Medical Laboratory Science Education Program

Houston Methodist Hospital Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Program is a 12-month professional course of study, which is fully accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). Upon successful completion of this course of study, you will qualify for the examination and certification by the board of certification of the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP).

For more information on NAACLS, contact:

National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
5600 N. River Rd.
Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018-5119
Phone: 773.714.8880
Fax: 773.714.8886

Mission

The mission of this program is to provide superior education and prepare competent medical laboratory scientists and medical technologists with the knowledge, skills and attitudes that are required to fulfill current and future professional roles and leadership positions as members of the health care team.

The program offers many courses:

• Clinical Biochemistry
• Clinical Microbiology and Virology
• Clinical Hematology
• Clinical Mycology
• Clinical Microscopy
• Clinical Immunohematology
• Clinical Coagulation
• Phlebotomy
• Clinical Immunology
• Introduction to Management and Education in the Laboratory
• Management and Education
• Clinical Parasitology
• Research Project
• Clinical Pathological Correlation

During each of these courses, your classroom lectures will be integrated with your technical experience. You will receive instruction on instrument or method principles, as well as procedures and problem solving techniques from medical laboratory scientists in the hospital laboratories. You will receive classroom lectures from the primary instructor covering laboratory methods and principles. In addition, the instructor will review with you abnormal patient results and describe the probable accompanying disease, the altered physiology and the laboratory tests used to confirm the diagnosis or treat the patient. Courses are taught within this large teaching institution where clinical and academic faculty work together.

Houston Methodist is a teaching hospital affiliated with top-ranked Weill Cornell Medical College, New York Presbyterian Hospital, the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) at Galveston. Houston Methodist also has affiliations with the University of Houston, Rice University, Baylor College of Medicine and others. Because of our close association with the medical schools, several opportunities are available to you. At the end of the year, physicians and other health care professionals that focus on the correlation of laboratory analyses and pathology of disease give lectures. Additionally, students are encouraged to attend the medical conferences presented by physicians from various medical specialties.

The curriculum is designed not only to assure the skills and knowledge necessary to become a capable entry-level Medical Laboratory Scientist (formerly known as Clinical Laboratory Scientist/Medical Technologist), but also to provide for a variety of career opportunities. Courses are given in educational methodologies and management principles. An opportunity is provided for independent research and presentation of a select topic. Thus, one of the strengths of the program is the professional versatility.

A Career in MLS

The Houston Methodist medical laboratory scientist is a member of the health care team, leveraging their strong background in the sciences to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of the patient through laboratory testing.

Using a variety of techniques and complex electronic equipment, medical laboratory scientists perform laboratory tests on patients' blood, tissues and other body fluids. They are responsible for the entire process of test analyses, which includes but is not limited to the operation, maintenance and repair of equipment; production and confirmation of accurate results; and the correlation of test results with disease processes.

Today's medical laboratory scientist has a wide range of options. While most choose to work in hospital laboratories, others use their investigative skills in medical research. Some combine administrative and managerial talent with their medical technology background to be laboratory or hospital administrators. Those with entrepreneurial interests are self-employed consultants for physicians operating small clinics or laboratories.

New technologies, the prevalence of chronic disease, an aging population and new testing sites have created a wide-open market. If you are interested in a challenging and rewarding career in the health sciences and have a desire to help others, medical laboratory science will provide you with unlimited opportunities and professional satisfaction.

Curriculum

401 Clinical Microbiology & Virology – seven seminar hours

This course includes a comprehensive study of clinically important microorganisms and their role in human disease. It includes the epidemiology and effect on the human host; utilization of biochemical, morphologic and serologic characteristics for the isolation and identification of these organisms; and utilization and mode of action of the major classes of antimicrobial therapeutic drugs. This course also provides a comprehensive study of the characteristics of the clinically important viruses: chlamydia and mycoplasma. It includes isolation and identification procedures, diagnostic serologic procedures, etiology and mode of transmission, human disease and methods of treatment.

406 Clinical Mycology – one seminar hour

This course will focus on clinically important fungi and their role in human disease. It includes the epidemiology, morphological, biochemical and serological techniques for identification, clinical effect on the human host and methods of treatment.

409 Clinical Parasitology – one seminar hour

This is a comprehensive study of clinically important parasites and their role in human disease. It includes the study of protozoa, helminths and arthropods, which are parasitic to man. It includes some life cycles, mode of transmission, identification techniques, clinical effect on the human host and methods of treatment.

410 Clinical Hematology – six seminar hours

This is a comprehensive study of the human hematopoietic system and hematological diseases. It includes morphological characteristics of cells found in bone marrow and peripheral blood in health and disease; instrumentation used to quantitate and identify cells in addition to the clinical correlation of results to peripheral smears.

411 Clinical Coagulation – two seminar hours

This study will review the characteristics of normal and abnormal hemostasis, including the mechanism of coagulation, analytical procedures and accompanying instrumentation and the correlation of deficiencies in the mechanism with human disease.

421 Clinical Immunology – two seminar hours

This is a study of the immune response and its relationship to disease, including characteristics of antigens and antibodies, host defense mechanism, hypersensitivity states, autoimmunity and allergic reactions. It includes techniques and instrumentation used to quantitate antigen — antibody reactions and the expected clinical effect in human disease. Also included is the role of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in transplantation and the serological and molecular techniques used to identify the MHC products and molecular techniques for the detection and quantitation of viral components related to disease.

422 Clinical Immunohematology – five seminar hours

This course includes a comprehensive study of the basic principles of immunology, human blood-group systems, blood-group genetics, and the theory and application of blood-banking techniques. Essential concepts are taught through lectures and hands-on instruction in a dynamic laboratory setting. Lectures include blood grouping, antibody identification, blood components, disease therapy, hemolytic disease of the newborn, pretransfusion testing, problem solving and the evaluation and collection of acceptable blood donations. Included in this course are opportunities to observe the irradiation of blood products, cell pheresis, tissue cryobiologics, bone marrow and stem cell harvests, and surgical procedures involving the cell saver.

430 Clinical Biochemistry – eight seminar hours

This course is a comprehensive study of the analytical methods — both manual and automated — used to determine the chemical composition of the body fluids. It includes analytical principles, procedures and accompanying instrumentation and the correlation of test results with altered physiological states and resulting disease. Included are special procedures such as radioimmunoassay, enzyme immunoassay, immunodiffusion, electrophoresis and chromatography.

431 Clinical Microscopy – two seminar hours

This is a study of the structure and function of the kidney and the chemical, physical and cellular composition of the urine in health and disease. It includes the study of other body fluids: cerebrospinal, synovial, peritoneal, pericardial and pleural fluids.

453 Instrumentation and Information Systems in the Laboratory – one seminar hour

This course is an introduction to electronic theory and application in the maintenance, operation and troubleshooting of laboratory instruments including volt ohm meters, oscilloscopes, ion-selective electrode instruments, microscopes, fume hoods, centrifuges and refrigerators. It includes a review of the principles of laboratory water. Also, the course includes an introduction to the principle, selection and use of available computer hardware and software used in the laboratory. Vocabulary, filing and sorting systems, computer/instrument interfacing and maintenance procedures will also be covered in this class.

462 Introduction to Management and Education – three seminar hours

This is an introductory course in the principles and techniques used in the supervision of the clinical laboratory and the education of students in the health professions. It includes management and motivational theories, communication skills, interviewing, performance appraisals, accreditation agencies, federal and state regulations, budget and strategic planning, curriculum design, evaluation instruments and the implementation of a laboratory quality improvement programs.

463 Principles of Phlebotomy – one seminar hour

This is an introduction and practical experience in patient-blood procurement by venipuncture and microcollection technique. The course emphasizes professional conduct, adherence to safety regulations and policies. It includes isolation techniques, blood cultures and bleeding times.

464 Research Project – two seminar hours

This is an individual investigation of a clinical laboratory problem or an instrument/method evaluation. It includes a medical case study or an instrument/method evaluation, as well as instruction and practice writing scientific papers and making oral presentations.

465 Clinical Pathological Correlation – two seminar hours

This course, given at the end of the year, is designed to integrate the information obtained by laboratory analysis in all disciplines of the clinical laboratory. Emphasis will be given to the relationship of altered physiological conditions and the corresponding expected test results. In addition, topics of current interest within the discipline will be presented.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Houston Methodist Hospital Medical Laboratory Science Program, you must have received a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and satisfactorily completed the prerequisite courses listed below or have completed all undergraduate courses required by a university with which we hold an affiliation agreement. In addition, you must be eligible for a baccalaureate degree in Medical Laboratory Science or Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) from that institution at the completion of the 12-month hospital program. Also, all prerequisite courses listed must have been completed before admission into the program.

Credit in the following courses is required and considered to be the minimum qualification:

Prerequisite Courses	Semester Hours
*Biological Sciences, including	16 (total hours)
Microbiology	4
Immunology	3
*Chemistry, including	16 (total hours)
Organic Chemistry I	4
Biochemistry or Organic Chemistry II	4
Mathematics	3

Recommended Electives
Genetics
Physiology
Molecular Biology
Physics
Analytical Chemistry
Statistics

Note: The math course must be college level. Remedial mathematics courses will not satisfy this requirement. Required courses must be acceptable toward a major in the respective field(s) or for the degree in medical technology. Survey courses do not fulfill these requirements.

A minimum grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale is required. Grades obtained during the final two years of college receive the greatest consideration.

*Candidates who have completed prerequisite biology and chemistry courses seven or more years before admission must update their academic skills by taking the following courses:

Course	Semester Hours
Upper Division Biological Science	4
Immunology (if not taken previously)
Microbiology is recommended
Upper Division Chemistry Course	4
Biochemistry or Analytical Chemistry is recommended

Application & Selection Process

Applicants seeking admission must submit certain documents:

• Complete the application form (PDF) or request an application via mail or email:

Medical Laboratory Science Program

Houston Methodist Hospital

6565 Fannin St.

B154

Houston, TX 77030-2707

713.441.2599

• Official university/college transcripts
• Final graduation plan that ensures the student has a baccalaureate degree upon completion of the 12-month program (applies to 3 + 1 students only)
• Letters of reference and/or the provided form (PDF) is required from three faculty members; (Referees should submit letters to the Program Office at the above address.)
• A 200- to 300-word statement in the applicant's own handwriting of extra curricular activities, honors, achievements, leadership positions, interests and hobbies, and short- and long-term career goals
• A personal interview is initiated by invitation from the program director to qualified applicants when the above material is received

The admissions committee begins the selection process in the winter prior to the August entry date and the fall prior to the February entry date. The committee uses all of the material provided, including transcripts, letters of reference, interview and handwritten statement when selecting students. In addition, special consideration may be given for relevant work experience. The application deadline is December 1. Students selected will notified by email of their status for the February class by December 25 and August class by February 1. Selected applicants will be asked to respond in writing within five business days. Unsuccessful applicants may be considered for a later class by petitioning in writing, citing justifiable reasons for further consideration.

Non-Academic Requirements

As part of the admission process, every student will be required to complete a drug/tobacco screening. Any student found to have a positive drug/tobacco screen will be denied admission to the program. There are additional requirements for students accepted to the program:

• Demonstrate written and oral proficiency in the English language
• Communicate effectively to transmit information to faculty, fellow students, physicians and all members of the health care team
• Read and apply appropriate written instruction
• Maintain intellectual and emotional stability and maturity under stress, while also maintaining appropriate performance standards
• Additional requirements are listed in the Essential Functions section given to all students accepted to the program

Essential Functions for Medical Laboratory Science

Students enrolling in and graduating from a Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) program must meet the essential function requirements of the academic program and of the corresponding MLS profession. They must complete programs consisting of academic study, simulated laboratory practice and clinical laboratory experience. Students must be able to contribute to colleagues' progress, to the professor's or supervisor's completion of appropriate tasks, and, above all, to render services that contribute to the well-being of patients.

Observation

The MLS student must be able to show the following advanced observation skills:

• Observe laboratory demonstrations in which biologicals (i.e., body fluids, culture materials, tissue sections and cellular specimens) are tested for their biochemical, hematological, immunological, microbiological and histochemical components
• Characterize the color, consistency and clarity of biologicals or reagents
• Employ a clinical-grade binocular microscope to discriminate among fine differences in structure and color (i.e., hue, shading and intensity) in microscopic specimens
• Read and comprehend text, numbers and graphs displayed in print and on a video monitor

Movement

The MLS student must meet certain movement requirements:

• Move freely and safely about a laboratory
• Perform moderately taxing, continuous physical work, often requiring prolonged sitting, over several hours
• Reach laboratory bench tops and shelves, patients lying in hospital beds or patients seated in specimen collection furniture
• Maneuver phlebotomy and culture acquisition equipment to collect laboratory specimens from patients
• Control laboratory equipment (i.e., pipettes, inoculating loops, test tubes) and adjust instruments to perform laboratory procedures
• Manipulate an electronic keyboard to operate laboratory instruments and to calculate, record, evaluate and transmit laboratory information

Communication

The MLS student must meet certain communication requirements:

• Read and comprehend technical and professional materials (i.e., textbooks, magazine and journal articles, handbooks, and instruction manuals)
• Follow oral and written instructions to correctly perform laboratory test procedures
• Clearly instruct patients prior to specimen collection
• Effectively, confidently and sensitively converse with patients regarding laboratory tests
• Communicate with faculty members, student colleagues, staff and other health care professionals orally and in a recorded format (writing, typing, graphics or telecommunication)

Intellect

The MLS student must meet certain intellect requirements:

• Analysis
• Comparison
• Comprehension
• Criticism
• Integration
• Mathematical calculation
• Measurement
• Reasoning
• Self-expression

Students should also be able to exercise sufficient judgment to recognize and correct performance deviations.

Behavior

The MLS student must exhibit proper behavior:

• Manage their use of time and be able to systematize actions to complete professional and technical tasks within realistic constraints
• Possess the emotional health necessary to use her or his intellect effectively and to exercise appropriate judgment
• Be flexible and creative and adapt to professional and technical change
• Recognize potentially hazardous materials, equipment, and situations and proceed safely to minimize risk of injury to self and nearby personnel
• Adapt to working with unpleasant biologicals
• Support and promote the activities of colleagues and health care professionals
• Be honest, compassionate, ethical and responsible
• Accept constructive criticism and look for ways to improve (i.e., participate in continuing education activities)
• Evaluate the performance of colleagues and professionals and tactfully offer constructive comments

International Students

Students who have completed part or all of their college coursework outside of the United States must submit their transcripts to an accredited U.S. agency for a course and grade evaluation.

Below are suggested agencies:

• World Education Services, Inc.
  P.O. Box 5087
  Bowling Green Station
  New York, NY 10274
  212.966.6311
• International Education Research Foundation, Inc.
  Credentials Evaluation Service
  P.O. Box 3665
  Culver City, CA 90231
  310.258.9451

The evaluation should be sent directly to the Houston Methodist Hospital Medical Laboratory Science Program Office (see address above). Other acceptable agencies may be found at https://www.ascp.org.

We do not accept students with an F-1 visa.

The admission committee does not discriminate in its recruiting or selecting procedures because of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, veteran status or disability. Applicants with disabilities will be considered; however, all students must be fully capable of completing all aspects of the program. The program is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities.

College Credit for Program Completion

For those students attending an affiliated university and enrolled in a 3 + 1 program (degree conferred at the end of 12-month hospital program), the Houston Methodist Hospital Medical Laboratory Science Program will supply the student's college/university with an evaluation of grades in each course. However, the student must make all arrangements for the acceptance of this evaluation as partial fulfillment of the requirements of a baccalaureate degree.