Do you like searching for clues and solving problems? Do you want to play a lead role in diagnosing, treating and preventing diseases? Are you good at bio and chem and working in a lab? If so, then think about majoring in medical laboratory science—a program designed for people who want to learn how to use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to perform fast, accurate (and often life-saving) lab tests.
This program teaches you how to work effectively inside a hospital laboratory or similar environment. You’ll typically spend the first few years taking core classes and labs in biology and chemistry. Once you have that foundation, you’ll take courses that teach you how to properly perform lab tests in many different areas, such as hematology (bloodwork), immunology, urinalysis and microbiology. You’ll also get practical experience through clinical rotations.
This program is in UB’s medical school, which means students have access to expert faculty, state-of-the-art labs, research projects and other opportunities through UB's affiliated hospitals and clinics.
As a medical laboratory science major, you’ll have clinical rotations within local hospitals and labs to apply what you’ve learned—and build your confidence. By practicing in a real-world setting, you’ll be even more prepared for your certification and career.
You can conduct research on campus with UB faculty to practice your lab skills—and present your findings.
Some students choose to study abroad, and spend a summer living and learning in a different country.
You can also make friends, build your network and meet speakers by joining student clubs and attending events on campus throughout the year.
This program is designed to help you earn your national certification as a medical laboratory scientist when you graduate, so you can start working in the field right away (if that’s what you choose).
With this degree, you'll likely have opportunities in many different settings, including hospitals, private labs, instrument manufacturers and research labs, to name a few. Your career options may include:
Not ready to get a job right away? Some students decide to go to graduate school in biology, forensics or another science-related field. Other students choose to go to a professional school such as medical school, dental school or veterinary school.
In a hands-on field, it’s important to have teachers and mentors who will take the time and work closely with you—which is who you’ll find at UB. In fact, our faculty members have received numerous awards for their teaching results and expertise, including the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching.
In addition, our faculty members have been recognized and honored by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Society for Neuroscience, American Neurological Association and Genetic Toxicology Association, among other organizations. They also typically hold memberships and fellowships in many leading professional organizations, including the Association of Clinical Scientists, American Society for Clinical Laboratory Sciences and American Association for Clinical Chemistry.