Mercy College

What you'll study

The programme combines foundational science with professional laboratory training. Core modules typically include Clinical Chemistry, Hematology, Clinical Microbiology, Immunology and Serology, Transfusion Medicine (Blood Banking), Molecular Diagnostics, Urinalysis and Body Fluids, and Laboratory Safety and Quality Assurance. Students also study complementary topics such as Anatomy and Physiology, Biochemistry, Medical Terminology and Statistics to support clinical reasoning.

Teaching is delivered through a mixture of lectures, practical laboratory sessions in specialised teaching labs, case-based learning and a series of supervised clinical practicum placements in regional hospital and diagnostic laboratories. Many students complete a capstone project or an advanced practicum in an area such as molecular diagnostics, public health testing or laboratory management.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a secondary school diploma or equivalent with a strong background in science and mathematics. Typical preparation includes high‑level courses in biology and chemistry, and competence in algebra or pre‑calculus. Mercy College looks for academic readiness (many successful applicants present a solid high‑school GPA) plus demonstrated interest in healthcare or laboratory work.

Selection may involve submission of transcripts, a personal statement explaining your interest in clinical laboratory science, and references. Some applicants are invited to interview. Successful candidates must be able to meet health and safety requirements for clinical placements, which may include immunisations, a background check and drug screening as required by placement providers.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to work as clinical laboratory scientists / medical laboratory technologists in hospital laboratories, private diagnostic centres, public health and reference laboratories. Additional career paths include roles in molecular diagnostics, blood banks, microbiology and infectious disease laboratories, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, forensic laboratories and laboratory management. Graduates may also move into quality assurance, sales/support for diagnostic equipment, or pursue postgraduate study in laboratory medicine, pathology, public health or related biomedical sciences.

Why study at Mercy College

Mercy College offers a hands‑on approach with well‑equipped teaching laboratories and structured clinical placements organised through its local hospital and diagnostic laboratory partnerships. Class sizes are generally small, allowing close mentoring by faculty who combine academic credentials with practical laboratory experience. The programme emphasises professional competencies, laboratory safety and quality management to prepare students for the technical and regulatory demands of modern diagnostic laboratories.

Students benefit from on‑campus support services including academic advising, clinical placement coordination and career services to help with licencing exam preparation, résumé development and employer links in the region’s healthcare sector.