About the MMLS Program
What is Medical Laboratory Science? |
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Medical Laboratory Scientists are important health care providers that perform laboratory analyses used in the diagnosis and treatment of disease and maintenance of health. Because of the demands of this career, Medical Laboratory Scientists receive extensive education and training using biomedical analyses and complex instrumentation. Medical Laboratory Scientists typically receive their degrees in Microbiology, Biology or Biochemistry. |
Is this the career for me? |
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Is “science” considered one of your strengths? Have you thought about going into the medical field, but didn’t think nursing or medical school was for you? Are you looking for a career that is exciting, rewarding, and always evolving? Medical Laboratory Science is a multi-dimensional field that requires a sharp mind, willingness to help others, and continuous learning. While most Medical Laboratory Scientists work in hospital laboratories, many are employed in clinics, physician offices, commercial laboratories, research facilities, veterinary clinics, public health facilities, criminology/forensic laboratories, the armed forces, clinical research labs and the Peace Corps. |
Medical Laboratory Scientists are trained in four main areas of a medical laboratory: |
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Microbiology Blood Banking (Immunohematology) Clinical Chemistry Hematology |
What is the Montana Medical Lab Science Program? |
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The Montana Medical Laboratory Science (MMLS) Professional program was developed in 2008 as the result of Workforce Development funds becoming available through the Montana State Legislature. In addition to the grant from the state, many Montana hospitals also contributed money, equipment, and time to help make the program possible. The program has helped to alleviate the critical need for medical laboratory scientists in the state of Montana, especially in rural communities. The program accepts students from MSU, University of Montana, and Montana State University-Billings. The program is also accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS). Key Aspects of the MMLS Program:
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How long does this program take? |
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In the 3+1 (Plan A Option) Students can be career ready in 4 years.
If accepted into the MMLS Professional Program the fourth year consists of a year-long clinical training program which includes a summer semester at MSU-Bozeman and two semesters in a Montana hospital. At the satisfactory conclusion of their clinical year, students will receive their diploma as well as a certificate of completion. 4+1 (Plan B Option) Students can also apply for acceptance to the MMLS program after they have received a degree as long as prerequisite preparatory course has been obtained (see next box). Students with degrees also have the option of attending clinical training in other accredited programs across the nation. At the successful completion of the MMLS Professional Program students are eligible to take a national registry exam to become a certified Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) which qualifies them to obtain a license and work in Montana laboratories or other clinical laboratories in the nation. There is a very high demand for new Medical Laboratory Scientists in Montana and elsewhere so this career provides many employment opportunities in a large range of settings. |
What kind of Prerequisites are Required for Training Programs? |
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Typical courses required by internship programs:
Strongly recommended electives:
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What kind of tuition and fees can I expect? |
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The three universities who send students to this program are Montana State University,Montana State University – Billings and University of Montana and you must be a student at one of these universities while attending the program. The MMLS Professional Program is a tuition based program. Over three semesters you take 37 credits and you continue to pay tuition to your home institution. You also will pay an addition laboratory fee (>$1,000/semester) for each of the three semesters. |
How do I apply? |
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Visit our Application Information page for further details on entry qualifications and the application process. |
Additional Questions? |
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Please contact us: Kay Rasmussen, MMLS Interim Director,Kay Rasmussen. |
Kati Visser, MMLS Associate Director, (406) 994-5664 kati.visser@montana.edu |