Biomedical Sciences: Medical Laboratory Science

BS

Medical tests are critical to the accurate detection, diagnosis and treatment of diseases, and so are the scientists who analyze and interpret those tests in the lab. If you enjoy science and its practical application, particularly in health care or related research, a degree in biomedical sciences could be for you.

With the medical laboratory sciences degree, you can be part of a wide variety of continually changing, dynamic professions, all with good long-term career prospects.

• The excellence of the Medical Laboratory Science program has been recognized and is ranked in the top 15 programs in the country.
• You’ll gain a strong science background, professional management skills and technical expertise, all of which you can put to practice in our modern laboratory facilities.
• Our graduate scores on the national certification exam are above the national average.
• Our graduates quickly find employment upon graduation.

Employment Outlook

Learn more about career opportunities in laboratory science at: laboratorysciencecareers.com

Earnings

The median annual wage for medical and clinical laboratory technologists and technicians was $53,120 in May 2019. The lowest 10% earned less than $30,920, and the highest 10% earned more than $81,530.

In June 2019, the Wisconsin annual mean wage was $62,240.

Expected Growth

Employment of medical laboratory technologists is projected to grow 7% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.

An increase in the aging population is expected to lead to a greater need to diagnose medical conditions, such as cancer or Type 2 diabetes, through laboratory procedures.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians.

Related Programs

• Biomedical Sciences: Health Sciences Degree Completion Program, BS
• Biomedical Sciences: Health Sciences UW Flexible Option Program, BS
• Biomedical Sciences, MS
• Health Science, PhD

Admission Criteria

You will complete 12 months of practical training during your senior year.

Practical training takes place at an assigned clinical site and is offered through the combined resources of UWM and our clinical affiliates.

The summer semester consists of 10 weeks of classes at UWM. Lectures by faculty and staff are given on campus on Wednesday afternoons. The average instructional time for this program is approximately 40 hours a week, including time spent on campus and practical work in the clinical site.

Entry into the professional course of study is competitive and dependent upon:

1. Completion of UWM’s General Education Requirements (GER).
2. A cumulative UWM minimum grade point average of 2.50.
3. A cumulative minimum grade point average of 2.50 in specific, required science courses.
4. Earning a grade of ‘C’ or better in all junior-level science courses.
5. Completion of all required courses and electives (86 credits) through the second semester of junior year.

PLEASE NOTE: The program will attempt to place all students who meet the above criteria, but cannot guarantee that every student will be placed in a clinical rotation. The number of students placed in clinical rotations depends on the number of clinical positions available. Students with the highest science GPA will be given first priority. You will be contacted regarding your eligibility for clinical placement prior to the start of the spring semester of your junior year.

In the event that more clinical positions are available than students requesting placement, a student with a GPA between 2.0 and 2.5 may be conditionally accepted for a clinical rotation. Each student will be reviewed on an individual basis and must have approval from the biomedical sciences faculty and the clinical education coordinator(s).

To remain eligible to continue in the professional training, you must earn a grade of ‘C’ or better in all senior-level courses. You must be prepared for full-time study (40 hours per week) that could also require additional study time at night and on weekends.

Application Process

You need to complete the following steps in the medical laboratory sciences degree application process:

1. Complete the application (PDF) and return it by Dec. 1 of your junior year to:
   Department of Biomedical Sciences Program Office
   College of Health Sciences
   University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
   Enderis Hall, Room 411
   Milwaukee, WI 53201
2. Submit an autobiography, along with your application, describing yourself and your accomplishments. Text should be one-page, double-spaced on 8.5 x 11” paper and include:
   • Your work experience, including any in health care
   • Your reasons for choosing the biomedical sciences as your profession
   • Your future goals

Review Of Applicants

The College of Health Sciences Office of Student Affairs, together with the Department of Biomedical Sciences undergraduate program director, will review all application files for the medical laboratory Sciences degree program in January to verify that the admission criteria have been satisfied and the files are complete.

Letters of acceptance or rejection will be sent to all applicants prior to spring semester.

*You must achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.500 in these required science courses for the medical technology degree program.

**Strongly recommended but not required for graduation.

General Education Requirements (GERs)

Learn more about UWM’s General Education Requirements

Freshman Year

Fall Semester

Spring Semester

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester

Spring Semester

Junior Year

Fall Semester

Spring Semester

Senior Year

Summer Semester – Professional Training

Fall Semester – Professional Training

Spring Semester – Professional Training

To schedule an advising appointment, call 414-229-5047 or visit Cunningham Hall, Room 135.

You can also see the name of your advisor and contact them directly by accessing your student center in PAWS.