Classes typically begin on the fourth or fifth Monday in July and conclude on the second or third Friday in July of the following year. The Medical Laboratory Science program is a full-time, 51-week program that includes scheduled holidays and academic breaks and combines didactic instruction with clinical training. Students participate in an average of two hours of classroom lecture on most weekdays.

MLS students rotate through and receive bench training in the following laboratory departments: Microbiology, Serology, Chemistry, Hematology, Urinalysis, Blood Bank, Phlebotomy, and Histology.

Daily Schedule:

Monday through Friday

6:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. — Bench Training

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — Lecture

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. — Lunch

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. — Bench Training

On occasion, lectures may be scheduled from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. During these periods, students complete clinical rotations from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Yearly Rotation Schedule:

Microbiology — 12 weeks

Chemistry — 8 weeks

Blood Bank — 10 weeks

Urinalysis — 3 weeks

Serology — 3 weeks

Hematology — 10 weeks

Phlebotomy — 2 weeks

Histology — 1 week

Orientation — 1 week

Winter Break — 1 week

Individual lecture and departmental schedules are distributed to students at the start of each respective course.

Attendance is an essential component of the program. Detailed attendance and make-up hour requirements are outlined in the Student Handbook.

The Medical Laboratory Science program operates within a professional clinical work environment, not a traditional academic classroom. Students are expected to conduct themselves according to the standards of a healthcare workplace.

Unprofessional behavior, insubordination, breach of confidentiality, and academic dishonesty are not acceptable and will not be tolerated.

Students in the School of Medical Laboratory Science are held to conduct standards comparable to those of laboratory and hospital employees. These expectations include appropriate workplace behavior, respect for supervisors and colleagues, adherence to institutional and program requirements, and protection of patient confidentiality.

Detailed standards of conduct and disciplinary procedures are outlined in the hospital’s Employee Handbook and the Medical Laboratory Science Student Handbook. These materials are provided to students at the beginning of the program.

Failure to meet academic or professional standards may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the program, in accordance with established policies.

Uniform Requirements

Students are required to wear chocolate brown scrubs (Cherokee Workwear brand preferred) during scheduled program hours. A white laboratory coat with the MHS MLS School patch affixed to the left sleeve is required when working in the clinical laboratory.

Scrubs may be purchased from any scrub retailer. Program patches are purchased through the school during Orientation at a cost of $10 each. The required uniform must be worn during all program activities. Alternative attire is not permitted.

Hair

Hair must be clean, well-groomed, and maintained in a professional manner. Extreme hairstyles or colors are not permitted.

Cosmetics

Makeup and perfume/aftershave must be worn conservatively and should not be excessive.

Jewelry

Excessive jewelry is not permitted. Facial jewelry is not acceptable due to safety and professional appearance considerations.

Name Tags

An MHSSWOK identification badge must be worn by students at all times. ID badges are issued during Hospital Student Orientation.

Students receive the Medical Laboratory Science Student Handbook no later than the morning of the first day of the program and are required to read and acknowledge all MLS School policies on that day.

During Week 1, students are required to read and acknowledge applicable Laboratory General, Safety, and Laboratory Information System (LIS) policies.

Students are required to review applicable departmental standard operating procedures (SOPs) at the start of each clinical rotation, unless otherwise specified.

Any new or revised policies implemented during the academic year must be reviewed and acknowledged by students.

Students are responsible for understanding and adhering to all applicable policies and program expectations.

The MLS classroom is equipped with a library, four computers, a conference desk with seating, assigned student shelving, cabinets, and lockers. A television with projector capability is available for viewing live interactive lectures via Google Meet.

A microwave and two refrigerators are available for student use.

In addition to the dedicated classroom space, students receive hands-on training in a fully operational clinical laboratory, where instruction occurs alongside certified medical laboratory professionals using current instrumentation and laboratory information systems.

The average class size is four to six students, allowing for individualized instruction and close faculty support throughout both the classroom and clinical training experiences.

Students should expect out-of-pocket expenses associated with participation in the program.

Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) students are responsible for the following costs, as applicable:

Tuition

2024–2025:

- 4+1 students — $8,732.40 (payable to MHSSWOK)

- MSU/UNT 3+1 students — $6,985.92 (payable to MHSSWOK)

Tuition amounts are calculated annually. Final tuition rates are provided to accepted students prior to the start of the program as part of the School Fees notification.
Printing

School patch

Online Portal management system

Book loan program

Background check

Urine drug screen

PPD testing and other required immunizations

Required uniform

Additional books and school supplies

ASCP MLS certification examination

AMT phlebotomy certification (optional)

Graduation stole and Teaching Technologist memento

Housing

Transportation

Food

Health and dental insurance

Miscellaneous laboratory-related activities (e.g., Teaching Technologist appreciation, Lab Week activities, potlucks)

Other incidental expenses

Program-related costs are subject to change. Detailed and current fee information is provided in the Student Handbook.

Summer I Mini Break — 2 days

Fall Mini Break — 3 days

Winter Break — 10 days

Spring Mini Break — 2 days

Summer II Mini Break — 2 days

Independence Day — 1 day

Scheduled holidays and breaks are incorporated into the program calendar and may vary slightly by academic year.

At no time are students used to replace medical laboratory scientists or other laboratory staff.

Students are assigned a Teaching Tech/Preceptor who oversees their clinical training in each department. While learning or performing laboratory procedures during clinical rotations, students are under the direct supervision of a qualified medical laboratory scientist or instructor at all times.

MLS students do not receive a stipend or salary for activities performed during scheduled program hours.

Student employment with MHSSWOK is voluntary and, if pursued, must occur outside of scheduled program hours.