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
VCU students open Hopewell grade schoolers’ eyes to science at STEAM Day
On their first day of spring break, VCU science, technology, engineering, arts and math students showed off science experiments to students at Patrick Copeland Elementary School.
Antimicrobial wipes in health care: how effective are they?
Melissa Jamerson, Ph.D., Jenica L. Harrison, Ph.D., and Lisa Perkins, all of the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, are part of a team that is testing the effectiveness of antimicrobial wipes in the health care setting as well as in the educational laboratory environment.