We're the oldest baccalaureate medical laboratory educational program in the U.S.

Our Academic Focus

The University of Minnesota’s Medical Laboratory Sciences program is the oldest baccalaureate medical laboratory educational program in the United States, having begun in 1922 with the first student graduating in 1923.

Our academic focus teaches students to analyze blood and body fluids such as bone marrow, joint fluids and tissue samples, identify infectious organisms, monitor patients’ overall health and treatment, and detect disease.

Career Options

Medical Laboratory Scientists, also known as clinical laboratory scientists or medical technologists, are the individuals who perform complex testing in laboratories requiring advanced technical skills and problem solving abilities. MLS practitioners work in a variety of laboratory settings including hospitals, clinics and doctor's offices as well as research, forensic, and reference laboratories. 

The BS degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences is an excellent foundation for students continuing their education in professional schools such as medical, dental, veterinary, and pharmacy schools or masters or doctoral degrees in biology, chemistry, molecular diagnostics, public health and more.

Our graduates are in high demand with over 95% obtaining employment within 6 months of graduation.  With the high demand for our graduates and the wide variety of career options, this degree is an excellent choice for students interested in a health science career.

Other Career Pathways