Pre-Medical Lab Science Roadmap
Start your journey to becoming a medical lab scientist.
Medical laboratory scientists (formally known as clinical laboratory scientists or medical technologists) are responsible for the development, performance, and evaluation of laboratory testing that is needed in patient medical care and clinical research. They analyze samples of blood, tissue, and body fluids using cutting-edge technology and a variety of analytical techniques. Medical lab scientists also interpret laboratory results, integrate data, solve problems, consult with physicians, conduct research, and evaluate new test methods. Up to 80% of all medical decisions are based on their accurate and precise results. Medical lab scientists work in many different environments and several areas of expertise. They often do not have extensive contact with patients, but are an integral part of the healthcare and diagnosis team.
Pre-Medical Lab Science Roadmap at UNL
Medical Lab Science Prerequisite Classes
Depending on the school you plan to attend, you may need additional prerequisite courses. Meet with an advisor for more information.
Typical Medical Lab Science School Requirements
Biology – 2 semesters
Microbiology – 1 semester
Molecular Biology or Genetics - 1 semester
Immunology - 1 semester
Chemistry – 2 semesters
Upper-Level Chemistry – 2 semesters
Math or Statistics – 1 semester
English – 1 semester
What to Take at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Some classes require prerequisites. Meet with an advisor for help planning your courses.
Biology – LIFE 120/120L & LIFE 121/121L
Microbiology – BIOS 312/314
Molecular Biology or Genetics – BIOS 206
Immunology – BIOS 443
Chemistry – CHEM 109A/L & 110A/L or CHEM 113A/L, 114, & 221L
Upper-Level Chemistry – CHEM 251/253, 252/254, 221, or BIOC 401/401L, or 431/433
Math or Statistics – MATH 101, 102, 103, 106, or 107, or STAT 218, ECON 215, EDPS 459, or PSYC 350
English – ENGL 150, 151, 254, or 354
Suggested Science Sequencing
Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
Semester 5 | Semester 6 |
Extracurricular Involvement and Activities:
Pursuing Pre-Medical Lab Science requires more than just coursework. Your extracurricular activities, employment, and healthcare experiences like shadowing and volunteering will contribute greatly to your success in this field. See your pre-health advisor in the Explore Center to plan extracurricular activities that will prepare you for this program.
Application and Admission
Application: To apply to UNMC’s Medical Laboratory Science program, apply online at
unmc.edu/alliedhealth/education/mls/admission/apply.html.
Entrance exam: There is no entrance exam required.
Additional admission requirements: Three letters of recommendation are required. Shadowing and direct observation of clinical labs is highly recommended. UNMC also requires an interview. For additional application details, see unmc.edu/alliedhealth/education/mls/admission/apply.html.
The above course recommendations fulfill the entrance requirements for the UNMC Medical Laboratory Science Program.
Other Notes:
- GPA: You must get at least a “C-“ in each of the pre-requisite courses.
- Community College Credit: UNMC accepts up to 66 credit hours of credit from a community college; 11 credit hours must be taken at a 4-year school.
- Math Requirement: Some required science courses, like chemistry, require math as a prerequisite. See your pre-health advisor for math placement information.
- AP/CLEP: Accepted for non-science pre-requisite courses.
Plan Your Path to Medical Lab Science Program
- Meet with a Pre-Health advisor to create a comprehensive academic and co-curricular plan
- The timeline to a medical lab science program will vary based on program
- Research application requirements
- See specific school websites for any specific application requirements which may vary by program.
- Meet with a representative of the program for specific questions and guidance
- Apply to medical lab science programs
- The application process for medical lab science programs varies by school. Please consult programs directly regarding applications and requirements.
- To learn more about other educational opportunities within this field please see the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science website.
- Complete required prerequisite courses
- Attend Medical Lab Science program (1 year)
Suggested Academic Preparation
- 77 undergraduate credit hours – may vary by program and no UNL major required
- Completion of pre-requisite courses
- Competitive academic record
- GPA in both science and non-science courses
- Full semester loads of 15-17 credits
Explore this Career
Local Professional Schools
UNMC College of Allied Health Professions(Omaha, NE)
Current Students
Current students: Meet with a Pre-Health advisor to talk more about your Pre-Health goals.
Are you a non-UNL student looking for information about Pre-Health? Click here