Medical Laboratory Science

Medical laboratories produce data that physicians and caregivers depend on to properly diagnose and treat patients. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 70% of medical decisions are based on laboratory testing conducted by medical laboratory scientists.

Professionals in this field:

• Conduct health screening tests for diabetic and cardiac risk.
• Examine patient specimens for the presence of infectious microorganisms.
• Type and cross-match blood for transfusion.
• Detect specific blood cells to reveal leukemia and measure a patient’s response to medications and therapies.
• Develop and manage the highly complex technical systems that assist in performing these tests.

Thomas Jefferson University is an academic health center, and offers a collaborative environment that includes basic science research, cancer treatment, biomedical research, primary care, nursing care, and trauma care.

We help students gain a solid understanding of the principles of professional practice, laboratory outcomes management, and laboratory administration. Students in our Medical Laboratory Science programs gain classroom, laboratory, and practical experience in five key areas:

• Clinical chemistry.
• Normal and abnormal hematology and serology.
• Immunohematology (also called blood banking or transfusion medicine).
• Clinical microbiology, including parasitology, virology, bacteriology.
• Research theory and quality control principles for clinical laboratory procedures.

Our students learn to connect technology with its importance in the lives of people. Our laboratories offer the latest testing and communications technology, so students learn on the equipment used in clinical practice. As students, you will:

• Prepare and interpret laboratory tests from real patient specimens.
• Perform chemical tests to analyze blood and body fluid for specific markers of disease.
• Match blood for patient transfusion.
• Use a microscope to identify and count cells and look for cellular abnormalities.
• Detect and identify bacteria, parasites, and other microorganisms that cause infections.
• Operate sophisticated technology and develop analytic systems.
• Utilize information systems and design interfaces to relay test results to physicians.
• Work with other healthcare professionals to monitor quality and improve patient care.

Students acquire broad exposure to diverse career options, which helps them carve out unique roles in traditional and nontraditional laboratory science careers. The curriculum fosters independent thought, teamwork, and the ability to take responsibility for crucial diagnostic decisions. Our students also gain lifelong Career Success Center services. 

Thomas Jefferson University’s Medical Laboratory Science graduates have a high job placement rate. Graduates work in clinical laboratories in hospitals, reference labs, and doctors' offices.

A degree in Medical Laboratory Science prepares students for jobs in:

• Labs in hospitals or physician offices
• Medical and academic health centers
• Colleges and universities
• Medical equipment companies
• Commercial clinical laboratories
• Federal and state government agencies
• Biotech and pharmaceutical research labs
• Computer and information systems companies

Learn more about careers, certificates and outcomes.