Services Overview

The McLeod Health School of Medical Laboratory Science (MHSMLS) is located on the McLeod Regional Medical Center (MRMC) Campus in Florence, SC, with satellite clinical sites. The hospital-based program was established in 1977 to help provide qualified medical laboratory scientists to the region.

The faculty is composed of Board-Certified pathologists and medical laboratory scientists. Students rotate through Hematology, Immunochemistry, Microbiology, Blood Bank, Body Fluids, Coagulation, Urinalysis, and Phlebotomy for three to ten weeks per laboratory section.

Students accepted into the program are either college seniors from an academic affiliate or have already completed their bachelor’s degree.

The program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).

Mission

To ultimately serve the needs of the people in the Pee Dee Region of South Carolina by helping to provide quality laboratory services through employment of our graduates.

Goals

To prepare the student to assume employment as a responsible, competent medical laboratory scientist using entry-level skills in any area of the clinical laboratory. Entry-level competencies are outlined in the handbook.
To present theoretical knowledge that would allow the student to become a competent medical laboratory scientist.
To instill in the student the realization that continuing education is an integral part of being a competent medical laboratory scientist.
To guide the student in developing interpersonal skills and attitudes needed to interact with patients, other laboratory staff members, and other medical disciplines to provide quality laboratory services while demonstrating caring attitudes.
To prepare the student with an entry-level body of knowledge in medical laboratory science them to pass national certification examinations.

Admissions Now Open for the 2026-2027 Program Year

We are thrilled to announce that the admissions window for the *2026-2027 program year* at the McLeod Health School of Medical Laboratory Science is officially open.

The application window will close promptly at *5:00 p.m. EST on March 1, 2026*.

Whether you’re a returning applicant or exploring our program for the first time, we welcome your interest and invite you to embark on an enriching academic journey with us.

Important Dates and Next Steps

Application Deadline: The application window closes on March 1, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. EST.
Application Process: All applications must be submitted online through our official admissions portal. Please make sure all required documents are submitted by the deadline to complete your application.
Next Steps: We encourage you to explore our website to learn more about our program and admission requirements. We look forward to receiving your application and considering you for admission to the McLeod Health School of Medical Laboratory Science.

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Payment Links

Program Application Fee: $50

Program Deposit: $500

Program Tuition

MLS Profession

Description

Welcome to the medical laboratory science profession where diagnostic analysis is the key. A highly skilled team of laboratory health professionals work together to:

Determine the presence, extent, or absence of disease.
Provide valuable data needed to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.
The fact is: The practice of modern medicine will be almost impossible without today’s clinical laboratory.

Why Medical Laboratory Science?

Medical Laboratory Scientists, often select the profession because they enjoy biological sciences and want a career where they help to improve the health outcomes in their communities.

Medical Laboratory Scientists:

rank high in healthcare professions
very low unemployment rates
good job security

Characteristics of Medical Laboratory Scientists

are problem solvers
like challenge and responsibility
are accurate and reliable
work well under pressure
communicate well
are fascinated by science
set high standards for themselves & others

Where Does a Medical Laboratory Scientist Work?

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Medical Laboratory Science program is competitive and limited to eight students per year. The program accepts applications October 1st through March 1st each year for the next cohort of students starting in August each year. Early application is encouraged.

McLeod Health School of Medical Laboratory Science