Medical Laboratory Sciences post-baccalaureate Diploma (M.L.S.)

Overview

The Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS) post-baccalaureate diploma is designed to give students the skills and competencies required to become a Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT) and contribute to patient care in a diagnostic laboratory setting. Hospital laboratories are run by MLTs who are trained to perform laboratory tests and report out results to clinicians who will use them for managing patient care. Seventy percent of patient care decisions are based on the results of lab tests that MLTs provide. This career provides an opportunity for students to have a very important role in healthcare and graduates will practice a wide range of clinical, lab-based specialties. This career provides a wide range of leadership opportunities and diverse career opportunities and the MLS program at McMaster will prepare its graduates to take these on.

Admission

Enrolment in this program is limited and possession of the published minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Admission is by selection.

Selection will be based on academic achievement, a written statement of interest and an interview but requires, as a minimum, submission of an online application by the stated deadline, completion of a University or College Degree with a Grade Point Average of at least 3.3 (on a 4.0 point scale) or 9.0 on the McMaster 12-point scale or 75% overall average, or equivalent. Applicants must have the necessary prerequisites of successful completion of university or college level courses in math (statistics, calculus, algebra or equivalent), introductory chemistry, cell biology, and biochemistry. Immunology training and laboratory experience are assets. We aim to enroll a diverse group of students with a breadth of lived experiences. 

Refer to the “Apply” tab on the Pathology and Molecular Medicine Medical Laboratory Sciences Diploma website (to be created) for further information and important dates and deadlines.

Program Notes

1. This is a 2 year program which runs through the Spring/Summer Term to prepare students to write MLT licensing examinations at an accelerated rate.
2. Students may have an opportunity to work as externs during the program.
3. Students will be required to complete both parts of the Laboratory Medicine Microcredential asynchronously during their training before the diploma will be considered complete.

Requirements

72 units total (Levels I & II & MLS Microcredential I & II)