Prospective Students

MLS Program

There are two phases to the MLS program: pre-professional and professional. The pre-professional phase occurs prior to enrollment in the professional year of the program. During this phase applicants complete prerequisites course work that prepares them for the professional year of the program.

During the professional phase, students spend four quarters completing medical laboratory science-specific coursework on the Oregon Tech Portland-Metro campus. Upon successful completion of the on-campus work, students are assigned to one or more program-affiliated medical laboratories to complete an extended fifth term (15 weeks) of clinical training. Upon Completion of the professional phase of the program, students will be awarded a B.S. Degree in Medical Laboratory Science.

MLS Information Sessions are an excellent opportunity to have your questions answered, meet faculty, learn about the application process, and learn about the profession.

Upcoming Information Sessions:

Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 7pm via Zoom

This meeting is held virtually via Zoom. Please RSVP to Deb Disko for connection information.

The Professional Program

Admission to the professional program is criterion-based and competitive. The admissions committee is looking for well-rounded candidates who bring a strong academic background or show positive academic trends. The committee also considers your motivation, narrative statement, understanding of the MLS profession, lab and life experience and letters of recommendation.

Applications are evaluated and the strongest candidates will be chosen for an interview which will be conducted in the second half of February. Those selected for admission are notified by the end of March.

The professional program admits one cohort of no more than 50 students a year. Students interested in applying to the professional year (4th year) of the MLS program, should submit completed applications to the Department of Medical Laboratory Science Office from October 1st to January 15. Please review our “How to Apply” page for application information. The professional year of the MLS program is only offered at Oregon Tech’s Portland-Metro campus.

Please read the Program Prerequisites (PDF) and FAQs (PDF) documents located on this page.

Advising, Transfer Credits and Tours

Due to the large volume of requests; we are unable to honor requests for individual advising appointments and tours. Rather, we do our best to maintain our website in a manner that will answer the majority of questions prospective applicants may have. We recommend starting on the website and then contacting us via email with any specific questions not addressed on the site. Our program offers information sessions in lieu of one-on-one meetings. Information sessions are held throughout the year. The session includes a presentation about the profession and the program, information about the admission process, a question and answer period. We encourage you to RSVP to Deb Disko.

If you have questions after reading over information on prerequisites, please complete our prerequisite worksheet (PDF) to the best of your ability. Email your completed worksheet, along with your transcripts to the program representative. For this purpose, transcripts do not have to be official. We will complete a transfer review and answer any specific questions you may have.

Please read the Program PreRequirements and FAQs located on this page.

Deceleration Option

In an effort to provide a curricular option for the different needs of students pursuing degrees in Medical Laboratory Science, starting in Academic year 2023-2024, the traditional on-campus program will be offered to a select few students in a decelerated format. This track splits the twelve months of didactic course work into two academic years during which coursework would not exceed 12 credits per term. The traditional 14-week externship (40 hours pers week) follows the second year of completed course work as a 9th term set of courses.
Students wishing to pursue the decelerated track would indicate their intention once accepted into the on-campus program. Should more than the maximum number of students apply for deceleration, the program reserves the right to determine the best candidates for deceleration. This plan may not be available to all wanting this option.

Pre-Professional Phase

Applicants may complete prerequisite coursework at any accredited university or community college. Though a bachelor degree is not required for admission to the professional year, many of our students are post-bacs. If you will be completing your prerequisites at a community college, it is recommended that you complete one or two upper division courses to prepare yourself for the rigors of the program and to show the admission committee that you are capable of succeeding at that level.

All prerequisite coursework can be completed at Oregon Tech, either at the Klamath Falls or Wilsonville campus. First year and transfer students wishing to complete their prerequisite courses work with Oregon Tech, should apply directly to the Office of Admissions. The MLS application is not due until you are ready to apply to the professional year. For information on how to apply to Oregon Tech, visit the Oregon Tech admissions website. Questions about the general admissions process should be addressed to the admissions office. After acceptance to Oregon Tech you will be assigned an advisor who will help with your goals.