Medical Laboratory Sciences

Medical laboratory scientists are highly skilled professionals dedicated to the analysis and interpretation of blood, bodily fluids, tissues and other biological specimens to aid in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of disease.

Through intricate analysis, medical laboratory scientists ensure the accuracy of results through stringent quality control measures to provide reliable data to healthcare providers. You'll contribute to patient care and treatment outcomes in a meaningful and impactful way. 

Contact Health Professions Advising

Pre-Medical Lab Science Advising Guide

While there is no "pre-medical laboratory science major" at the College of Charleston, the following guide - in addition to consultation with your advisor - can help prepare you for your application and potential admission to a medical laboratory science program.
  • Undergraduate Preparation/Prerequisites

    Each medical laboratory science program establishes its own set of prerequisites. The following lists common prerequisite courses for admission into medical laboratory science program. Make sure to check the websites of the programs that you are most interested in applying to for complete undergraduate requirements.

    • General Biology with labs (8 semester hours)
    • General Chemistry with labs (8 semester hours)
    • Microbiology with lab (4 semester hours)
    • Organic Chemistry (4 semester hours)
    • Genetics with lab (4 semester hours)
    • Anatomy and Physiology (3-6 semester hours)
    • Math - Pre-calculus Algebra or higher (3 semester hours)
    • Statistics (3 semester hours)
    View Catalog Course Descriptions
  • Graduate Record Exam (GRE)

    The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is a standardized examination required by most Medical Laboratory Science master's programs.

    The test covers basic mathematics and reading comprehension skills and is designed measure your general academic ability including critical thinking, analytical reasoning, quantitative reasoning and communication skills.

    The GRE consists of five sections.

    • Analytical Writing (One section)
    • Verbal Reasoning (Two sections)
    • Quantitative Reasoning (Two sections)
    Learn More on the GRE
  • Timeline

    First Year

    • Declare your major and identify yourself as a pre-health profession student on the major declaration form.
    • Make an appointment/get to know your advisors. Discuss your academic game plan. Check in regularly to discuss your academic progress.
    • Begin taking your basic science courses.

    Sophomore Year

    • Continue with your sequence of courses.
    • Stay involved in extracurricular activities (shadowing, service, volunteer). Consider leadership positions in these groups.
    • Visit your professors during office hours (You will need letters of recommendation).
    • Visit Health Professions Advising to begin assessing competitiveness.
    • Identify the programs that you want to apply to. 

    Junior Year

    • Talk to your advisors about competitiveness.
    • Register for the GRE (Fall). Don't miss the deadline!
    • Study and take the GRE (Spring/Summer).
    • Identify three to four individuals to write letters of recommendation (Spring).
    • Complete and submit your application.
    • Continue engaging in activities.

    Senior Year

    • Meet with your advisor.
    • Get a degree audit and apply for graduation.
    • Ensure your application materials are organized and submitted within the deadlines (earlier is always better).
    • Prepare for interviews (if applicable).
    • Interview and wait.
    • Explore sources for financial aid.
    • Send updated transcripts directly to the schools to which you applied (Spring).
    • Discuss alternative plans with your advisor if necessary.
    • Finish your degree requirements and graduate.