About the Medical Laboratory Science Program
Medical Technologists (also known as clinical laboratory scientists) develop, perform, and supervise laboratory testing that is used to diagnose and treat disease and to provide vital data for research studies.
While a degree in Medical Laboratory Science provides immediate career opportunities after graduation, it is also a good foundation for advanced degrees in medicine or science, or a career in other medically related fields such as physician's assistant.
Medical Laboratory Science, BS Program
The Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science program at SUNY Upstate Medical University is a full-time program of study. It takes two years (five semesters) to complete and begins in the fall. The Medical Laboratory Science, BS Program accepts up to 16 students each year.
Prerequisites include 60 semester hours of prerequisite courses including 16 semester hours of biology and 12 semester hours of chemistry. The program curriculum, once enrolled at Upstate, consists of 71 credits of classroom instruction and clinical work. Clinical rotations are scheduled during the fall and spring of the second year. Our clinical affiliates are in Central New York and other areas within the state.
Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for New York State licensure as a Clinical Laboratory Technologist. Graduates are also eligible to sit for the national certifying examination given by the Board of Certification of the American Society for Clinical Pathology and other certifying agencies.
We encourage prospective students to visit a clinical laboratory near them, tour the lab at Upstate, or call the Clinical Laboratory Science Department to discuss career options. Sign up to job shadow at Upstate: https://www.upstate.edu/volunteers/job-shadowing.php.
Clinical Affiliates, Medical Laboratory Science
Clinical Affiliate Locations
- Albany Medical Center
- Arthritis Health Associates
- Associated Medical Professionals
- Auburn Community Hospital
- Carthage Area Hospital
- Cayuga Medical Center
- Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center
- CNY Family Care
- Cornell University
- Crouse Medical Practice
- Ellis Medicine
- Glens Falls Hospital
- Guthrie Cortland Medical Center
- Guthrie Lourdes Hospital
- Hematology Oncology Associates of CNY
- Laboratory Alliance of Central New York
- Lewis County Health Systems
- Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital
- Mohawk Valley Health System (Wynn Hospital)
- Nephrology Associates of Syracuse
- Oneida Healthcare
- Oswego Health
- River Hospital
- Rochester Regional Health
- Rome Health Hospital
- Samaritan Medical Center
- Trinity Health - St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center
- Trinity Health - St. Peter's Health Partners Medical Associates
- St. Lawrence Health System
- Syracuse VA Medical Center
- United Health Services Hospitals (Wilson Hospital)
Mission & Goals
The primary mission of the Clinical Laboratory Science Department is to effectively teach state-of-the-art clinical laboratory sciences to undergraduate and graduate Medical Laboratory Science students and other health professionals across the university.
The education and training process in the Medical Laboratory Science program is committed to:
- Effectively teaching state-of-the-art clinical laboratory sciences to undergraduate and graduate medical technology and medical biotechnology students and other health professionals.
- Providing high-quality, cost-effective, compassionate clinical service to the Central New York Community.
- Advancing knowledge in the clinical laboratory sciences through research, community service, continuing education, and contributions to the professional community.
- Supporting professional growth and development for our faculty, staff, and students.
- Supporting the academic community through active participation in university life.
Graduation Competencies and Educational Program Outcomes
Expand allObservation and Analysis: Students will observe and access sample and quality control data, procedures, and equipment. (OA) Student will:
- Explain the principles underlying clinical laboratory testing, including the pathological indications for performing specific laboratory tests.
- Utilize quality management practices, including quality control, method validation, quality assurance, preventative and corrective actions as applied to the laboratory setting.
- Analyze a wide array of patient laboratory values, relating laboratory findings to disease states and note when values are abnormal or erroneous.
- Recognize factors that affect procedures and results, and taking appropriate actions within predetermined limits when corrections are indicated.
Communication: Student will demonstrate effective verbal and written communication skills. (COM) Students will:
- Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills. Demonstrate professional conduct and interpersonal communication skills with patients, laboratory personnel, other health care professionals, and with the public.
Sensory and Motor Function: Students will demonstrate the sensory and motor skills necessary to generate laboratory test results on body fluids, cells, and products. (SM) Student will:
- Demonstrate the ability to learn and gain competence in performing new laboratory techniques across a range of test complexities.
- Apply principles of safe working practices, complying with all applicable compliance regulations, safety guidelines and procedures.
- Perform preventative and corrective maintenance of equipment and instruments.
Behavioral and Social Attributes: Students will demonstrate the emotional stability to be able to exercise good judgment and promptly complete all responsibilities in a laboratory setting. (BSA) Students will:
- Perform work efficiently and accurately under the pressure of time constraints and be able to multitask.
- Uphold ethical standards in all matters related to medical information and patient care.
- Perform work effectively as a team member or independently as required to accomplish the goals of the work unit.
- Uphold professionalism in communication and dress and show respect for colleagues and superiors.
Have Questions
Need more specifics about the program? Questions about admissions requirements? Contact the College of Health Professions Admissions Counselor:
Wendy MeyerSenior Assistant Director of Admissions
Undergraduate Admissions Advisor
Virtual Information Sessions
The Office of Admissions is conducting virtual information sessions for those who are interested in College of Health Professions programs.