• Adequate knowledge and background experience to qualify for and pass national certification examinations
• Depth of learning in various major fields of medical laboratory science

• Competencies to work as an entry-level medical laboratory scientist
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to serve the needs of patients, the health care team, scientific peers, and the general public

Faculty and administrators are engaged in a collaborative effort to recruit, retain, educate, and graduate health care professionals who contribute to the well-being of society. The overall goal of the MS in MLS program is to prepare you for a professional career in all facets of Medical Laboratory Science.

• Provide students with the competency and knowledge of the clinical laboratory to enter the profession of medical laboratory science.
• Facilitate the practice of strong communication skills sufficient to serve the needs of patients, the health care team, scientific peers, and the general public.
• Cultivate the next generation of scientists’ leadership abilities to help guide the changing landscape of health care.

The mission of the MS in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) program at Loyola is to educate competent and qualified Medical Laboratory Scientists. The MS in MLS program focuses on preparing students to enhance the health of individuals, communities, and the larger global environment through the discovery, application, and dissemination of knowledge, and service with others. Our mission is to improve patient care through accurate laboratory testing and diagnostic results. The program strives to impart upon graduates exceptional leadership training and acquisition of a clinically relevant base of scientific knowledge and critical thinking skills to engage in clinical laboratory practice, industry, or research. Our mission aligns with that of Loyola’s Health Science Campus to advance the University's commitment to a socially just world by developing health care leaders and improving human health through education and research. 

The goal of the MS in Medical Laboratory Science program is to prepare students for a professional career in a facet of Medical Laboratory Science through the acquisition of a clinically relevant base of scientific knowledge, the development of critical thinking skills, and a set of methodological tools to assimilate accurate and valid diagnostic information with disease states.

Students will learn to search the scientific literature, data repositories, and to evaluate and select the relevant information from these sources. Students will also learn to communicate clearly with medical colleagues, scientific peers, patients and with the public.

Program goals:

• Provide students with the competency and depth of knowledge in major disciplines of the clinical laboratory to enter the profession of medical laboratory science.
• Facilitate the practice of strong written and verbal communication skills sufficient to serve the needs of patients, the health care team, scientific peers, and the general public in graduates.
• Cultivate the next generation of scientists’ leadership abilities to help guide the changing landscape of health care.

The master's degree is conferred after demonstrating certain competencies:

• Acquisition of general and applied knowledge base in the major fields of medical laboratory science.
• Acquisition of oral and written communication skills sufficient to serve the needs of patients, the health care team, scientific peers and the general public.
• Satisfactory completion of coursework and professional practicum.
• Adequate knowledge and background experience to qualify for and pass national certification examinations

As of 3/12/2024, the Loyola's MS in Medical Laboratory Sciences achieved the following three year average program outcomes for students graduating in 2021-2023:

The three year average certification pass rate for all graduates of the program including and beyond one year of graduation is 94%.

MLS Faculty and Staff

• Kristen Pesavento, EdD, MA, MLS(ASCP)^CM MB^CM-MLS Graduate Program Director; Assistant Professor
• Anastasia Gant Kanegusuku, PhD-Assistant Professor
• Amanda Harrington, PhD, D(ABMM)- Professor
• Julie Huynh, MPH, MLS(ASCP)^CM- MLS Program Manager; Instructor
• Jack Maggiore, PhD, MT(ASCP)- Assistant Professor
• Aneta Szczesniak, MS, MLS(ASCP)^CM-Instructor 
• Jeanine Walenga, PhD, MT (ASCP)- Professor

Clinical Affiliates

• Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois
• University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
• Gottlieb Memorial Hospital, Melrose Park, Illinois
• MacNeal Hospital, Berwyn, Illinois
• OSF Little Company of Mary, Evergreen Park, Illinois
• Labcorp, Itasca, Illinois

Applicants to the MS in Medical Laboratry Science must submit the following:

• Completion of the Loyola University Chicago graduate school admission application
• Bachelor degree from a regionally accredited institution prior to matriculation
• Official transcripts from all undergraduate institutions attended
• Completion of the following prerequisite courses:
• 16 semester hours (or 24 quarter hours) of biological science, including one semester of microbiology with a laboratory component
• 16 semester hours (or 24 quarter hours) of chemistry with laboratory including one semester in organic or biochemistry
• 3 semester hours (4 quarter hours) of mathematics
• Minimum overall GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0
• Two letters of recommendation
• Statement of Purpose
• Essential Functions of MLS

There is no GRE required for application to the MS in Medical Laboratory Science degree.

International applicants must submit the following, in addition to the other application materials:

• TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE official score report sent directly from the testing service
• A Course-by-Course transcript evaluation report from ECE or Educational Perspectives

Applications open for the Fall semester approximately one year before intended enrollment. Competitive applicants should submit a completed application by February 1 for the Early Action Deadline.

Fall Early Action: February 1
All applicants meeting this deadline will receive an admission decision no later than 3 weeks after the Feb 1 deadline pending completed interview and will be eligible for the Parkinson scholarship.

Fall Priority: May 15
All applicants meeting this deadline will be considered for admission. Any applications received after May 15 will be considered until Parkinson reaches enrollment capacity for the fall.

The deadline to accept an admission to enroll for Fall semester is July 15.

Loyola admits students without regard to race, color, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, ancestry, military discharge or status, marital status, parental status, or any other protected status.