Course	Credits
MLS 4600: Medical Laboratory Science Program Introduction Laboratory safety, patient confidentiality (HIPAA, or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996), integrity and compliance, emergency preparedness, computer applications, academic policies, and general program orientation are incorporated into this course.	0.5
MLS 4601: Urinalysis This course covers the physical and chemical analysis of urine to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of kidney disease, diabetes, urinary tract infections, stone formation, and other diseases.	0.5
MLS 4602: Immunology This course provides an introduction to the structure and function of the human immune system. Cells and immune proteins are discussed, as are antigen-antibody reactions. Immunochemical techniques with emphasis on clinical application in the evaluation of the immune status and the diagnosis of infectious diseases and immune disorders will be presented. Immunochemical techniques with emphasis on clinical application in the evaluation of the immune status and the diagnosis of infectious diseases and immune disorders will be presented.	1.5
MLS 4603: Molecular Diagnostics Application of molecular biology techniques for diagnosing inherited (genetic) and acquired disorders. DNA purification methods, Southern blot analysis, polymerase chain reaction and other specialized techniques are discussed.	1.5
MLS 4604: Clinical Immunohematology The Clinical Immunohematology course provides an overview of blood banking procedures, including ABO/Rh blood typing, antibody screening, antibody identification, compatibility testing, transfusion reactions and prenatal testing as it applies to blood bank serology. Cellular therapy products, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) testing, blood collection and processing, and quality assurance also will be covered.	4
MLS 4605: Hemostasis This course studies platelet function, coagulation factors, and acquired and hereditary hemorrhagic disorders. Laboratory techniques performed and discussed are screening tests and specific assays for clotting abnormalities. There is an emphasis on the correlation of clinical laboratory data with the diagnosis and treatment of hemorrhagic disorders.	1
MLS 4636: Clinical Microbiology I The epidemiology, pathogenesis, and clinical illness caused by bacterial agents of infectious disease, and their culture, identification, and susceptibility testing by traditional biochemical techniques and molecular methods, are discussed.	3
MLS 4637: Hematology I The origin, morphology and function of hematopoietic cells are discussed. Laboratory sessions focus on theory and application of hematology procedures, including analysis of peripheral blood for red cell mass, hemoglobin content, quantity of blood cells, and identification of hematopoietic cells according to degree of maturation. There is an emphasis on the correlation of laboratory data with the diagnosis and treatment of hematologic diseases.	3
MLS 4638: Clinical Chemistry I This course provides an overview of physiological principles and concepts, methodologies, and clinical significance of biochemical analytes and elements found in blood and other body fluids. Math and statistics involved in reagent preparation and manual and automated laboratory procedures are performed. Quality control, quality assurance, and result determination are emphasized. Clinical chemistry case studies are presented to aid in clinical correlation and problem-solving.	2
MLS 4736: Clinical Microbiology II The epidemiology, pathogenesis and clinical illness caused by viral, parasitic, and fungal agents of infectious disease, and their culture, identification, and susceptibility testing by traditional biochemical techniques and molecular methods, are discussed.	2
MLS 4737: Hematology II This course focuses on white blood cell disorders. Laboratory sessions include the analysis of abnormal white blood cell morphology, bone marrow morphology, cytochemical staining, and flow cytometry, as well as cerebrospinal fluid, semen, and synovial and serous fluids. There is an emphasis on correlation of clinical laboratory data with the diagnosis and treatment of hematologic diseases.	3
MLS 4738: Clinical Chemistry II This course is a continuation of Clinical Chemistry I.	2
MLS 4800: Westgard QC This course provides education and training in quality control with emphasis on statistical quality control.	1
MLS 4801: Westgard Method Validation This course discusses how to assure the quality of any laboratory test through proper management of performance characteristics of an analytical method.	1
MLS 4802: New Discoveries and Laboratory Management This course is a 16-lecture seminar series on laboratory management and advancements in laboratory medicine.	1

Course	Credits
MLS 4803: Clinical Experience I Immunology, phlebotomy and renal analysis clinical laboratory rotations During the immunology rotation, the Medical Laboratory Science student will become familiar with serum protein electrophoresis as well as other analytes and analytical methods used in clinical immunology. Upon completion of the phlebotomy section, the student will complete the following competencies: Follow standard precautions and demonstrate the venipuncture and skin puncture process on a teaching manikin and fellow students before rotating to the clinical setting Outline the correct phlebotomy technique, select appropriate phlebotomy techniques and equipment for the given patient, and follow the correct order of draw Demonstrate competency of the venipuncture process by performing 100 to 120 successful collections (if patient population is available), which will include evacuated collections, winged infusion collections, syringe collections and skin puncture collections Upon completion of the renal analysis laboratory rotation, the student will be able to perform a routine urinalysis according to standard operating procedures and describe the clinical significance of abnormal chemistries and microscopic elements. The Medical Laboratory Science student will perform maintenance and quality control of the instrumentation used for routine urinalysis.	2
MLS 4804: Clinical Experience II Hematology clinical laboratory rotations During the course of this rotation, the student will experience and participate in all aspects of the Hematopathology Laboratory. This will include instrument operation, instrument maintenance, quality control, sample verification, result interpretation, and troubleshooting technical issues.	2
MLS 4805: Clinical Experience III Microbiology clinical laboratory rotations During the course of this rotation, the student will experience or participate in all aspects of the Bacteriology Laboratory, including the methods performed in the routine aerobic, anaerobic and blood culture laboratories; susceptibility testing laboratory; and referral and light cycler laboratories. Students will complete rotations through either the virology and parasitology laboratories or the mycology and TB laboratories and will perform routine specimen examination and culture techniques as well as instrument operation, instrument maintenance, quality control, sample verification, troubleshooting, and interpretation of clinical information.	2
MLS 4806: Clinical Experience IV Chemistry clinical laboratory rotations During the clinical chemistry experience, the students will rotate through a core chemistry lab and an elective chemistry lab. During this time, they will gain hands-on experience working with multiple chemistry analyte methodologies, quality control, instrument maintenance and operation, result interpretation, critical value reporting, and applying troubleshooting skills to different lab situations. Clinical experience at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida The clinical experience at Mayo Clinic in Florida includes generalist laboratory training through all major testing laboratories in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology and is extended an extra six weeks to account for the difference in test volumes between the Florida and Minnesota campuses.	2

 

Medical laboratory scientists are medical professionals that develop, perform, and troubleshoot the assays and methods for analysis of blood, tissue, and body fluids in diagnostic laboratories.

According to some experts, approximately 70 percent of the objective information that physicians and other health care providers use to make medical decisions comes from the clinical laboratory. Laboratory testing is used for diagnosis, prognosis or risk determination, and monitoring of therapy.

A medical laboratory scientist must have a broad background in clinical biochemistry, microbiology, immunohematology (transfusion medicine), hematology and coagulation, and molecular diagnostics to function in today's modern diagnostic laboratory.

Concepts in laboratory management, regulation and accreditation, and statistical concepts are also of fundamental importance. Additionally, once training is complete, you may choose to specialize in a particular area of diagnostics, such as molecular diagnostics, coagulation, hematology, and microbiology.

The Mayo Clinic Medical Laboratory Science Program is housed in our renowned Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology. You not only learn from our distinguished medical and allied health staff instructors, but also benefit from our progressive teaching strategies that incorporate online learning and make the most of your educational experience.

The program gives you access to numerous specialized, cutting-edge diagnostic laboratories for training that allow you to get a head start on finding areas of special interest (if you choose to focus on specific areas of testing after training). Our core laboratories also provide an outstanding training area if you are interested in a generalist position after graduation.

Our unique quality control course features an online component offered by a world-renowned quality control expert (James Westgard, Ph.D.) combined with in-class hands-on activities to reinforce concepts and teach day-to-day application.

Medical laboratory scientists are in great demand and are highly sought after by clinical laboratories here and across the country, and the forecast for job opportunities remains excellent. Our program prepares you for a career in one of the most rewarding and fastest growing areas in healthcare — medical laboratory diagnostics.

Welcome!

Susan Lehman, M.A., MT(ASCP)SM
Medical Laboratory Science Program Director

Justin Kreuter, M.D.
Medical Laboratory Science Program Medical Director

Justin Kreuter, M.D.
Medical Director 

Dr. Kreuter is an Assistant Professor of Pathology and the Medical Director of our Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) program. He is Associate Director of the Transfusion and Tissue Typing Laboratories in our Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology.

Dr. Kreuter completed his medical school training at the University of Missouri-Columbia and residency training in anatomic and clinical pathology at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, followed by a 2-year fellowship in Transfusion Medicine at Mayo Clinic.

Since joining our staff, he has completed additional training in Medical Education at the Harvard Macy Institute and Interprofessional Education at the University of Toronto. He has received multiple awards in recognition of his work in education, including: The Department of Laboratory Medicine Innovation & Leadership in Education Award, The Mayo Fellows’ Association Teacher of the Year Award in Clinical Pathology, and The President’s Award of the American Association of Blood Banks.

Dr. Kreuter has a strong academic reputation in the areas of transfusion medicine, transplant compatibility, and education and plays a vital role as consultant-advisor and instructor in our MLS program.

Sue Lehman M.A., MLS (ASCP), SMCM
Program Director

Sue Lehman graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1983 with a B.S. in medical technology. In 1991, she completed her master’s degree in psychology and counseling services from St. Mary’s University in Winona, Minnesota. She worked as a medical technologist at Mayo Clinic in the Division of Clinical Microbiology for 10 years. Subsequent to this she became involved in education at the medical and allied health level and led the establishment of academic programs in clinical laboratory science in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology. In 2008, Ms. Lehman completed the Professional Development Certificate Program in Distance Education through the University of Wisconsin-Madison whereby she developed the curricular model implemented for our Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences Medical Laboratory Science Program. She has over 25 years of teaching experience and is an assistant professor of laboratory medicine and pathology, and an instructor in microbiology in the College of Medicine. She is the program director and also course director for introduction to medical laboratory science, clinical microbiology I and II, new discoveries and laboratory management, and faculty introduction to the clinical laboratory science online environment. Her areas of interest are in distance education and education methodology.

Kelly Nelson, M.S., MT(ASCP)

Kelly Nelson is Assistant Professor of Laboratory Medicine and a full-time faculty of the Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) program. She graduated from the University of Iowa with a B.S. degree in clinical laboratory science in 2000. Kelly completed her master’s degree in clinical laboratory science through the University of North Dakota in 2009. She worked as a generalist in a small reference laboratory in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, before joining Mayo Clinic in 2004 as education specialist for the Hematopathology Morphology Laboratory. Currently, she is full-time faculty for the Medical Laboratory Science Program and teaches hematology I and II and hemostasis and urinalysis. Kelly received the 2014 Outstanding Educator Award from the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences.

The Medical Laboratory Science Program at Mayo Clinic is led by a dedicated team of clinical, scientific, and technical experts from our esteemed Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology. Our faculty members, including allied health staff, are carefully selected for their commitment to teaching. Additionally, our laboratory directors, who hold academic appointments, have extensive experience in their respective fields and are highly respected. Throughout the training program, students enjoy direct access to these knowledgeable individuals, enriching their learning experience.

Core Faculty

Lori Duresko, B.S., MT(ASCP)

Lori Duresko is an instructor of Bacteriology in our Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Program. She is an Instructor of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology and an Education Specialist II in the Division of Clinical Microbiology. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Clinical Laboratory Science from the University of Iowa. Lori has earned a Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology Red Apple Certificate and is an Associate Member of the Academy of Educational Excellence at Mayo Clinic. She has been working at Mayo Clinic for 25 years.

Robert Jackson, B.S., MLS(ASCP)^CM

Robert (Bob) Jackson is an instructor of Immunohematology in our Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Program. He is an Instructor of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology and an Education Specialist II in the Division of Transfusion Medicine. He graduated magna cum laude, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology- Medical Terminology from Auburn University Montgomery. Bob has been working at Mayo Clinic for over 14 years.

Sarah Jothen, B.S., MLS(ASCP)^CMSBB^CM

Sarah Jothen is an instructor of Immunohematology in our Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Program. She is an Instructor of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology and an Education Specialist II in the Division of Transfusion Medicine. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from the University of La Crosse and a Bachelor of Science degree in Clinical Laboratory Science from the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee. Sara has been working at Mayo Clinic for over 17 years.

Debra Karger, M.S., MLS(ASCP), SBB

Debra Karger is an instructor of Immunohematology in our Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Program. She is an Instructor of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science and an Education Specialist II in the Division of Transfusion Medicine. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology from Michigan Technological University and earned a Master of Science degree in Biological Sciences also from Michigan Technological University. Debra has been working at Mayo Clinic for 17 years.

Jennifer Koop, B.S., C(ASCP)^CM

Jennifer Koop is an instructor of Clinical Chemistry in our Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Program. She is an Instructor of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology and an Education Specialist II in the Division of Clinical Core Laboratory Services. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology-Allied Health from Winona State University. Jennifer earned the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology (DLMP) Outstanding Service in Education Award at Mayo Clinic. She has been working at Mayo Clinic for over 16 years.

Kasey Kuker, B.S., MLS(ASCP)^CM

Kasey Kuker is an instructor of Immunohematology in our Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Program. She is an Instructor of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology and an Education Specialist II in the Division of Transfusion Medicine. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Cell Biology from the University of Minnesota-Duluth and was a member of the inaugural Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences Medical Laboratory Science Program class, earning a certificate in Medical Laboratory Science. Kasey earned the Recognition Award for Outstanding Teaching Efforts through the University of North Dakota-Mayo Clinic Cohort Program, and numerous Above and Beyond awards. She has been working at Mayo Clinic for 15 years.

Lisha Leonard, B.S., MLS(ASCP)^CM

Lisha Leonard is an instructor of the Westgard QC and Method Validation courses in our Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Program. She is a Quality Specialist I in the Division of Clinical Core Laboratory Services. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Laboratory Science from the University of Wisconsin- LaCrosse. Lisha earned CAP Inspector Recognition in 2022. She has been working at Mayo Clinic for 10 years.

Joshua Rhoades M.Th., MT(ASCP)

Joshua Rhoades is an instructor of Immunology in our Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Program. He is an Instructor of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology and an Education Specialist II in the Division of Clinical Microbiology. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology from West Virginia University and earned a Master of Theology degree from Bethel Seminary in St. Paul, MN. He has been working at Mayo Clinic for over 25 years.

Deb Spurbeck, B.S., MT(ASCP)^CM

Deb Spurbeck is an instructor of Immunology in our Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Program. She is an Instructor of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology and an Education Specialist II in the Division of Clinical Microbiology. She graduated with a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) Associate of Arts degree from Rochester Community College and Mayo School of Health Sciences. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Laboratory Science from the University of North Dakota. Deb was awarded the Red Certificate Level for the Equity, Inclusion, Diversity (EID) Academy at Mayo Clinic, and has been nominated for the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology (DLMP) Innovation and Leadership in Education Award. She is Bronze and Silver Quality certified in the Mayo Clinic Quality Fellow Academy. Deb has been working at Mayo Clinic for 37 years.

Penny Valentino, B.S.

Penny Valentino is an instructor of Immunology in our Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Program. She is an Instructor of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science and an Education Specialist II in the Division of Biochemistry and Immunology. Penny graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of North Dakota. She is Bronze Quality certified in the Mayo Clinic Quality Fellow Academy and has been nominated for the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology (DLMP) Innovation and Leadership in Education Award. She has been working at Mayo Clinic for over 20 years.

Jody Wayne, M.S., MLS(ASCP), SBB^CM

Jody Wayne is an instructor of Immunohematology in our Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Program. She is an Assistant Professor of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology and an Education Coordinator in the Division of Transfusion Medicine. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Laboratory Science from the University of Wisconsin- LaCrosse and earned a Master of Science degree in Clinical Laboratory Science degree from the University of North Dakota. Jody earned the Outstanding Educator Award through the Mayo Clinic School of Health Science, Recognition Award for Outstanding Teaching Efforts through the University of North Dakota-Mayo Clinic Cohort Program, and the Outstanding Service in Education Award in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic. She has been working at Mayo Clinic for over 20 years.

Derick Welch, B.A., B.S., MLS(ASCP)^CM

Derick Welch is the Program Director for the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences Clinical Rotations in our Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Program, Mayo Clinic, Florida. He is an Instructor of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology and an Education Coordinator in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Florida. Derick graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology from SUNY College at Brockport and earned a Bachelor of Art degree in Chemistry Education from SUNY College at Buffalo. He earned the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Dr. Tai Kwong Excellence in Teaching award and is a Fellow Member of the Academy of Educational Excellence. Derick has been working at Mayo Clinic for over 10 years.

Andrew Yori, B.A.

Andrew Yori is an instructor of Molecular Diagnostics in our Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Program. He is an Education Coordinator in the Division of Laboratory Genetics and Genomics. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Andrew has over 20 years of experience at Mayo Clinic.