Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences in Rock Island is launching a Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) program – its first new program since 2017.
The program is designed to prepare students to work in a laboratory setting in a variety of career fields. Classes for the MLS program will begin in May 2023. Trinity College will accept 10 students into the new MLS program.
“We are excited to expand our educational offerings at Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences as we work to meet the healthcare needs of our community,” said Tracy Poelvoorde, chancellor of Trinity College. “We know there’s a strong demand for a highly-trained, qualified healthcare workforce and we’re proud to offer this advanced program to help get laboratory professionals into the workforce where they can make a difference.”
To apply for the program and learn more about Trinity College, call (309) 779-7700 or visit trinitycollegeqc.edu.
College officials said medical laboratory scientists are in high demand as the need for laboratory diagnostic procedures increase, citing these statistics:
- Employment is expected to grow 7% over the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- On average, MLS graduates are at a 98-100% job placement rate within six months of graduation.
- The median annual wage for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians was $57,800 in May 2021.
“Medical laboratory scientists play a vital role in our healthcare system,” said Stephanie Tieso, Medical Laboratory Sciences director at Trinity College. “Medical laboratory scientists are on the forefront of testing and analyzing lab results from patients, and helping physicians interpret those results. They also play an important role in the early detection and treatment of diseases and other medical conditions. Their work helps physicians decide the best course of action.”
MLS graduates can work in a variety of roles, some may choose to work in a hospital, clinic or forensic lab. They can also use their degree to work in the career fields of infection control, public health and blood banks.
“The career opportunities in this field are promising,” said Ms. Tieso. “Now is an exciting time to pursue an education in medical laboratory science as we continue to see advancements in science and diagnostic technology. This advanced degree sets graduates up with the flexibility to choose a number of fields they want to work after graduation.”
Tara Dunahoo, vice president of Technical Services for ImpactLife, says the MLS degree is in high demand in the field of blood banking.
“There is a shortage of qualified candidates for open positions nationally and here in the Midwest as well,” says Ms. Dunahoo. “Having a Medical Laboratory Science degree program available in the Quad Cities is great news for ImpactLife because we have an ongoing need for qualified candidates with this credential.”
Trinity College is now accepting applications for the inaugural class. Admission requirements include:
- Minimum college cumulative 2.8 GPA.
- Minimum science 2.8 GPA.
- Completion of all required prerequisite general education courses with a “C” or above.
The MLS program also is available for students who have a previous baccalaureate degree or medical laboratory technician certification and have completed all general education courses, and desire to expand certification to a MLS.
Graduates of the MLS program will receive a bachelor of health sciences degree with a MLS major and will be eligible to take a MLS certification exam upon completion of the program.
