Medical Laboratory Science is a one-year training program for students with a bachelor's degree in science (4+1) or students currently enrolled in a medical laboratory science or medical technology degree program (3+1)
The mission of the program is to provide a quality, comprehensive education, to prepare skilled, competent laboratory scientists, meeting the needs of the institution and the profession.
Students who successfully complete all course work are awarded a certificate of completion from Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Temple and are eligible for the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification examination.
Course credits for students from the program's six affiliated universities are transferred to the university for credit toward a bachelor of science degree in medical laboratory science or medical technology. Graduation from the program is not contingent upon passing any external certifying exam.
We accept up to 10 students per site in August and January.
Our program is affiliated with:
- Louisiana Tech University
- Midwestern State University
- University of Texas at Austin
- University of North Texas
- St. Edwards University
- Texas Woman's University
Available sites located in Temple and Dallas with classes starting in August and January
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Temple, Texas
Baylor University Medical Center - Dallas, Texas
Accreditation
The Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Temple Program in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).
For more information on NAACLS, contact:
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
5600 N. River Road
Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018-5119
Phone: 773.714.8880
Fax: 773.714.8886
About Medical Laboratory Science
Medical laboratory scientists play a vital role on the health care team, working with pathologists and clinicians to provide quality patient care. It has been estimated that 60 to 70 percent of all critical decisions regarding a patient's diagnosis and treatment are based on laboratory test results.
Medical laboratory science is a gratifying career. The profession combines the rewards and challenges of both medicine and science. The opportunities for a board certified medical laboratory scientist are on the forefront of precision medicine.
Most medical laboratory scientists are employed by hospital or clinic laboratories, but others use their knowledge and skills in research, industry, marketing, public health, information systems, bioinformatics, education, laboratory management or as consultants.
Tests performed by medical laboratory scientists require skill, knowledge, and problem-solving. Medical laboratory scientists identify disease-causing microorganisms, abnormalities in blood cells and blood chemistries and are also responsible for the operation and maintenance of complex instruments.
Employment and salary
Graduates of medical laboratory science programs generally gain employment within 3 months. Medical laboratory scientists are currently in high demand throughout the United States. One hundred percent of our graduates have reported obtaining a job within three months of graduation for the last three years.
A 2022 survey by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the mean salary for medical laboratory scientists in Texas was $26.34/hr or $54.790/yr.
Outcomes
| Outcome Measures | Target benchmark | 2020 - 2021 | 2021- 2022 | 2022 - 2023 | 3-year cumulative average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certification Pass Rate within 1 year of graduation | ≥75.0%* | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Graduation Rate for those beginning Phase II of program | ≥70.0%* | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Attrition Rate for those beginning Phase II of the program | ≤30.0%* | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Job placement/pursuing further education rate within 1 year of graduation | ≥70.0%* | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
*NAACLS required benchmark
Student handbook
Each student is required to read the entire Student Handbook, sign the last page, and return it to the program staff no later than one week after beginning classes.
Curriculum
Program overview
The program's curriculum not only provides the student with the fundamentals necessary for entry into the profession, but also provides the student with the knowledge and skills to function as a leader in an expansive and ever-changing profession.
The program is a one-year intensive course-of-study in all aspects of Medical Laboratory Science. The curriculum is divided into two phases. Classes begin at the end of August and graduation is usually the second week of August.
There are a number of reasons why you should choose the Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Temple Program in Medical Laboratory Science for your career preparation:
- Quality education experience
- Diverse patient population
- Experience with a variety of diagnostic technologies
- Advanced laboratories
- Varied medical laboratory experiences
- Dedicated program staff and faculty
- One-on-one clinical instruction
- Textbooks, education materials and supplies provided by the program
- Dedicated classroom and student laboratory facilities
Phase I
Phase I, lasting 17 weeks, prepares the student for clinical rotations by providing the necessary background information and basic skills for the clinical rotations (practicum). Phase I is didactic and includes lectures and student laboratory practice. Student-to-instructor ratio is 8:1 for lecture and student lab.
Areas of study include:
- Bacteriology
- Blood Bank
- Body Fluids
- Clinical Chemistry
- Hematology/Hemostasis
- Immunology
- Molecular
- Mycology/Virology/Parasitology
Phase II
Phase II, lasting 32 weeks, encompasses the clinical rotations and two additional courses: Management & Education and Research & Clinical Correlations.
Clinical rotation courses include:
- Blood Bank
- Clinical Chemistry
- Hematology/Hemostasis
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Molecular
- Phlebotomy
- Urinalysis
Students rotate at the Baylor Scott & White Health Laboratories in Temple, Round Rock, Waco, and Dallas and at the program’s clinical affiliates, Central Texas Veteran’s Heath Care System and Quest Diagnostics. Listed below are the BSWH clinical rotation sites:
Central Texas:
- Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Templo
- Baylor Scott & White McLane Children’s Medical Center
- Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Hillcrest
- Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Round Rock
North Texas:
- Baylor University Medical Center – Dallas
- Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Grapevine
- Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Centennial
- Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Irving
- Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Plano
- Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital - Plano
How to apply
Application forms can be emailed to Shelby.Johnson2@BSWHealth.org
In addition to the application, candidates must submit all official transcripts and three recommendation forms. All recommendation forms must be received by the time of the interview. A letter of recommendation may be submitted in addition to, but not in place of, the required form. Two recommendation forms should be from academic sources; the remaining form should be from a professional source.
Transcripts do not have to include fall grades at the time of the initial application but must be received no later than the day of the interview.
Program cost
There is a $600 non-refundable administrative fee that is charged for the program. Books, course handbooks and personal protective equipment are provided at no cost.
Application deadlines and interview dates
- Deadline for application for the August-August class is diciembre 1. The interview date for the August class of 2025 is scheduled for enero 7, 2025.
- Deadline for application for January-December class is mayo 1. The interview date for January class of 2026 is scheduled for junio 3, 2025
Admission to the program is competitive. A maximum of 32 candidates are selected for an interview each year. Additional interview dates may become available if there are more than 16 qualified applicants.
Application and skill requirements
General requirements
Candidates are selected for a personal interview based on the following criteria:
- Bachelor's degree or college/university confirmation that a degree will be received upon completion of the program
- Minimum grade point average of 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale) overall and 2.5 in the sciences; overall GPA and science GPA are based on all college course work, including both initial and repeated course grades. Any grade of D or below in a required course must be repeated.
- Completion of the required prerequisite courses before the start of classes in August
- All applicants selected for the program must submit to a background check and drug screen. Final acceptance is based on a negative screen for illegal drugs and nicotine and no criminal history.
In addition, international students must submit:
- TOEFL scores
- Course-by-course evaluation if submitting transcripts from any university outside of the U.S.
- Not all visa statuses are supported, please contact the MLS program director via email if you have further questions
Course prerequisites
| Biological Science | 15-16 total hours (to include) |
|---|---|
| General Biology* or Anatomy & Physiology * | 8 |
| Microbiology * † | 4 |
| Immunology † | 3-4 |
| Chemistry | 15-16 total hours (to include) |
| Inorganic* or Other Chemistry * | 8 |
| Organic Chemistry * † | 3-4 |
| Quantitative Chemistry * or Biochemistry | 6 total hours (to include) |
| Mathematics | 6 total hours (to include) |
| College Algebra or higher | 3 |
| Statistics | 3 |
| Recommended Electives | 3 to 4 total hours |
| Genetics, Molecular Biology, Parasitology, Virology, Mycology, Instrumental Analysis, Physics, Computer Science, Management, Education or Technical Writing courses. | |
| * Must include a laboratory section | |
| † Must have been completed within the last seven years | |
Essential functions
In addition to fulfilling the academic requirements, students accepted into the program should also be able to:
- Maneuver sufficiently to collect specimens and perform other laboratory tasks in a timely manner
- Communicate effectively and professionally with peers, staff, faculty and patients
- Read and comprehend words, numbers, charts and graphs
- Demonstrate written and oral proficiency in the English language without assistance
- Interpret reactions on slides, plates and in test tubes visually
- Exhibit the manual dexterity necessary to collect blood samples, process specimens, operate laboratory instruments and computers and other aspects of laboratory testing that require hand-eye coordination
- Meet the assigned schedule of didactic and clinical instructors, including transportation to all clinical sites
- Carry or lift objects weighing up to 15 pounds
- Work efficiently under stress to make sound judgments and complete all responsibilities
- Work in an efficient, responsible and organized manner
- Demonstrate ethical judgment, integrity and accountability in the clinical laboratory when dealing with others
- Exercise cooperation, confidentiality and attentiveness at all times
- Correlate, analyze, integrate and apply information in laboratory testing and management
- Successfully complete exams and assignments independently
- Follow verbal and written instructions to correctly perform laboratory procedures
Our faculty and staff
The program staff includes the Medical Director, Program Director and five Program Educators.
Instruction is provided by dedicated and knowledgeable laboratory professionals. Physicians, medical laboratory scientists and other laboratory professionals participate in lectures, student laboratories and one-on-one instruction at the bench. Many faculty members have national reputations and are active in laboratory-related professional organizations.
Directors
Michelle Rodriguez, MD
Laboratory Medical Director (CLIA)
Buda, Marble Falls, Temple and Temple West Campus Precision Diagnostics
Baylor Scott & White Medical Centers
Medical Director, Program in Medical Laboratory Science Baylor Scott & White Medical Center-Temple
Educación
BS, Nursing, University of Texas; MD, University of Texas Medical School at Houston
Shelby Johnson, MIS, MLS (ASCP)CM
NAACLS MLS Program Director, MLS Program Manager
Educación
BS, Medical Laboratory Science, University of North Texas; MIS, Information Systems, Texas A&M University of Central Texas
Instructional Areas
Introduction to Medical Laboratory Science, Clinical Chemistry, Immunology, Molecular Diagnostics, Management & Education, and Research & Clinical Correlations
Educators
Catherine Daddato, MLS(ASCP)CM
MLS Program Educator
Educación
BS, Biology, Stephen F. Austin State University
Instructional areas:
Introduction to Medical Laboratory Science, Hematology, Transfusion Medicine, Management & Education, and Research & Clinical Correlations
Amy Hayford, MBA, MLS (ASCP) SM
MLS Program Educator, Program
Educación
BS, Medical Laboratory Science, Baylor University;
MBA, Tarleton State University
Instructional Areas
Introduction to Medical Laboratory Science, Microbiology, Body Fluids, Management & Education, and Research & Clinical Correlations
Liju Pathisseril, MLS(ASCP)CM
MLS Program Educator
Educación
BS, Biology, Texas Woman’s University; BS, Medical Technology, Tarleton State University
Instructional areas
Introduction to Medical Laboratory Science, Transfusion Medicine, Immunology, Management & Education, and Research & Clinical Correlations
Ashley Sanders, MLS(ASCP)CM
MLS Program Educator
Educación
AAS, Medical Technology, Tarleton State University; BS, Biology, University of Texas at Arlington
Instructional areas
Introduction to Medical Laboratory Science, Clinical Chemistry, Body Fluids, Management & Education, and Research & Clinical Correlations
Zuri Vaughn, MLS(ASCP)CM
MLS Program Educator
Educación
BS, Clinical Laboratory Science, University of Louisiana at Monroe
Instructional areas
Introduction to Medical Laboratory Science, Hematology, Microbiology, Management & Education, and Research & Clinical Correlations
Contáctanos
Shelby Johnson
Director, Medical Laboratory Science
Phone: 254.215.9843
Email: Shelby.Johnson2@BSWHealth.org
Amy Hayford
Program Educator
Phone: 254.215.9835
Email: Amy.Hayford@BSWHealth.org
Program in Medical Laboratory Science
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Templo
2401 S. 31st St.
MS-AR-D160
Templo, tx 76508
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Templo
2401 S. 31st St.
Templo, tx 76508
Working at Baylor Scott & White Health
Life in Temple
Temple uniquely offers a combination of access to big-city conveniences while maintaining a small-town atmosphere.
Nationally recognized specialties and subspecialties
Our extensive network includes specialized centers, institutes and regional clinics and offers a full range of medical expertise.
Why train with BSWH
As the largest not-for-profit health care system in Texas and one of the largest in the United States, Baylor Scott & White serves 41 counties through 54 hospitals, 1000+ patient care sites, 7,300+ active physicians, more than 52,000 employees and the Baylor Scott & White Health Plan.