The master’s degree program in biomedical laboratory operations (BLMO) is designed for individuals with previous clinical laboratory experience who seek career advancement as managers, administrators, researchers, entrepreneurs and policymakers in the field. The core of this program resides in three major components: science, management and practice. The science component focuses on post-baccalaureate courses planned to develop a high level of competence within the student’s chosen biomedical laboratory discipline. The management component provides a solid foundation in general business including resource management, communication skills, organizational structures, decision making, and essential aspects of working in a regulated industry; it includes courses which specifically emphasize the management of a biomedical laboratory. The practice component requires participation in an industrial/clinical internship. This experience is intended to expose individuals to real-life problems with an expectation of generating positive, realistic solutions. Internships are conducted in a closely coordinated manner among non-academic industrial or clinical partners, Michigan State University faculty members and the student.

The program of study can be planned to meet individual interests and career paths, while providing a structured sequence useful for personal and professional development. For select students, opportunities are available for acquisition of professional credentials.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the University and the College of Natural Science, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

Regular admission to the Master of Science degree in Biomedical Laboratory Operations requires completion of a bachelor of science degree, with a minimum grade-point average of 3.0, in a field of study directly related to the focus of this program and a minimum of two years’ experience in a clinical laboratory setting. Applicants with certification in a clinical laboratory profession may apply their clinical education or internship experience towards the two-year experience requirement. Scholastic record, experience, personal qualifications and career goals are taken into consideration to determine the applicant’s acceptability.

Applicants who fail to meet the criteria for regular admission, may apply for provisional admission if they have demonstrated a high probability of success. The decision regarding conversion to regular status will be made after completion of 9 credit hours of science-based courses. Students who are admitted provisionally will be required to complete 9 credits in prescribed science courses with a 3.0 grade-point average. These collateral courses will not count toward the degree.

Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Biomedical Laboratory Operations

The student must complete 31 credits under Plan B (without thesis). The specific program of study, including an internship in collaboration with an industrial partner, and competence in statistics must be approved by the student’s guidance committee. The final oral examination, which covers both course work and research, is administered by the student’s guidance committee.