Medical laboratory scientists

Train for a critical role in patient care
 Full-time, 11-month training program

Medical laboratory scientists (MLS) are a vital component of the healthcare team. They test blood, tissue, and body fluids and equip physicians and other healthcare providers with the objective information used to make critical medical decisions. 

Inova’s full-time, hospital-based training program provides students with the training, education and experience essential for passing the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) MLS national board certification exam and building a successful career in this rapidly growing field. Applicants must be a 3rd year student at an affiliated university enrolled in a qualifying program or have already earned an approved bachelor’s degree. 

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Why choose a career in Medical Laboratory Science?

The field of Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) is rapidly growing, with high demand for skilled professionals in hospital laboratories and beyond. Graduates of Inova’s MLS program enjoy diverse career opportunities and a high employment rate within three months of graduation. Subspecialties include:

  • Clinical chemistry
  • Hematology
  • Transfusion services
  • Immunology
  • Microbiology
  • Molecular diagnostics 


View program outcomes and application process 

Learn to question, explore, and solve

The MLS program equips students with the knowledge and experience required to qualify and pass the ASCP MLS national board certification exam. It offers 1,700 hours of instruction through lectures and clinical rotations in various lab disciplines including immunohematology, chemistry, hematology, immunology, microbiology and urinalysis. 

As part of their enrichment observation experience, students also rotate through Inova Blood Donor Services and Quest Diagnostics-Nichols Institute in Chantilly, VA, a large reference laboratory and Inova’s clinical affiliate. 

At the end of the program, students will have the following entry-level competencies: 

  • Quality assurance: Quality control practices that ensure accurate and reliable lab results
  • Lab testing: Ability to perform, analyze, and verify lab tests
  • Clinical significance: Understand and explain the clinical relevance of lab procedures in diagnosis and treatment
  • Result correlation: Integrating information to verify results and resolve problems
  • Patient evaluation: Assess patient results and make testing recommendations
  • Technical skills: Ability to maintain and troubleshoot lab equipment and implement new techniques and instruments
  • Professionalism: Communicate effectively and uphold ethical standards

View curriculum, student support services and resources

Program information 

Hours: 1,700 
Course Length: 11 months 
Class Schedule: The program begins in August and runs Monday through Friday, with lectures and clinical rotations from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Students receive holidays and breaks off. 
Enrollment: 6-8 students enrolled annually 

Graduation and Certification: 

  • Students will receive a certificate of completion from the Inova Fairfax Hospital School of Medical Laboratory Science which grants them eligibility to take the national certification examination conducted by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). Obtaining the program certificate is not dependent on taking or passing the national certification exam.
  • MLS ASCP certification is awarded upon passing the ASCP national certification exam.
  • Students enrolled in the 3+1 option will receive transfer credits to their universities upon completing the program, according to the affiliation agreement. The universities will then award the baccalaureate degree.
     

Program outcomes

Class YearClass SizeGraduate RateEmployment RateBoard of Certification First-Time Pass Rate
20248100%100%100%
20238100%100%100%
20227100%100%100%
20217100%100%100%
20206100%100%100%


Admission requirements 
Applicants must have completed a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university in either Chemistry, Biological Sciences or Medical Technology, or must be actively enrolled in a degree program at one of Inova’s affiliated academic institutions.

View prerequisites and admission requirements 

Contact us

Inova Fairfax Hospital Laboratory 
School of Medical Laboratory Science Program  
Attn: Rhoda Restauro Professional Services Bldg. Basement 
3300 Gallows Road 
Falls Church, VA 22042-3300