Major Maps

Students in the pre-health major in Medical Laboratory Sciences must complete the two-year program requirements (a total minimum of 60 credits) for application to the Bachelor of Science degree program in Medical Laboratory Sciences offered by the VCU College of Health Professions. Students must apply for entrance to the Medical Laboratory Sciences program during the spring semester preceding desired fall admission. All prerequisite coursework must be completed by the summer preceding desired fall admission. For example, if a student desired a Fall 2023 admission to the program, their application would be completed spring of 2023, and all prerequisite coursework would be completed by summer of 2023.

Completion of the pre-health major in Medical Laboratory Sciences does not guarantee admission to the B.S. in Medical Laboratory Sciences nor does it result in a college degree. Students must be admitted to and complete the baccalaureate program. Admission into the program is based on scholastic record, demonstrated aptitude and interest, and a personal interview conducted by the departmental admissions committee. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with a UAA pre-health major academic adviser to learn about admission requirements that are specific to the program and to speak about alternate/parallel majors. For more information about the admission requirements for the B.S. in Medical Laboratory Sciences, visit the department’s website.

Medical laboratory scientists/ medical technologists perform laboratory testing in various settings to diagnose, monitor and treat diseases. Most medical laboratory personnel work in hospital laboratories. Many are also employed by private physicians, medical groups, public health and environmental laboratories, research facilities, pharmaceutical and biomedical companies, universities, industrial medical laboratories, molecular diagnostic laboratories and the armed forces. On the job, you would:

• Conduct analysis of body fluids, such as blood or urine, using microscopes, automated instruments, and manual techniques to detect abnormalities or diseases.
• Analyze the results of tests or experiments to ensure conformity to specifications, and high quality test results, using special mechanical or electrical devices.
• Set up, maintain, calibrate, clean, and test sterility of medical laboratory equipment.

With a Master's or Doctoral Degree, you could also manage a medical laboratory, perform clinical and translational research, or teach Medical Laboratory Science courses in a postsecondary environment.

Current VCU students who wish to change their major to the pre-health major in medical laboratory sciences must meet the following criteria to be considered for the major: Minimum GPA of 2.5. No more than 75 credits completed.

Students who do not meet these requirements may see a pre-health adviser, but they will be referred for programming and not assigned to an adviser.