About the B.S. in Medical Laboratory Science Program at UW
Medical laboratory scientists are the detectives of the healthcare world. They’re tasked with analyzing the results of a multitude of diagnostic exams that empower doctors to recommend timely care for their patients. The MLS program at the University of Wyoming dives deep into the course content students need to fully immerse themselves in the lab world.
The MLS program specific course content encompasses such disciplines as clinical chemistry, hematology, immunology, immunohematology, microbiology, urinalysis, molecular methods, laboratory management, clinical research design and laboratory education methodology.
The UW-Casper Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS) program is located within the UW College of Health Sciences, under the School of Pharmacy, and is offered on the UW-Casper campus.
The UW-Casper Medical Laboratory Science program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), 5600 N. River Rd, Suite 720, Rosemont, IL, 773-714-8880.
The MLS program is composed of 60 credit hours of coursework between the junior and senior years, with the final semester being reserved for advanced clinical practicum courses. The program curriculum is based on the major requirements of the University of Wyoming’s School of Health Science and program-specific requirements for NAACLS accreditation. The delivery of all MLS course content will occur in an online education format, consisting of the online presentation of didactic and instructional content, supplemented with on-campus lab sessions. Students will meet at the UW-Casper campus periodically for the courses that require a lab component or face-to-face interaction. Successful completion of all required MLS course offerings will result in a B.S. degree from the University of Wyoming and candidacy for the national certification examination.
Supervised, practical application is crucial to ensuring MLS students are equipped with the right knowledge to take on challenging real-world problems. For this reason, each student will complete a 14-week clinical practicum rotation at one of our clinical affiliate sites located throughout the region as part of their degree. Students participate in an observational rotation at the Wyoming Public Health Laboratory, to engage in advanced, high-complexity testing methodologies and biohazard training. Research opportunities are available to our MLS students through the Wyoming Idea Networks for Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) program. Our graduates enter the workforce ready to face challenges.
In addition to your practicum, these are just a few of the courses you may take:
- Molecular Methodologies
- Hematology
- Microbiology
- Laboratory Management
- Immunohematology
View the full Medical Laboratory Science degree program curriculum.
View the full Medical Laboratory Science degree program curriculum at UW Casper.
International Students
The University of Wyoming proudly welcomes students from around the world, and the Medical Laboratory Science Program in Casper is excited to support and educate international students. Our program offers a comprehensive, hands-on education that prepares graduates for careers in clinical laboratories, hospitals, research institutions and other healthcare settings.
International AdmissionsLearn more about the International Students and Scholars (ISS) Office and how they can assist with you getting your degree at the University of Wyoming!
What can you do with a Medical Laboratory Science Bachelor Degree?
Medical laboratory science (MLS) degrees are ideal for students who love science and enjoy problem-solving. Medical laboratory scientists are highly skilled professionals who use state-of-the-art instrumentation and methodologies to develop, perform, evaluate and interpret laboratory tests that support clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes. Collaborating in hospitals, clinics, biotech companies and research institutions, MLS professionals ensure the quality, accuracy and regulatory compliance of laboratory testing while contributing to areas such as quality assurance, performance improvement, information management and laboratory operations. They also play an important role in education, training laboratory professionals, collaborating with healthcare teams and communicating with patients and the public. Grounded in strong ethical and professional standards, UW MLS graduates translate complex test data into actionable insights, making this degree an affordable and impactful pathway into the healthcare field.
- Medical Laboratory Scientist
- Clinical Systems Analyst
- Educator
- Forensic Scientist
- Health Care Administrator
- Laboratory Manager
- Computer Applications Specialist
- Technical Sales Representative
- Private Consultant
- Clinical Research Specialist
- Banner Health System
- UC Health System
- Monument Health System
- Cheyenne Regional Medical Center
- Memorial Hospital of Converse County
- Campbell County Health System
- University of Wyoming
- Casper College
The hybrid nature of the MLS degree allows students to access coursework from anywhere in the state or region. Occasional visits to the Casper campus will be required to engage in exciting lab experiences. The MLS program isn’t simply the only one of its kind in the state; it’s also an exceptional opportunity for future laboratorians.
Experienced Faculty, Individual Attention: MLS faculty is composed of experienced, certified laboratory professionals who serve as educators and mentors. From advising to clinical placement and career guidance, MLS faculty support student growth and academic success. They ground the robust academic curriculum of our program with useful lab applications and offer a level of individualized instruction that sets the program apart from most in the region.
Modern, Renovated Facilities: The newly renovated facilities at Aley Hall contain the necessary equipment to train competent laboratorians. The program provides access to modern tools that include automated instrumentation, semi-automated analyzers and the latest laboratory-specific computer software.
