Technical Standards

The VCU Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences is responsible for providing education without regard to disability while assuring that academic and technical standards are met. Academic standards are met by successfully completing the Bachelor of Science Degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS). Technical standards represent the essential non-academic requirements that a student must demonstrate to successfully participate in the MLS degree program. Applicants should possess the following essential technical abilities and skills, with or without reasonable accommodations, for admission consideration:

1. Manual dexterity: Ability to use hand(s) or prosthetic devices with coordination.
2. Fine motor: Ability to manipulate small objects with fingertips or adaptive devices.
3. Mobility: Ability to maneuver in the laboratory, around instruments, and in patient-care settings.
4. Vision: Ability to distinguish green, red, yellow, and blue colors; to distinguish clear from cloudy; and to distinguish objects through a microscope.
5. Hearing: Ability to hear with assistive devices (i.e. phone receivers, hearing aid, etc.)
6. Speech: Ability to verbally communicate in English.
7. Writing: Ability to communicate effectively in written form in English.
8. Reading: Ability to read, understand, and following directions printed in English.
9. Emotional and physical stability: Ability to work accurately and safely under stress, adapt to changing environments, and prioritize tasks.
10. Personal attributes: Must demonstrate integrity, responsibility, tolerance, and respect.