Let’s tell you a little more about our nationally accredited program!
The Berkshire Medical Center School of Medical Laboratory Science, accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences, offers an approximate 12-month program for six full-time students. The school year begins in July and ends the following June.
During training the student rotates through Hematology, Microbiology, Stat Chemistry, Urinalysis, Special Chemistry, Serology, Blood Bank and Molecular Biology. Both manual and automated methods are taught. Students work under the supervision of qualified instructors who follow the progress of the individual in practice and theory. Oral and written examinations are given during clinical rotations. The didactic portion of each subject is evaluated by written quizzes and final exams.
Upon completion of the program, the students are presented with a certificate from the school. They are eligible to take the national certification examination given by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification.
Admission Requirements
Applicants for admission are considered without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, result of genetic testing, age, national origin, disability, status as a veteran, Vietnam era veteran, or being a member of the reserves or National Guard.
Educational Requirements for Admission to the BMC School of Medical Laboratory Science:
- Three years (90 semester hours) of collegiate training in a college or university approved by a recognized regional accrediting agency; or
- A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
Minimum Requirements for Admission:
All prerequisite course work must be completed prior to the start of the program and have been completed within the last 10 years. Prerequisite courses may be in progress or scheduled to be completed by spring semester during the application period.
- Biological Science (16 semester hours)
- Microbiology, Immunology, Anatomy/Physiology, and Genetics/Molecular Biology must be included
- Chemistry (16 semester hours)
- Organic and/or Biochemistry must be included
- Mathematics
- Statistics is required
Additional Courses Recommended:
- Chemistry: Advanced Organic and/or Biochemistry, Quantitative Analysis and Physical chemistry
- Biological Science: Human Clinical Microbiology, Parasitology and Hematology
- Other: Physics, Computer courses, Management, Research and Instrumentation
Berkshire Medical Center Admission Requirements:
- Student must pass a pre-admission physical, including random urine drug screening
- Provide immunization records and agree to follow the immunization policy of BHS
- Submit to a background investigation following acceptance into the clinical internship
No advance placement is available for our program. Transfer credits and experiential learning credits for university affiliated students are at the discretion of the university registrar. Experiential learning credits for certificate students are at the discretion of the Program Director. Substitutions for the required courses are at the discretion of the Program Director.
How to Apply
APPLICATION PERIOD: August 1, 2024 until December 1, 2024
BMC MEDICAL LAB SCIENCE CLASS OF 2026
If you are interested in applying to the BMC School of Medical Laboratory Science for the class of 2026, here is what you need to know:
- Official transcripts of all college or university credits must be forwarded.
- Three letters of recommendation are required.
- The student is expected to have at least an overall GPA of 3.0 and a science GPA of 3.3 for admission into the program.
Selection of applicants is based on:
- Application form
- Cumulative GPA
- Preference will be given to applicants who have maintained an overall GPA of 3.3 or above and a Science GPA of 3.5 or above
- Science grades
- Quality of courses
- References
- Interview
The interview process starts in November and students are chosen at the beginning of January.
Applicants for positions at the School of to Medical Laboratory Science are considered without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, result of genetic testing, age, national origin, disability, status as a veteran, Vietnam era veteran, or being a member of the reserves or National Guard.
Required Application Materials
- Application (form)
- A $20.00 non-refundable application fee – Please make check out to Berkshire Medical Center.
- A current official transcript of all your college work
*International students must have their transcripts evaluated from an approved agency (a list will be provided upon request). - Three reference letters, one from an employer if possible
- Read and sign the Essential Functions Form
- A personal narrative in applicant’s own words and handwriting as to why you have chosen medical laboratory science as a career
Important Information About Licensure
Some states require licensure to be able to work as a Medical Laboratory Scientist. We highly suggest that prospective students contact the applicable licensing board(s) in the state the student lives or intends to seek employment prior to applying to or attending this internship. Many licensure boards have additional requirements beyond successful completion of our MLS program. Please be advised that state laws, regulations, and policies continually change. These changes can impact the program’s ability to meet the education requirements for licensure. Prospective students and students who have been offered a position in this program are strongly encouraged to check with the licensing board(s) in the state(s) of interest. The Berkshire Medical Center School of Medical Laboratory Science does not guarantee that any specific state licensure or certification agency will approve or deny a student’s application.
*Currently, Massachusetts does not require licensure.
An information packet and application materials listed above can be mailed to you in hard copy upon request. To request application materials in hard copy, e-mail your request to: lmoore@bhs1.org.
Course Outline & Descriptions
The course in Medical Laboratory Science is approximately 12 months. At the discretion of the Program Director, the length of the course may be extended whenever the work performance of the student indicates such action is necessary.
During the clinical training period, the student rotates through Hematology, Microbiology, Stat Chemistry, Urinalysis, Special Chemistry, Serology, Blood Bank, Molecular Biology and Phlebotomy. Both manual and automated methods are taught. Students train and perform testing under the supervision of qualified instructors who follow the progress of the individual in practice and theory. Oral and written examinations are given during practical rotations.
Theoretical instruction includes Hematology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Urinalysis, Immunology/Serology, Blood Bank, Molecular Biology, Phlebotomy, Management, Education and Research Design. The lecture series in each area include quizzes and comprehensive written examinations.
Upon successful completion of the clinical internship students are presented with a certificate from the School of Medical Technology. Granting of this certificate is not contingent upon passing any certification or licensure examinations.
Introduces the student to the physiology of the organ systems of the body and the various analytes that interact with them. Discusses abnormal physiology as it relates to various disease states. Describes the controllable and non-controllable pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical variables that can affect testing. Discusses the principles of test methodology. The student applies this theory to the clinical lab using current diagnostic techniques and instrumentation to correlate lab results to disease processes.
Introduces students to the study of the hematopoietic system including the relationship of hematologic diseases to diagnostic characteristics. Discusses erythrocyte and leukocyte development and disorders; cellular morphology; mechanisms and disorders of hemostasis and fibrinolysis; and principles of test methodology. Describes the controllable and non-controllable pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical variables that can affect testing. The student applies this theory in the clinical lab using current diagnostic techniques and instrumentation to correlate lab results to disease processes.
Introduces the student to the study of bacterial, fungal, parasitic, and viral infections in humans. Discusses transmission, clinical symptoms, specimen collection, and laboratory methods used to identify suspect organisms. Discusses prevention as well as antibiotic therapy. Describes the controllable and non-controllable pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical variables that can affect testing. The student applies this theory in the clinical lab to isolate and identify pathogens including bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses using current technologies, to provide diagnosis and antibiotic sensitivity information, and to correlate test results with disease states.
Introduces the student to the immune system and the immune response. Discusses immune detection, immunodeficiency disorders, autoimmune diseases, hypersensitivity, and tumor and transplant immunology. Also discusses the serologic principles and diagnosis of infectious diseases. Discusses the antigen-antibody complex and the relationship to current testing methodology. Describes the controllable and non-controllable pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical variables that can affect testing. The student applies this theory in the clinical lab using current immunologic techniques and instrumentation to correlate lab results to disease processes.
Introduces the student to the different human blood groups, blood components, the antibody screening and identification process, transfusion protocols, blood donor screening, and state and federal regulations. Describes the controllable and non-controllable pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical variables that can affect testing. The student applies this theory in the clinical lab to process blood and its components, determine blood product compatibility, apply appropriate quality control, and correlate patient results to blood disorders.
Introduces the student to the study of body fluids including urine, cerebral spinal fluid, synovial fluid, serous fluids, seminal fluid, and miscellaneous other fluids. Discusses the physiological process of fluid production and abnormalities that may alter this production. Discusses specimen collection and analysis. Describes the controllable and non-controllable pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical variables that can affect testing. The student applies this theory in the clinical lab using current diagnostic techniques and instrumentation to correlate lab results with disease processes.
Introduces the student to the basic structure and function of DNA. Discusses the impact of molecular genetics in medicine and specific methods for analysis. Describes the controllable and non-controllable pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical variables that can affect testing. The student applies this theory in the molecular biology laboratory using current diagnostic techniques and instrumentation to correlate lab results with disease.
Management and Supervision introduces the medical technology students to the complexities of operating a clinical laboratory. Discusses the Management of Organizations, Management of Human Resources, Management of Financial Resources, Management of Laboratory Operations, and Laboratory Information Systems (LIS). These topics include but are not limited to regulatory and compliance issues, quality management and performance improvement, effective communication, staffing, labor relations, safety, strategic planning, budgets, reimbursement, outreach, etc. Real-life scenarios are used from Berkshire Medical Center to demonstrate theories taught and how they apply to an actual lab setting.
Discusses the principles of adult education and education methodology including basic principles of how adults learn, the theories of learning (Bloom, Krathwohl, and Simpson) and the use of learning objectives (cognitive, psychomotor and affective). Instructs students about how to write objectives, select the appropriate type and level of objective and create evaluation tools to measure the learning. Students will prepare and teach a class and develop evaluation tools for that class. Also discusses the importance and benefits of maintaining competency, professional development, and life-long learning
Discusses the use of the internet, the library, and other resources available for research and how to evaluate these sources for relevancy and validity. Provides students with instruction on creating and developing research and case study projects. Students evaluate journal articles, create and present research or case study projects to target audience.
Includes a capstone project. Students submit a research proposal or case study proposal in which they design and conduct approved research or select and work up a case study related to a specific area of the clinical lab. Required paper and oral presentation.
Introduces students to the essentials of phlebotomy. Students learn the basic anatomy and physiology of the blood draw. Discusses proper procedure for various collections, legal and ethical issues, importance of confidentiality, pre-analytical factors, safety and handling, patient interaction. Students apply this information in the clinical setting using current techniques and procedures.
Objectives & Competencies
Upon successful completion of the medical laboratory science program the graduate will:
- Determine appropriate specimen collection, processing, and analysis of patient specimens to ensure quality lab results by following established procedures.
- Perform manual and automated testing on patient blood or body fluids that result in valid laboratory results.
- Perform routine maintenance, trouble shooting, quality control, and calibrations on instrumentation following established procedures.
- Evaluate quality control data and determine course of action when quality control falls outside of range.
- Interpret laboratory data generated from different laboratory disciplines regarding test accuracy, pathological conditions/disease states, and the relationship to the established reference ranges.
- Comply with state, federal, institutional, and accrediting guidelines as they apply to successful operation of the clinical laboratory.
- Evaluate published research to make informed choices as a consumer.
- Apply published safety practices to work in the clinical laboratory.
- Apply principles of education methodology to instruct or present information to students, new employees and other healthcare professionals.
- Maintain professional competence and growth by continuing education and life long learning.
- Promote the MLS profession by active participation in professional organizations and community service.
- Apply principles of laboratory management and supervision using learned skills regarding organization, human resources, financial resources, and laboratory operations.
- Comply with established protected health information confidentiality guidelines.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct with all healthcare professionals, consumers, and patients.
- Use current information systems technology to requisition tests, access patient information, data entry, monitor quality control, and exchange information while complying with confidentiality guidelines.
Mission, Goals, & Outcomes
Mission
Our mission is to provide the most comprehensive, up-to-date, high quality, affordable education in the field of medical laboratory science. We provide graduates with the knowledge, technical skills, professional and ethical behavior needed to function in the clinical laboratory and the ability to adapt to the changing needs of the healthcare environment.
Program Goals
The goals of Berkshire Medical Center School of School of Medical Laboratory Science are:
- To provide high quality instruction, both academically and clinically, in all areas of the clinical lab so that students receive a strong knowledge base and strong clinical skills as evidenced by exam scores and clinical outcomes.
- To provide graduates with the skills and experience to effectively communicate and interact with other healthcare professionals and patients.
- To provide graduates with the relevant skills and experience to provide high quality customer service.
- To adequately prepare graduates for the successful completion of the national certification examination.
- To provide entry level medical laboratory scientists for the profession who meet entry level competencies as evidenced by the successful completion of the program.
- To provide graduates with adequate skills and experience for clinical decision making, quality assurance, process improvement, and regulatory compliance.
- To instill graduates with ethical standards to guide professional behavior and judgments.
Rules & Regulations
Students will train 40 hours per week from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. If absence is necessary, the Program Director must be notified. A student may not be absent from the laboratory for more than 10 working days during the year whether for vacation or illness. Time lost in excess must be made up before a certificate will be issued.
All students are granted nine (9) holidays per year in addition to ten (10) personal days. Legal holidays at BMC are New Year’s Day, President’s Day, Patriot’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Policies and Practices
Information concerning the patient must be considered confidential, and the trust of both patient and physician must never be violated.
Students must comply with policies and practices that pertain to BMC employees as well as those of the School of Medical Laboratory Science. These policies will be signed by students before they begin the internship.
Verbal/Written Warnings
Unsatisfactory performance or violations of the Medical Center’s or School’s policies, standards, practices and regulations may result in corrective actions according to the frequency, seriousness, and circumstances surrounding the offenses. A more detailed explanation is provided to the student during orientation.
Grading Policy
Didactic:
No student will be allowed to graduate from this program with a final lecture grade of C- or lower in any subject. A minimum average of 75% must be maintained.
Practical:
No student will graduate from this program with a final clinical grade of C- or lower, a minimum average of 75% must be maintained. A student will not graduate from this program until they complete all assigned work in each rotation.
Grievance and Dismissal Policy
The Grievance and Dismissal policy is provided during student orientation. Some of the offenses that may result in immediate dismissal from the program include, but are not limited to:
- Cheating
- Plagiarism
- Violation of patient confidentiality
- Excessive absenteeism
- A student may be terminated or denied a certificate of graduation if they do not complete the internship according to all School of Medical Laboratory Science, Laboratory, and hospital policies.
Withdrawal Policy
A written notice to the Program Director is required as soon as a student decides to cancel their enrollment.
- Students from affiliated universities should consult with their Academic Advisor/ Medical Laboratory Science Program Coordinator and their university catalog.
- Non-affiliated students should submit their request in writing to the Program Director. An exit interview with the Program Director is encouraged.
- Textbook fees or any other expenses incurred before or during the program are non-refundable.
- All students who withdraw from the program shall relinquish the right to use student services made available by the hospital and laboratory.
Refund Policy
If we receive your notice before the first day of clinical training and you have already paid your tuition in full we will refund all of your tuition minus the $250.00 non-refundable deposit to hold your position.
Tuition, Fees, & Expenses
Tuition
Tuition for the medical laboratory science internship is currently $5,000 for both in-state and out-of-state students. This fee does not include housing, certification exam fee, or other miscellaneous expenses. For refund policies or additional information, call the BMC School of Medical Laboratory Science at 413-447-2580.
Books
A list of required texts will be provided to the student before the start of the internship. All books are to be purchased by the student.
Health Program
A routine physical examination is required at the beginning of the training period. Students are required to follow BHS vaccination policies. For students that will not be covered by health insurance during the clinical internship, please contact Lori Moore at 413-447-2580.
Housing and Meals
Student housing may be available within walking distance of BMC for qualified students. Meal costs are the responsibility of the student.
Work
Opportunities to work as a phlebotomist, laboratory assistant, or lab courier are available on a limited basis for all students throughout their internship. Service work in not mandatory and not necessary for successful completion of the program.
Contact us for an interview or schedule a visit.
Program Director:
Lori Moore, M.Ed., MLS(ASCP)
413-447-2580