Nov 22
May 18, 2018
Lake Superior State University’s Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) program was awarded full accreditation by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) last week. LSSU was given a five-year term, the longest possible for a first-time accreditation.
Dr. David Myton, associate provost and dean of the College of Science and the Environment said, “Accreditation from the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences is recognition that LSSU’s medical laboratory science program meets the organization’s criteria and performance standard. It is a reflection of the program’s integrity and alignment with recognized industry-based quality standards based on review of our excellent curriculum, instructors, and facilities.”
The 4 ½ year MLS program at Lake State requires students to enroll in a six-month clinical rotation upon completion of on-campus coursework. The program enables graduates to understand and analyze medical laboratory tests; quickly, accurately, and precisely perform medical laboratory test procedures; and conduct themselves in a professional and ethical manner within the healthcare industry.
“Students who graduate from a NAACLS-accredited program are eligible to take the national board certification exam immediately following completion of the program,” stated Dr. Martha Hutchens, program director. “Lake State offers students a smooth path to becoming board-certified medical laboratory scientists.”
The accreditation of LSSU’s medical laboratory science program will help to alleviate the current shortage of qualified laboratory workers in northern Michigan.
[su_quote cite=”Peter T. Mitchell, LSSU President” ]The MLS program will enhance medical services in the Eastern Upper Peninsula and make our region an even more attractive place to live and work. This accreditation is tangible evidence of LSSU’s revitalized focus on career-orientation programs that prepare our students for gainful employment in professional areas like medical laboratory science.[/su_quote]
“LSSU is pleased to add Medical Laboratory Science to the list of accredited programs of study at LSSU,” stated David Roland Finley, interim provost and VP of academic affairs. “Dr. Hutchens and other faculty who teach courses in this program are to be commended for addressing this critical need in northern Michigan.”