The Department of Biological and Physical Sciences (cont'd)
Medical Laboratory Science Program
Students wishing to become medical/clinical lab scientists may choose the Medical Laboratory Science option in the Biology Program and complete the program in four years. Students working towards a Bachelors of Science degree in Biology or Chemistry, or a double major in Biology and Chemistry, may apply to this program and upon entrance complete the professional training in their fifth year. Two plans of study are available to complete this program. For additional information, contact Dr. Rhonda Dillman, Program Director at (406) 657-2031 or rdillman@msubillings.edu.
Plan A: Bachelor of Science Degree
Major in Biology –Medical Lab Science Option (3+1)
Total credits for graduation are 128. Additional credits are required in this option because students take additional summer session of courses. This additional summer semester is necessary because professional training programs approved by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS, www.naacls.org) are 12 months in duration. All students desiring to become a certified Clinical Laboratory Scientist must take a national certification examination upon completion of a senior year of professional training. All students will develop a career plan in their freshman/sophomore year with the help of their advisor. Students with a 2.5 GPA or higher can apply for a senior year of professional training. They will obtain a degree in Biology/Medical Laboratory Science Option from MSU Billings. The following courses are required in the fourth year of the program and offered by off campus Institutions:
| BIOH 470 Summer Clinical Laboratory (University of North Dakota/Sacred Heart School of Medical Technology at Spokane/Health One Alliance School of Medical Technology, Denver) | 12 credits |
| BIOH 471 Professional Training I Fall Semester (Training Site) | 13 credits |
| BIOH 472 Professional Training II Spring Semester (Training Site) | 12 credits |
Plan B. Bachelor of Science Degree
Major in Biology or Chemistry –Medical Lab Science (4+1 Plan of Study)
Total credits for graduation are 120. All students will develop a career plan in their senior year with the help of their advisor. After completion of the Bachelor of Science degree, students can apply for an internship at any approved training program in the United States. Upon completion of the internship, students will be qualified to take a national registry examination administered by the American Society for Clinical Pathologists or the National Certification Agency.
Pre-Medical Sciences
Advising Center, McMullen First Floor West
(406) 657-2240
Students interested in professional programs in medical sciences such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, physicians assistant, physical therapy and pharmacy must obtain a Bachelor’s degree in preparation for most of these professional programs. No specific undergraduate major is required for most of these health professions, but a strong academic background in biology and chemistry is expected for admission to these programs.
Medical science programs look for students who are well-rounded. Individual plans of study can be designed in consultation with a faculty advisor to provide the student with the maximum opportunity for pursuing goals. Students seeking admission to a medical science program apply to an appropriate professional school before graduation from MSU Billings. Biology and Chemistry faculty assist and advise the student in arranging these applications.
