The Medical Laboratory Science program is affiliated with:

Bemidiji State University, Bemidji, Minnesota
Jamestown College, Jamestown, North Dakota
Northern State Unviersity, Aberdeen, South Dakota
Mayville State University, Mayville, North Dakota
Minot State University, Minot, North Dakota
Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana
Montana State University, Billings, Montana
University of Mary, Bismarck, North Dakota
University of Montana, Missoula, Montana
University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota
University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse, LaCrosse, Wisconsin
Winona State University, Winona, Minnesota
Valley City State University, Vailley City, North Dakota

The program of study for the first three years of study at a WCAMLS college has curriculum aligned with the UND Medical Laboratory Science program. Students from these institutions apply to the UND MLS program for their final year of study. Upon completion of the final year of study, a student will receive a certficate from the University of North Dakota verifying completion of 12 months of clinical training from a NAACLS accredited program (UND). In adiditon to the certificate, a student is also eligible for a degree in Medical Laboratory Science, a related major, or a certificate from the WCAMLS affiliated institution.

Admission Requirements

Upon successful completion of all required prerequisite coursework, the WCAMLS student applies to UND to complete the second year of the professional program. Program application occurs starting October 1 the year prior to the start of the final year of study.

The following guidelines are followed:

• The applicant must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.80.
• No more than one D in any math or science course.
• Recommendation by their college/university advsior

Applications will be reviewed by the Department of Pathology Professional and Academic Standards Committee. Acceptance to the professional program is on a competitive process.

Required pre-requisite coursework include:

A summer practicum experience on the UND campus in Grand Forks, ND is required, followed by approximately seven months in a clinical laboratory at an MLS clinical affiliate medical center during Fall and Spring semesters.

Guidelines for Application for WCAMLS Students and Advisors

Application deadline for WCAMLS students are due November 1 the calendar year prior to the start of summer session.

Applications are reviewed and the following factors are considered at time of admission:

• Overall GPA
• Science GPA in pre-requisite and MLS specific coursework.
• Number of repeated courses in Science, Math, and MLS courses. Greater than two repeats will result in scoring deductions.
• Critical Analysis Passage
• Personal Statement
• MLS Program recommendations from affiliated WCAMLS schools

Some other factors that need to be disclosed are:

• Previous dismissals and/or suspensions from other institutions of higher education (i.e. community college, university, or college) or from another MLS or MLT program prior to program application. Failure to complete the application accurately will result in the application not being considered and the applicant being denied.
• Ability of student to meet the ES requirements in Medical Laboratory Science Program.
• Possible Background Check Violations

Applications are competetively ranked.

Level of admission include Full, Alternate, and Denial Status.

• Full Admission Status - Applicants are fully admitted as part of the summer practicum cohort. All required pre-requisite coursework will need to be completed prior to beginning of the summer practicum.
• Alternate Admission Status - Applicant will be advanced to the summer practicum cohort upon space available. All required pre-requisite coursework will need to be completed prior to beginning of summer practicum if advanced.
• Denial Admission Status - Applicant will not be eligible to be part of summer practicum cohort.

When are applicants notified of Admission to WCAMLS program?

Applicants will be notified of admission status in December of the calendar year prior to the summer practicum. All students who are admitted to the UND WCAMLS program must also be able to be admitted to UND. Applicants are encourage to complete UND application materials in December or January prior to the start of the summer practicum.

How can a WCAMLS complete a missing pre-requisite coursework?

WCAMLS students who may be missing a pre-requisite course are elgible to complete our online/distance format courses. If required to complete these courses, all coursework must be completed prior to advancement to the summer practicum cohort.

MLS 325L - Hematology Laboratory is offered in a hybrid format with some course materials starting late spring prior to the start of summer session. A intensive laboratory is taught immediately prior to the start of the summer practicum. For more information about MLS 325L please contact the course instructor, Brook Solberg, at brooke.solberg@med.und.edu .

Additional information about coursework and schedule for Summer Coursework can be found in the WCAMLS Information Packet.

Final year of study (3 semesters)- Curriculum and Guidelines

The total number of courses is: 22
Total number of academic credits is: 37

There are special requirements prior to contact with patients and testing of patient specimens. The UND MLS program requires all students enrolled in the final year of study to complete a UND School of Medicine approved background check prior to work with patients. All clinical affiliates require specific immunizations and testing to be completed (or a signed liability waiver) before entrance to the medical facility. Students are responsible for additional costs (above the cost of academic tutition and fees) that include: travel, housing, food, and summer lab course fees during the second year of the professional curriculum.