Medical laboratory science students become medical detectives, investigating and determining the presence of a disease process, monitoring response to therapy and aiding in health maintenance. You'll learn in the classroom, gain hands-on experience in labs and apply your knowledge in the real-world setting as a student in the program.
As a medical laboratory science major at USD, you will learn the latest technology, utilize problem-solving techniques and develop collaboration skills as you prepare to be a medical laboratory scientist. Your education will prepare you to be an essential member of the health care team who is responsible for performing, developing and evaluating a variety of laboratory tests, as well as reviewing results for accuracy and assessing how the findings relate to the patient. At USD we offer a small student-to-faculty ratio with professors who will help you identify your career path and related research opportunities. You'll learn from the experts while gaining experience in USD's state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories. You'll also get experience beyond our campus through a three-semester clinical internship, which enhances your education by providing you with a real-world learning environment. You'll graduate ready for opportunities in hospitals, clinics, public and private labs, educational settings, management, quality control, sales and product development.
Gain the knowledge and real-world experience you need to solve challenges and improve lives as a medical laboratory science major.
As a medical laboratory science major, you'll gain technology and research skills as you prepare to become the medical detective on care teams. A three-semester clinical internship is embedded in your program, ensuring you have the real-world experience you need to thrive. You'll graduate prepared to take the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP-BOC) exam, which can open the door to in-demand health care careers beyond South Dakota.
Gain a foundation in medical laboratory practice through USD's minor, which includes classes like Intro to Med Lab Procedures and Advancing Clinical Quality: Turning Data into Decisions. While the minor does not allow for graduates to practice as a medical laboratory scientist or medical laboratory technician, it will position you to better advocate for patients by enhancing quality health care and improving outcomes. This skillset is especially important for health care professionals who interpret laboratory results such as nurses, physicians, physician assistants, physical therapists, occupational therapists, pharmacists and veterinarians.
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As a student at USD, the opportunities available to you extend beyond the classroom. Explore your interests, find your community and experience your education to the fullest extent through the following opportunities.
The real-world experiences you gain through an internship will equip you with valuable skills that will set you apart after graduation.
As a medical laboratory student at USD, you'll participate in a three-semester clinical internship with an NAACLS-accredited affiliated medical laboratory science program. Through this experience, you'll gain experience in the real-world learning environment as you prepare to become a medical laboratory scientist.
USD is home to more than 170 student organizations, including several that are housed in the School of Health Sciences. You may be interested in joining a student organization to make friends, develop new skills and explore your interests.
Our department prepares students to act as medical detectives on health care teams. With state-of-the-art facilities, NAACLS-accredited clinical partners, hands-on learning opportunities and expert instruction, we provide students with the robust education they need to become certified medical laboratory scientists.
Learn to become an interprofessional team in real-world settings.
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SD Residents, SD Advantage* & Child of Alumni
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MN Residents
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Out-of-State
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Tuition (30 cr.)
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7773
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9131.1
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11283
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Fees (30 cr.)
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1659
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1659
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1659
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Books (estimate)
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1200
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1200
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1200
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Housing
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4658
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4658
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4658
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Food Service
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3998
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3998
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3998
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Total
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* SD Advantage: The in-state rate is available to new undergraduate students who are residents of South Dakota, Colorado, Illinois (starting Summer 2023), Iowa, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Wisconsin (starting Summer 2023), Wyoming and children of alumni of USD.
This is an estimated annual cost. Other factors may change the cost of tuition.
Learn more about tuition and fees for undergraduate students and see how your out-of-pocket costs at USD compare to those at other colleges and universities.
Navigating options for how to pay for college can be challenging, but you are not alone. The Office of Financial Aid will work with you and your family to explore how you can make your college education even more affordable.
USD awards nearly $9.5 million in scholarships each year. View our scholarships to see which ones you may qualify for and how you can apply.
I really like the one-on-one attention and interpersonal communication we get in the MLS program, because it’s not easy. The lab professors make sure we get hands-on experience with specimens and lab techniques we’ll be using in internships, and they make sure we know the material to be successful. Our teachers want us to ask questions. Their main goal is to help us succeed.
Camyron Ballard
B.S. Medical Laboratory Science '23
