Medical Laboratory Specialists are critical members of the health care team. They use their biomedical expertise and technical skills to provide essential information about the health and disease status of patients. For example, laboratory professionals identify pathogenic microbes, detect cancer cells, screen for diabetes, determine blood types and perform genetic testing. Students in this major work closely with faculty members and engage in hands-on learning in the classroom, laboratory and clinical environment to develop critical thinking and technical skills. Students select a concentration in clinical laboratory science or public health laboratory science. All students complete a practicum at our premier regional clinical affiliates. Students also have the opportunity to apply to our accelerated master’s degree program in their third year.