carbohydrates, liquids, and nucleotides. Molecular biology and applications to the clinical laboratory are included.

PATH 323. Medical Microbiology Lab. 2 Hours.

PR: MICB 200. (For medical laboratory science students; other students with consent.) Emphasis is on clinical laboratory techniques and laboratory identification of pathogenic microorganisms.

PATH 329. Clinical Chemistry 1. 2 Hours.

Lectures in clinical chemistry analysis, clinical significance, clinical instrumentation, and implications of diagnosis.

PATH 340. Introduction to Hematology. 3 Hours.

Lectures and laboratory sessions to cover structure, morphology, and function of the cells of the blood, bone marrow and body fluids, with an overview of hematologic abnormalities.

PATH 380. Introduction to Immunology. 1 Hour.

Lectures in basic immunology, with emphasis on its structure and function. antigens, antibodies, and complement will be discussed and related to immune disorders and simple immunological tests.

PATH 381. Research and Educational Methodology. 2 Hours.

Lectures in ethics, techniques of research, and techniques of educational methodology for medical laboratory science students.

PATH 401. Phlebotomy. 1 Hour.

PR: PATH 303. Clinical laboratory practice, including venipuncture, finger sticks, and heel sticks; isolation, universal precautions and other safety techniques are included.

PATH 403. Community Service Practicum. 1 Hour.

PR: Senior year in medical laboratory science. Students will participate in approved community service activities. (Grading will be pass /fail.).

PATH 405. Staining Techniques 2. 4 Hours.

PR: PATH 305. A lecture and laboratory course focusing on the theory and methodology of immunohistochemistry.

PATH 406. Histotechnique 2. 3 Hours.

PR: PATH 306. A lecture and laboratory course focusing on the principles and theories of routine and advanced histologic techniques and the basic principles, components and use of instruments in the histopathology laboratory.

PATH 407. Histology Laboratory. 8 Hours.

This course consists of rotations in clinical and research histopathology.

PATH 408. Histotechnologist Practicum. 10 Hours.

Students will utilize their knowledge in routine and advanced histological techniques in a clinical setting.

PATH 409. Molecular Pathology for Laboratory Professionals. 2 Hours.

This course will provide students with an overview of the principles and applications of molecular techniques in pathology. A review of molecular and cancer biology will be included, and molecular pathways and biomarkers will be discussed with correlation to cancer types.

PATH 420. Immunology and Blood Banking. 3 Hours.

Lectures on immunohematology and blood banking theory and practice.

PATH 421. Immunohematology and Blood Banking Laboratory. 3 Hours.

Clinical laboratory practice in blood banking procedures. Emphasis on procedures required for collection and preparation of blood and blood components for transfusion, special techniques, antibody studies, and problem solving.

PATH 430. Clinical Chemistry 2. 3 Hours.

PR: MTEC 329 or PATH 329. Continuation of PATH 329, includes laboratory practice in methods of measurement.

PATH 431. Clinical Chemistry Laboratory. 3 Hours.

PR: PATH 329 and PATH 420. Application of clinical chemistry principles to laboratory medicine, to include routine and specialized procedures, specimen and result evaluation, and problem solving.

PATH 440. Clinical Hematology. 3 Hours.

Lectures in hematologic theory and practice, including coagulation and body fluids laboratory.

PATH 441. Clinical Hematology Laboratory. 3 Hours.

Application of hematological principles to laboratory medicine, including coagulation, urinalysis, and body fluids. Emphasis on routine and specialized procedures, evaluations, and problem solving.

PATH 450. Clinical Microbiology. 3 Hours.

Presentation and discussion of methodologies employed in the processing of clinical microbiology specimens, isolation, and identification of clinically significant microorganisms, and determination of antimicrobial susceptibilities with laboratory.

PATH 451. Clinical Microbiology Laboratory. 3 Hours.

Practice in the clinical microbiology laboratory to include isolation and identification of microorganisms, processing of specimens and antibiograms.

PATH 465. Medical Laboratory Management. 2 Hours.

Laboratory organization and principles of laboratory management.

PATH 470. Clinical Microscopy. 1 Hour.

The analysis of body fluids (urine, fluids, etc.) for abnormalities.

PATH 472. Urinalysis and Body Fluids Laboratory. 1 Hour.

PR OR CONC: PATH 470 or Consent. Clinical Laboratory principles and procedures used in analysis of urine and body fluids.

PATH 475. Medical Relevance. 3 Hours.

Case studies of pathologic entities encountered in the medical laboratory and a review of medical laboratory science. Student will complete and give an oral presentation of the Capstone experience and pass a comprehensive examination.

PATH 480. Clinical Immunology. 2 Hours.

PR: Open only to MLS majors. Lectures in principles of immunological and serological procedures, immunological diseases, and significance of laboratory methods for diagnosis.

PATH 481. Clinical Immunology Laboratory. 1 Hour.

Clinical laboratory practice in immunological procedures. Emphasis on basic serological techniques, protein analysis, molecular methods, and tissue typing.

PATH 490. Teaching Practicum. 1-3 Hours.

PR: Consent. Teaching practice as a tutor or assistant.

PATH 491. Professional Field Experience. 1-18 Hours.

PR: Consent. (May be repeated up to a maximum of 18 hours.) Prearranged experiential learning program, to be planned, supervised, and evaluated for credit by faculty and field supervisors. Involves temporary placement with public or private enterprise for professional competence development.

PATH 493. Special Topics. 1-6 Hours.