Medical Laboratory Sciences

Enrollment in the MLS major is restricted to six students per year. Admission to the program is competitive, and a comprehensive review of application materials will determine admittance. Acceptance to the college does not guarantee acceptance into the MLS program. Acceptance is based on merit and available space in the program.

If admitted to the MLS program, students must maintain an overall Florida Southern College GPA of 3.0 and a final grade of C or better in all MLS major and prerequisite courses.

There are five entry pathways into the MLS pre-certification program:

Direct Entry (First-Years)

High school students may apply to the MLS program and begin their education in the first year, to be completed over a four-year period. All freshman applicants must submit:

• A completed application form
• An official high school transcript
• Must have an SAT score of 1180 or ACT score of 24
• Academic recommendation
• Admission is competitive; a comprehensive review of application materials will determine admittance

Internal Transfer Applicants

Students currently enrolled at Florida Southern College in different majors may apply for a change of major into the MLS program. Students must meet all requirements for direct entry, have met or will meet all prerequisite course requirements, and have an overall GPA of 3.0 with a C or better in all major and prerequisite courses.

Students requesting an internal transfer must make an appointment with the MLS director by November 15 to be considered for the following spring semester, or by March 1 to be considered for the following fall semester. There is no guarantee of transfer into the MLS major even if the student meets academic eligibility.

External Transfer Applicants

Transfer students must first be admitted to the College and meet the following academic criteria:

• Overall college GPA of 3.0 based on previous coursework
• Completion of at least three prerequisite courses including BIO 1500, CHE 1111, and CHE 1112, all with a grade of C or higher
• Coursework required for the major cannot be transferred if completed more than five years before matriculation at FSC

Review all international admission requirements

Second Degree Seeking Students

Students who have already earned a bachelor's degree may apply to the program as second degree seeking students. Upon completion, students earn a BS in MLS. Requirements include:

• Overall college GPA of 3.0 based on previous coursework
• Completion of at least four prerequisite courses including BIO 1500, CHE 1111, and CHE 1112, all with a grade of C or higher
• Coursework required for the major cannot be transferred if completed more than five years before matriculation at FSC

FSC offers 2-year and 3-year paths for second-degree-seeking students.

MLS Second Degree - 2 Year Plan MLS Second Degree - 3 Year Plan

FSC's MLS curriculum follows the strict guidelines set by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), providing exceptional preparation for the ASCP national certification exam and Florida state licensure.

Students spend their first two years on FSC's campus building a rigorous foundation in the biological sciences alongside hands-on laboratory research. Starting with the very first biology course, students perform laboratory research on microorganisms, contributing to the search for new antibiotics. In advanced courses starting in the junior year, students begin work with MLS professionals in state-of-the-art clinical labs at LRH, where five million laboratory tests are performed each year.

In the senior year, students transition to full-time clinical training at LRH, gaining hands-on experience in chemistry, microbiology, hematology, urinalysis, immunology, coagulation, immunohematology, and molecular pathology labs. Unique clinical experiences include bedside testing, molecular pathology, microbiology testing, and working with various patient populations, including at LRH's cancer center.

Progress Requirements All MLS majors must earn a grade of C or better in all required coursework and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 each semester. Failure to meet these criteria may result in unenrollment from the MLS program.

Core areas of study include:

• Anatomy and physiology
• Immunology and immunohematology
• Microbiology
• Biochemistry
• Parasitology
• Hematology and coagulation
• Clinical chemistry
• Urinalysis
• Molecular pathology
• Clinical practicum at Lakeland Regional Health (senior year)

Medical Laboratory Sciences students are part of FSC's broader biology community. Get involved with:

• MLS Professional Society — a student organization open to any student interested in healthcare and learning about the roles of MLS professionals
• Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society — affiliated with the American Association for the Advancement of Science
• Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED) Pre-Professional Honor Society — for students pursuing health professions
• Rho Rho Rho Marine and Atmospheric Honor Society
• Many current MLS students are employed at LRH as laboratory assistants while completing their degree, gaining professional experience alongside their studies. FSC's Central Florida location also puts students in proximity to some of the top biotech companies in the country, with internship opportunities available beyond the required clinical training.