In today's era of rapidly evolving medical research and technology, one can hardly imagine a health care system without the contributions of medical laboratory scientists. Medical Laboratory Science is the health profession that analyzes blood, tissues, and other bodily specimens for the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of diseases. Medical Laboratory Scientists are critical members of the health care team. They use their biomedical expertise and technical skills to provide essential information about the health and disease status of patients. For example, laboratory professionals identify pathogenic microbes, detect cancer cells, screen for diabetes, determine blood types and perform genetic testing. Students in this major work closely with faculty members and engage in hands-on learning in the classroom, laboratory and clinical environment to develop critical thinking and technical skills. Students select a concentration in clinical laboratory science or public health laboratory science. All students complete a practicum at our premier regional clinical affiliates. Graduates in medical laboratory sciences are qualified for a national certification exam administered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) and required by most clinical diagnostic and public health laboratories. Medical Laboratory Science students at the University of Vermont have the opportunity to apply to our accelerated Master of Science program in Medical Laboratory Science in their third year.