Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost
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2023-2024

Pre-Medical Laboratory Sciences

College of Humanities and Sciences

 
Program description

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.

Career opportunities

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.

Change of major requirements

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.


Bachelor-level job titles
  • Health Educator
  • Medical Laboratory Scientist
  • MLS(ASCP)/Medical Technologist
  • Occupational Health and Safety Technician
  • Quality Control Analyst
Graduate and professional level job titles
  • Laboratory Manager
  • Laboratory Supervisor
  • Lead Scientist Microbiologist
  • Molecular and Cellular Biologist
Degree requirements in Bulletin
Highest level of math required
  • MATH 151
Science required
  • 5+ additional science courses
Foreign language requirements
  • No
Additional tuition/fees
  • Yes
GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)
  • 2.5
Department name:
University Academic Advising
Building/room location:
Hibbs Hall, First Floor
Phone:
(804) 827-8648
Email:
prehealthadv@vcu.edu
Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):
Monroe Park

Major map compass icon
Major map

Explore
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning for your first year, and to discuss tutoring, course electives, and degree progression.
  • Go to a Lunch & Learn Workshop with Pre-Health Advising to learn more about the program and meet students and faculty in the department.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers in your field of study.
  • Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor.
  • Explore Career Pathways for Healthcare on Career Services’ website.
  • Build a LinkedIn profile with Career Services, connect to at least 10 people, and check out the VCU alumni page.

Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Make sure you are registered for or have already taken CHEM 101 and CHEZ 101, MATH 151, and CLLS 201.
  • Explore admission requirements for other medical laboratory sciences programs throughout Virginia.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Apply to the Medical Laboratory Sciences program by the March 15th deadline! Discuss all components of the application with your advisor.
  • Go to your professors’ “Office Hours” to discuss research interests, picking classes in your major, and strategies for success in your degree program.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
  • Consider leadership in an organization that supports work you care about.
  • Create and complete a community-engaged research project.
  • Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions.
  • Apply for I-LEAD Connect, Alternative Spring Break, and other leadership and service events through University Student Commons and Activities.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Excel
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Make sure you complete a minimum of 60 credit hours for entrance into the program and reference the bulletin for all requirements.
  • Obtain a passing grade in all courses, with no more than one course grade of D.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Go to a professional conference, such as ASCLS. 
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Make a list of your skills and prepare to articulate them to the Medical Laboratory Sciences department on a resume and in an interview.
  • Have your application reviewed and participate in a mock interview at VCU Career Services.
Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost
Major map compass icon
2023-2024

Pre-Medical Laboratory Sciences

College of Humanities and Sciences

Concentration(s):
No concentration
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
Explore Semester 1
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning for your first year, and to discuss tutoring, course electives, and degree progression.
  • Go to a Lunch & Learn Workshop with Pre-Health Advising to learn more about the program and meet students and faculty in the department.
  • Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers in your field of study.
  • Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor.
  • Explore Career Pathways for Healthcare on Career Services’ website.
  • Build a LinkedIn profile with Career Services, connect to at least 10 people, and check out the VCU alumni page.
Experience Semester 2
  • Make sure you are registered for or have already taken CHEM 101 and CHEZ 101, MATH 151, and CLLS 201.
  • Explore admission requirements for other medical laboratory sciences programs throughout Virginia.
Semester 3
  • Apply to the Medical Laboratory Sciences program by the March 15th deadline! Discuss all components of the application with your advisor.
  • Go to your professors’ “Office Hours” to discuss research interests, picking classes in your major, and strategies for success in your degree program.
  • Consider leadership in an organization that supports work you care about.
  • Create and complete a community-engaged research project.
  • Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions.
  • Apply for I-LEAD Connect, Alternative Spring Break, and other leadership and service events through University Student Commons and Activities.
Excel Semester 4
  • Make sure you complete a minimum of 60 credit hours for entrance into the program and reference the bulletin for all requirements.
  • Obtain a passing grade in all courses, with no more than one course grade of D.
  • Go to a professional conference, such as ASCLS. 
  • Make a list of your skills and prepare to articulate them to the Medical Laboratory Sciences department on a resume and in an interview.
  • Have your application reviewed and participate in a mock interview at VCU Career Services.