College of Nursing and Health Professions introduces medical laboratory science degree

Lamar University (LU) has introduced a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science, expanding its healthcare education offerings with two academic tracks designed to prepare students for careers in clinical laboratories, biomedical research and other science-related fields.

Housed within the university's College of Nursing and Health Professions, the degree was developed in response to growing workforce demands and the need for qualified laboratory professionals in Southeast Texas and beyond.

"The degree addresses the ongoing need for qualified laboratory professionals in Southeast Texas and beyond, building a sustainable workforce pipeline and preparing graduates for careers in laboratory and healthcare settings," Dr. Eleanor Jator, chair of medical laboratory sciences, said.

The program offers two academic pathways, allowing students to tailor their education to their professional interests through the clinical laboratory science track or the biomedical science track.

The clinical laboratory science track prepares students for professional practice in clinical laboratories, where testing plays a role in disease detection, diagnosis, treatment monitoring and prevention. Students develop technical skills in specimen collection, processing, laboratory analysis, quality assurance and result reporting.

The track also includes supervised clinical education at affiliated hospital laboratories, allowing students to apply classroom instruction in professional healthcare settings.

The biomedical science track provides a foundation for students interested in research, biotechnology, public health, graduate education or professional school. Coursework emphasizes scientific inquiry, laboratory techniques and the application of biological sciences to healthcare and research.

"Both provide a strong foundation in laboratory and biomedical sciences but are designed around different educational and career objectives," Jator said.

Throughout the degree, students study biological, chemical and laboratory sciences while gaining experience with modern laboratory instrumentation and methodologies. The curriculum emphasizes applying scientific principles to real-world healthcare and research scenarios.

Graduates of the clinical laboratory science track may pursue opportunities in hospital laboratories, public health laboratories, blood centers, commercial laboratories and quality assurance. Those completing the biomedical science track may pursue laboratory and research support positions in biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, forensic science, environmental testing and other scientific industries or continue into graduate and professional education.

Jator said the program is particularly suited for students who enjoy science, technology and problem-solving and want to apply those interests to healthcare or scientific discovery.

The degree is designed to accommodate students from a variety of academic backgrounds, including incoming freshmen, community college transfer students, current university students exploring healthcare careers and individuals seeking to transition into laboratory sciences.

Students who have completed prerequisite coursework at accredited institutions may transfer eligible credits into the program, providing additional pathways to degree completion.

A distinguishing feature of LU's clinical laboratory science track is its one-year professional phase, which Jator said is shorter than the two-year professional phase offered at some other institutions.

The program also emphasizes small class sizes, personalized mentorship and research opportunities that may lead to publication, allowing students to develop professional relationships with faculty while building experience in laboratory sciences.

"Student success comes first: benefit from small class sizes, personalized mentorship, and meaningful research experiences that may lead to publication," Jator said.

Applicants to the professional phase of the clinical track must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 and submit a program application, three letters of recommendation, a personal statement or essay and official college transcripts. An admissions interview is also required.

The biomedical science track follows applicable university admission requirements.

Jator said the clinical track is being developed in alignment with professional standards and accreditation expectations. Eligibility for professional certification examinations is tied specifically to the clinical laboratory science track.

For Jator, the program represents an opportunity to prepare students for careers that contribute to healthcare in ways that often take place outside of direct patient interactions, from identifying diseases to supporting medical research and developing new diagnostic methods.

"Students who are passionate about laboratory medicine, biomedical science and healthcare careers [can] make a meaningful impact on patient care, public health, and scientific discovery," Jator said.

Prospective students can learn more about the degree, academic tracks and admission pathways through LU's Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences.