School of Medical Laboratory Science
We are committed to nurturing the next generation of medical laboratory scientists.
That’s why Powers Health created the Community Hospital School of Medical Laboratory Science, an 11-month program designed for baccalaureate graduates in the biological sciences or 3+1 option for students at Purdue University Northwest and Calumet College of St. Joseph.
We offer courses in clinical laboratory sciences and an intensive, 24-week in-lab clinical experience with designated training personnel.
Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) is a highly-skilled profession that combines the complexities of medicine, basic sciences and clinical sciences into a valued and rewarding career.
A Career in Medical Laboratory Science
Your interest in science, technology and the healthcare field can be combined in the Medical Laboratory Science profession.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, has projected employment of medical laboratory scientists and technicians, is projected to grow 16 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations.
It is estimated that 60 to 70 percent of all medical decisions, such as diagnosis and treatment are based on test results provided by the clinical laboratory. An increase in the aging population means there will be greater demand for healthcare professionals who play a role in diagnosing medical conditions, such as cancer or type 2 diabetes, through laboratory procedures.
A Career that Puts You in the Front Line to Diagnosis
Medical laboratory scientists are highly-trained, highly-skilled professionals whose contribution to diagnosis and treatment is invaluable.
A career in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) involves testing to analyze blood, body fluids and other specimens using complex chemistry to diagnose heart, liver disease or cancer. Microscopic examination of blood cells help detect anemia or leukemia.
Medical laboratory scientists perform immunological evaluations. They identify pathogenic organisms causing infection and prepare blood products for life-saving transfusions.
The role you play is important, not only to healthcare professionals but to the patients we serve.
The Laboratory of Community Hospital's MLS program offers courses in clinical laboratory sciences and intensive clinical training.
Our goal is to produce highly professional medical laboratory scientists who will be able to enjoy a career in the health care field with competencies to make a direct impact on medical care.
We invite you to explore the possibilities of an exciting career in Medical Laboratory Science.
The Laboratory of Community Hospital offers an 11-month program to educate students in the dynamic career of Medical Laboratory Science or MLS.
Our goal is to graduate well-qualified, well-educated individuals to meet current and future demand in the clinical laboratory industry.
Powers Health laboratories process more than 3 million patient specimens per year and perform more than 2.4 million diagnostic tests per year with state-of-the-art technologies.
The MLS program is for baccalaureate graduates in sciences such as Biological Sciences, Microbiology or Pre-Professional, or 3+1 option for affiliated universities. The program will accept four to eight students per year.
Successful graduates will be eligible for the National Certification Exam, such as ASCP-BOC.
Graduation from the program is not contingent upon taking or passing national certification or licensure examination.
Powers Health laboratories are accredited by the College of American Pathologists, American Association of Blood Banks and Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.
| Year | Graduation Rate | Attrition Rate | Job Placement | Board of Certification First Year Pass Rate |
| 2021 | 100% | 0% | 100% | 83% (5 of 6 passed within one year) |
| 2022 | 100% | 0% | 100% | 100% |
| 2023 | 100% | 0% | 100% | 100% |
If you would like to learn more about Community Hospital School of Medical Laboratory Science, click our information tabs which include About the School, Academic and Admission Information, NAACLS Information & Resources.
If you would like to learn more, contact or call:
Nicole J. Griffin, MA, MLS (ASCP)CMSMCM
Program Director, Community Hospital School of Medical Laboratory Science
Community Hospital Laboratory
901 MacArthur Blvd., Munster, IN, 46321
E-mail: njgriffin@powershealth.org
Phone: 219-703-2412