Become an Integral Part of the Healthcare Team
What is a Medical Laboratory Scientist?
Using microscopes, specialized staining techniques, chemical analyses and highly sophisticated precision instruments, medical laboratory scientists are vital healthcare detectives that perform tests on the fluids, cells and tissues of the human body. They uncover medical mysteries and provide data to physicians that is used for important medical decisions including interpreting the patient's symptoms, monitoring treatment, researching the causes of diseases and developing new methods for treatment and diagnosis.
VCU Program Offerings
- Can be completed in just over two years
- Start in the fall, spring or summer semester
- Financial Aid available
- Prepares students for ASCP MLS certification exam
Student Success Stories
"The professors were extremely dedicated to ensuring that we were learning what was needed in order to make us competitive for our job market. I would absolutely, wholeheartedly recommend the College of Health Professions to potential students. It is the foundation of who I am and how I was able to obtain the accomplishments that I have currently."
Career Opportunities
- Clinical supervisor
- Forensics
- Medical laboratory management
- Technical specialist
- Laboratory information specialist
- Research and development
- Pharmaceutical representative
3-year average ASCP Board Certification pass rate
median annual salary for medical laboratory scientists
of students graduate with a job in healthcare
Featured news
College of Health Professions distance learning programs reflect commitment to education, health care access for rural communities
For more than a decade, CHP has been delivering healthcare education at distance learning sites across Virginia, including Abingdon, Roanoke and Northern Virginia.
What to know about waterborne pathogens
Melissa Jamerson discusses how to avoid waterborne infections this summer with VCU Health and ABC 8NEWS.
Seven VCU undergraduate students earn federal Gilman scholarships to study abroad this year
Congratulations to Aseel Packry, a sophomore Honors College student who is majoring in medical laboratory sciences in the College of Health Professions, for being awarded the Gilman Scholarship.