Michigan Technological University

What you'll study

The programme combines foundational biological and chemical sciences with specialised clinical laboratory training. Core study areas include clinical microbiology, clinical chemistry, hematology and coagulation, immunology and serology, molecular diagnostics, laboratory instrumentation and quality assurance. Students also take supporting courses in anatomy and physiology, biostatistics, bioethics and laboratory safety.

The degree is typically delivered over four years and mixes classroom instruction, intensive hands‑on laboratory practicals and supervised clinical placements in healthcare or public health laboratories. Many students complete a senior capstone or practicum project that emphasises method validation, process improvement, or applied diagnostics.

Typical modules

• General and Organic Chemistry
• Cell Biology and Human Physiology
• Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Disease Diagnostics
• Clinical Biochemistry / Clinical Chemistry
• Hematology and Transfusion Science
• Molecular Diagnostics and PCR-based Methods
• Laboratory Quality Management and Instrumentation
• Clinical Practicum / Internship in partner laboratories

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a high school diploma or equivalent with strong grades in biology, chemistry and mathematics. Typical preparation includes one year each of high school biology and chemistry, and algebra or precalculus. Universities may expect evidence of laboratory experience or coursework and a competitive overall academic record.

Admission may require submission of transcripts, a personal statement and references. Because clinical placements are part of the curriculum, students should be prepared to meet health-screening, immunisation and background-check requirements mandated by hospital partners; certification in basic life support (CPR) is often required before clinical rotations.

Career prospects

Graduates enter roles as medical laboratory scientists/clinical laboratory technologists working in hospital laboratories, independent diagnostic laboratories, public health agencies and biotechnology firms. Common job duties include performing diagnostic tests, operating and maintaining analytical instruments, interpreting results and ensuring quality control.

Other career paths include laboratory management, sales and technical support for diagnostics companies, research technician roles, and positions in regulatory or public-health laboratories. Graduates may also pursue further study in fields such as clinical laboratory management, biomedical science, public health, nursing, physician assistant programmes or graduate research degrees.

Why study at Michigan Technological University

Michigan Technological University offers a strong hands‑on emphasis with well‑equipped teaching laboratories and close ties to regional healthcare providers for clinical placements. The university’s interdisciplinary strengths in engineering, analytics and instrument development give students additional exposure to instrumentation and data analysis skills valued in modern diagnostic laboratories.

Students benefit from small cohort sizes that support close faculty mentoring, opportunities for undergraduate research alongside faculty in related departments, and career services that connect graduates with employers in hospital, public health and industry settings. The campus environment and regional healthcare partnerships help prepare graduates for practical, workplace-ready roles in clinical laboratory science.