Med lab program reaches 35 years

Monna Montealegre and Clarise De Guzman are students of Baylor Scott & White Health's Medical Laboratory Science program. Bottom left: Monna holds a dropper.  Bottom right: Clarise looks through a microscope.

Baylor Scott & White trains future laboratory professionals through Medical Laboratory Science program

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 70% of today’s medical decisions depend on laboratory test results, demonstrating the importance of clinical laboratories in healthcare.

With a nationwide shortage of laboratory professionals, we are proud to provide education and training through Baylor Scott & White Health’s Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) program.

An allied health course of study, the Baylor Scott & White MLS program prepares students to become board-certified medical laboratory scientists who support the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of various diseases. 

The program offers students a curriculum filled with the necessary fundamentals, knowledge and skills for entry into the clinical laboratory sciences setting and to advance in laboratory leadership.

Originating in 1988 at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Temple with eight students, the MLS program has produced 262 graduates over the past 35 years. 

This year, the program expanded to offer a teaching site in Dallas with an inaugural class of five students, increasing the program’s training capacity to 40 students per year.

Over the course of the program, many graduates have continued their healthcare journey with Baylor Scott & White.

While pursuing her undergraduate degree in biology, Michelle Alvarez, laboratory manager at Baylor Scott & White McLane Children’s Medical Center, was introduced to the MLS program. Her immunology professor, Mary Ruth Beckham, past director of the program, shared information about it, which sparked Michelle’s interest and has turned into a career in laboratory science—for 15 years so far.

“My experience with our MLS program was amazing. The program provided me with the knowledge and tools to become a confident laboratorian,” Michelle said. “Clinical rotations in the program gave me the opportunity to work with program alumni working in lab leadership. This inspired me to become a leader in the lab. The program definitely contributed to my success in a career that I love!”

After graduating from the MLS program, Michelle started working in the immunology/flow cytometry lab at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Temple. Her laboratory journey has been on a steady incline, advancing from 10 years in immunology to serving as pathology staff development coordinator, lab supervisor, regional clinic lab supervisor and, now, her current role as laboratory manager. 

Michelle has been involved with the MLS program throughout her career, conducting lectures, serving as a bench tech instructor and participating on the admissions committee. 

“The MLS program is immensely valuable as it trains professionals to perform essential diagnostic tests and analyze body fluids, tissues and cells and provides crucial information to clinicians for accurate diagnoses and effective patient treatment plans,” MLS Program Director Shelby Johnson said.

A one-year intensive course of study, the MLS program is divided into two phases:

• Phase I: A 17-week teaching structure, including lectures and student laboratory practice, that prepares students for clinical rotations
• Phase II: 32 weeks of clinical rotations and two additional courses

The program prepares students to possess expertise in:

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• Laboratory techniques: Equips students with comprehensive knowledge and hands-on training, including but not limited to clinical chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology and molecular diagnostics
• Quality assurance and patient safety: Teaches the importance of quality control measures and adherence to strict protocols as a fundamental aspect of the laboratory; trains students to maintain high standards, ensuring accuracy and reliability of test results
• Interdisciplinary collaboration: Students learn to collaborate with clinicians, pathologists and other healthcare professionals
• Advanced technological skills: Incorporates training on cutting-edge laboratory equipment and advanced diagnostic tools to ensure students can utilize the latest advancements in practice
• Critical thinking and problem-solving: Emphasizes critical thinking skills, enabling professionals to analyze complex data, troubleshoot issues in the laboratory and make informed decisions under pressure

Classes begin each August and January with 10 students per site.

Discover more about our  MLS program.