University of Mount Union

What you'll study

The programme blends foundational liberal-arts science with specialised clinical laboratory coursework and supervised clinical experiences. Early semesters cover core science and maths—general chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, anatomy and physiology, and statistics—while later modules focus on diagnostic laboratory disciplines.

• Microbiology and Immunology – organism identification, infection control, immune response and serology techniques.
• Clinical Chemistry – automated instrumentation, metabolic panel analysis, enzymology and quality control.
• Hematology and Coagulation – blood cell morphology, haemostasis testing and interpretation of haematologic disorders.
• Molecular Diagnostics – nucleic acid techniques, PCR, and applications in infectious disease and genetic testing.
• Clinical Laboratory Operations – laboratory management, safety, regulatory compliance and laboratory information systems.
• Phlebotomy and Specimen Management – specimen collection, handling and pre-analytic variables.
• Capstone and Clinical Practicum – extended supervised rotations in partnering hospitals and clinical laboratories, integrating technical skills with professional practice.

Courses emphasise hands-on skills in instrument use, troubleshooting, test validation and data interpretation. Students complete laboratory practicums and clinical placements to develop competency in real-world diagnostic settings.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a high-school diploma or equivalent. Typical preparation includes strong performance in secondary-level biology, chemistry and mathematics. Admissions commonly consider grades, a personal statement, and references; some applicants may benefit from prior laboratory experience or college-level science coursework.

Specific entry expectations may include:

• A solid background in biology and chemistry (secondary or post-secondary).
• Competence in mathematics and statistics.
• An ability to work accurately in laboratory settings and follow protocols.

Selection may involve review of academic record and suitability for a clinical healthcare programme. Prospective students should consult the university’s admissions office for exact requirements and any prerequisite courses that must be completed prior to entry into upper-level major courses.

Career prospects

Graduates typically pursue roles as clinical/medical laboratory scientists or technologists, performing diagnostic testing that informs patient diagnosis and treatment. Employment settings include hospitals, independent clinical laboratories, public health laboratories, blood banks and research institutions.

• Clinical/medical laboratory scientist or technologist
• Laboratory supervisor or quality assurance specialist
• Public health laboratory technician
• Research laboratory assistant in academic or industry settings
• Sales or technical support for laboratory instrumentation and diagnostics

Many graduates prepare for national certification exams and licensure where required, and some continue to postgraduate study in fields such as pathology, public health, physician assistant programmes or biomedical research.

Why study at University of Mount Union

The University of Mount Union offers a small-campus environment with close faculty mentorship and substantial hands-on laboratory training. The programme integrates classroom theory with supervised clinical placements through regional partnerships, giving students practical experience in diagnostic laboratories. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated laboratory facilities and career services that support clinical placement and professional development.

For students seeking an applied science degree that leads directly to diagnostic laboratory careers or further study in health sciences, the programme provides a clear pathway combining technical competence, clinical experience and professional readiness.