Medical Lab Sciences 3+1 Major
Medical laboratory scientists are in high demand – with jobs growing much faster than average
The medical lab sciences field offers a wide variety of career opportunities, with many graduates working in clinical, hospital and research laboratories. Others work in forensic science, cosmetic and consumer-product testing labs, and medical product sales and marketing.
Here at UNI, the Department of Biology has partnered with Allen College and St. Luke’s School of Medical Laboratory Science to offer students a pathway to a career in medical laboratory sciences (MLS).
It is important to note that Medical Lab Sciences 3+1 is not an academic major; rather, a suggested program of study that prepares students with all the prerequisites needed for this field of study. Students wishing to join this program would declare a BA Biology major.
Placement Rate
Our Medical Lab Sciences 3+1 students boast a 100% career placement rate.
High-Demand Field
Employment for medical Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians is projected to grow 11 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.
Pass Rate
Our MLS students at Allen College boast an ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology) pass rate of 94.4% and our students at St. Luke’s boast a ASCP pass rate of 100%.
Learn more about Medical Lab Sciences & Biology
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Contact us directly at:
Department of Biology
University of Northern Iowa
144 McCollum Science Hall
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0421
Phone: (319) 273-2456
Email: biology@uni.edu
Why Study Medical Lab Sciences at UNI?
“I just completed the 3+1 program with Allen College in Medical Laboratory Science. After graduation, I will be working as a Medical Technologist at Pathology Labs in Ankeny, IA through UnityPoint Health - Des Moines.
I am grateful for my time at UNI and the opportunities that being a Biology major has offered. There are so many different paths you can pursue as a Biology major and UNI presented a variety of classes to help me find what I am passionate about and set me up for success.
The professors are amazing and truly care about your success inside and outside of the classroom. Thank you UNI!”
Katie Steffen graduated from the UNI Department of Biology in the spring of 2021
How does the program work?
Complete three years at UNI.
Students will complete three years at UNI, where they will meet UNI’s liberal arts core requirements, Department of Biology foundational science courses, and the Medical Lab Sciences program prerequisites.
Complete one year at partnering institution.
During their fourth year, students will complete one year of medical laboratory science coursework and clinical experiences at the partnering institution of their choice.
Get your degree.
At the end of your four years, you’ll be awarded a BA in Biology from UNI. Students studying MLS at Allen College will earn a bachelor of Health Sciences from Allen College, and students studying at St. Luke’s will earn a Certificate in Medical Laboratory Science from St. Luke's College–UnityPoint.
Learn more about our partnering institutions
Looking for more information?
Each program is slightly different so you are encouraged to contact the Department of Biology Academic Advisor, Linda Reardon-Lowry, and the admissions staff at the school offering the medical lab science program you are interested in.