Medical Laboratory Science professionals are highly skilled scientists who discover the presence or absence of disease and provide data that help physicians determine the best treatment for the patient. Laboratory technologists and technicians play a crucial role in the process of providing personalized care. They generate vitally important data for identifying and treating cancer, heart disease, diabetes and many other health conditions.

Medical Laboratory Science professionals examine and analyze body fluids, tissues, and cells to identify bacteria, parasites, and other microorganisms. They analyze the chemical constituents of body fluids, cross-match donor blood for transfusions, and test blood for drug levels to measure the efficacy of particular treatments. They also evaluate test results for accuracy and help interpret them for the physician. Every day, new advances in medical and scientific technology are creating more challenges and job opportunities in clinical laboratory settings, generating demand for Medical Laboratory Science professionals.

The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Allied Health Sciences Medical Laboratory Sciences program is a university based 2+2 program, offering the student a Baccalaureate Degree in Medical Laboratory Science within one of the three optional areas of special emphasis.

The Standard Option prepares a student for a career primarily in a clinical setting such as a hospital, physician's office, laboratory or a reference laboratory. The Pre-Medicine Option is for students pursing a graduate medical education through medical school, osteopathic school, veterinary school, or research graduate programs. The Pre-Physician Assistant Option is for students pursuing a graduate education in Physician Assistant studies.

Pre-Medical Laboratory Science is an academic designation at Texas Tech University; it is not a degree-granting major. As Pre-Medical Laboratory Science students prepare to apply to MLS programs, they are typically not required to also complete a bachelors degree. They do, however, have the option to major in any area they choose as long as they take the prerequisite courses required to enter a MLS program along with the courses necessary to complete a degree at Texas Tech University.

Regardless of whether or not a Pre-MLS student chooses a degree-granting major at Texas Tech or they remain in the designation, they will always have a PPHC Advisor on their team. If you have any questions whatsoever about being Pre-MLS, contact your assigned PPHC Advisor today!

Prerequisite courses for the TTUHSC School of Health Professions Medical Laboratory Science Program:

• Recommended Social or Behavioral Sciences courses include courses in the Anthropology, Human Development and Family Studies, Psychology, and/or Sociology fields.

• Recommended Social or Behavioral Sciences courses include courses in the Anthropology, Human Development and Family Studies, Psychology, and/or Sociology fields.

• Recommended Social or Behavioral Sciences courses include courses in the Anthropology, Human Development and Family Studies, Psychology, and/or Sociology fields.

PPHC Advisors have created a year-by-year PDF guide to being Pre-MLS (Standard Option).

PPHC Advisors have created a year-by-year PDF guide to being Pre-MLS (Pre-Medicine Option).

PPHC Advisors have created a year-by-year PDF guide to being Pre-MLS (Pre-Physician Assistant Option).

MLS Programs

To learn more about professional degree programs in clinical/medical lab sciences both in Texas and elsewhere, please visit the National Accreditation Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) directory here.