Medical Laboratory Science is a one-year training program for students with a bachelor's degree in science (4+1) or students currently enrolled in a medical laboratory science degree program (3+1)
 

The mission of the program is to provide a quality, comprehensive education, to prepare skilled, competent laboratory scientists, meeting the needs of the institution and the profession.
 

Students who successfully complete all course work are awarded a certificate of completion from Baylor Scott & White Health and are eligible for the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification examination.
 

Course credits for students from the program's six affiliated universities are transferred to the university for credit toward a bachelor of science degree in medical laboratory science. Graduation from the program is not contingent upon passing any external certifying exam.
 

We accept up to 10 students per site in August.

Our program is affiliated with:

  • Louisiana Tech University
  • Midwestern State University
  • University of Texas at Arlington
  • University of North Texas
  • St. Edwards University
  • Texas Woman's University

 

Available sites located in Temple and Dallas with classes starting in August

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Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Temple, Texas

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Baylor University Medical Center - Dallas, Texas

Accreditation

The Baylor Scott & White Health Program in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).

For more information on NAACLS, contact:

National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
5600 N. River Road
Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018-5119

Phone: 773.714.8880
Fax: 773.714.8886

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About Medical Laboratory Science

Medical laboratory scientists play a vital role on the health care team, working with pathologists and clinicians to provide quality patient care. It has been estimated that 60 to 70 percent of all critical decisions regarding a patient's diagnosis and treatment are based on laboratory test results.

Medical laboratory science is a gratifying career. The profession combines the rewards and challenges of both medicine and science. The opportunities for a board certified medical laboratory scientist are on the forefront of precision medicine.

Most medical laboratory scientists are employed by hospital or clinic laboratories, but others use their knowledge and skills in research, industry, marketing, public health, information systems, bioinformatics, education, laboratory management or as consultants.

Tests performed by medical laboratory scientists require skill, knowledge, and problem-solving. Medical laboratory scientists identify disease-causing microorganisms, abnormalities in blood cells and blood chemistries and are also responsible for the operation and maintenance of complex instruments.

Employment and salary

Graduates of medical laboratory science programs generally gain employment within 3 months. Medical laboratory scientists are currently in high demand throughout the United States. 

A 2023 survey by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the mean salary for medical laboratory scientists in Texas was $35.75/hr.

Student handbook

Each student is required to read the entire Student Handbook, sign the last page, and return it to the program staff no later than one week after beginning classes.

Download student handbook

Curriculum

Overview


The program's curriculum not only provides the student with the fundamentals necessary for entry into the profession, but also provides the student with the knowledge and skills to function as a leader in an expansive and ever-changing profession.

The program is a one-year intensive course-of-study in all aspects of Medical Laboratory Science. The curriculum is divided into two phases. Classes begin at the end of August and graduation is usually the second week of August.

There are a number of reasons why you should choose the Baylor Scott & White Health Program in Medical Laboratory Science for your career preparation:

  • Quality education experience
  • Diverse patient population
  • Experience with a variety of diagnostic technologies
  • Advanced laboratories
  • Varied medical laboratory experiences
  • Dedicated program staff and faculty
  • One-on-one clinical instruction
  • Textbooks, education materials and supplies provided by the program
  • Dedicated classroom and student laboratory facilities

How to apply

In addition to the application, candidates must submit ALL official transcripts from ALL institutions of higher education attended. In order to be considered an official document, the transcript must be sent to Shelby.Johnson2@BSWHealth.org directly from the institution attended.

Transcripts do not have to include fall grades at the time of the initial application but must be received no later than the day of the interview.

Apply now
 

Program cost

There is a $750 non-refundable administrative fee that is charged for the program. Books, course handbooks and personal protective equipment are provided at no cost.

Application deadlines and interview dates

  • Deadline for application for the August-August class is December 1. The interview date for the August class of 2026 is scheduled for January 6, 2026.

Admission to the program is competitive. A maximum of 50 candidates are selected for interview each year. Additional interview dates may become available.

Application and skill requirements

General requirements


Candidates are selected for a personal interview based on the following criteria:

  • Bachelor's degree or college/university confirmation that a degree will be received upon completion of the program
  • Minimum grade point average of 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale) overall and 2.5 in the sciences; overall GPA and science GPA are based on all college course work, including both initial and repeated course grades. Any grade of D or below in a required course must be repeated.
  • Completion of the required prerequisite courses before the start of classes in August
  • All applicants selected for the program must submit to a background check and drug screen. Final acceptance is based on a negative screen for illegal drugs and nicotine and no criminal history.

In addition, international students must submit:

  • TOEFL scores
  • Course-by-course evaluation if submitting transcripts from any university outside of the U.S.
  • Not all visa statuses are supported, please contact the MLS program director via email if you have further questions

Leadership and educators

The program staff includes the Medical Director, Program Director and five Program Educators.

Instruction is provided by dedicated and knowledgeable laboratory professionals. Physicians, medical laboratory scientists and other laboratory professionals participate in lectures, student laboratories and one-on-one instruction at the bench. Many faculty members have national reputations and are active in laboratory-related professional organizations.

Directors


Michelle Evon Rodriguez, MD

Michelle Rodriguez, MD

Laboratory Medical Director (CLIA)
Buda, Marble Falls, Temple and Temple West Campus Precision Diagnostics
Baylor Scott & White Medical Centers
Medical Director, Program in Medical Laboratory Science Baylor Scott & White Medical Center-Temple

Education

BS, Nursing, University of Texas; MD, University of Texas Medical School at Houston



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Shelby Johnson, MIS, MLS (ASCP)CM, AHI(AMT)

NAACLS MLS Program Director, MLS Program Manager

Education

BS, Medical Laboratory Science, University of North Texas; MIS, Information Systems, Texas A&M University of Central Texas

Instructional Areas

Introduction to Medical Laboratory Science, Clinical Chemistry, Immunology, Molecular Diagnostics, Management & Education, and Research & Clinical Correlations

 

Contact us

Shelby Johnson
Director, Medical Laboratory Science
Phone: 254.215.9843
Email: Shelby.Johnson2@BSWHealth.org

Amy Hayford
Program Educator
Phone: 254.215.9835
Email: Amy.Hayford@BSWHealth.org

Program in Medical Laboratory Science
 Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Temple
2401 S. 31st St.
MS-AR-D160
Temple, TX 76508

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Temple
2401 S. 31st St.
Temple, TX 76508


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