Overview
Medical Laboratory Science
Medical laboratory scientists work behind the scenes in laboratories to provide clinicians with test results needed to diagnose, treat, and manage their patients’ conditions. Blood, body fluids, and other patient specimens are analyzed using manual methods and state-of-the-art instrumentation to test for conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, infection, anemia, and leukemia.
Cytology
Cytologists (formerly known as cytotechnologists) are responsible for the study and evaluation of human cells sampled from all organs and body fluids. They have the skills to detect and interpret features representative of malignant and nonmalignant diseases.
Biotechnology
Biotechnologists use their knowledge of cellular and molecular biology, microbiology, alongside biochemistry and genetics, to progress experiments and develop the next generation of biotechnology applications, which include CRISPR-Cas gene editing, next generation sequencing, and recombinant DNA technology.
Why Medical Laboratory Sciences & Biotechnology at Jefferson?
One of our biggest strengths is having three unique but very related programs within the same department, where students participate in core curriculum courses spanning these disciplines, with full-time faculty dedicated to teaching. Students learn and practice specialized hands-on training in recently renovated laboratories with state-of-the-art equipment at every stage of their program.
We provide four practicum/internship experiences that are built into curricula at one of our 50+ clinical, academic, and industry affiliates. We collaborate with faculty from Jefferson's Sidney Kimmel Medical College to provide our students with a unique clinical perspective.
As a student at a research university with an academic medical center, you will be trained and have hands-on experience in the latest advances in emerging disciplines such as:
- Bioprocessing
- Molecular diagnostics
- Genomics
- Proteomics
- Informatics
We introduce students to the latest laboratory management systems, regulatory requirements, and supervisory strategies, which provide our graduates with the scientific, creative, and problem-solving skills they need to be competitive in a field that changes with every technological leap.
Accreditation
Thomas Jefferson University is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. In addition, the Medical Laboratory Science program is fully accredited by the National Accreditation Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). The Cytology program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) in collaboration with the American Society of Cytopathology. Graduate Certificate programs are conducted under the auspices of the Biotechnology and Medical Laboratory Science programs.