Pre-Medical Laboratory Science Program

Medical laboratory scientists provide laboratory information and services needed for the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Medical laboratory scientists use sophisticated instrumentation and testing methods to generate accurate laboratory data needed to detect cancer, heart attacks, diabetes, infectious mononucleosis, and identification of bacteria or viruses that cause infections. Medical laboratory scientists work closely with other members of the healthcare team.

SMSU has a 3+1 program affiliated with Sanford Medical center in Sioux Falls, SD. Students complete 3 years of basic science coursework along with the SMSU liberal education program. The final year is a clinical internship at Sanford medical center that combines classroom education with real life laboratory training using state of the art medical instrumentation. This training prepares students to be certified by the National Accreditation Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS). Acceptance into the clinical internship is competitive. High GPA, demonstration of solid laboratory skills, and good recommendations are critical. Additional research experience is beneficial.