Biomedical Laboratory Operations

Program Overview

The Michigan State University online Masters degree in Biomedical Laboratory Operations is designed for individuals with previous clinical laboratory experience who seek career advancement as managers, administrators, researchers, entrepreneurs and policymakers in the field. The core of this program resides in three major components: science, management and practice. The science component focuses on post-baccalaureate courses planned to develop a high level of competence within the students chosen biomedical laboratory discipline. The management component provides a solid foundation in general business including resource management, communication skills, organizational structures, decision making, and essential aspects of working in a regulated industry. 

The degree is intended to expose individuals to real-life problems with an expectation of generating positive, realistic solutions. The curriculum is customized to the student's interests and to supporting the students research project. Students conduct research projects with resident and adjunct faculty. BLD Masters students choose our program for its clinically relevant courses in diagnostic theory and application, low student to faculty ratio, and program flexibility. This biomedical science program can be completed fully online. For students interested in updating their technical skills, there is also the option to take advanced level lab course(s).  BLD Masters program students come from various disciplines, including the medical laboratory, industry, academic research labs and other health related backgrounds.

Program Outcomes

The Biomedical Laboratory Operations Graduate Program faculty help students create the course and research plans that fit their education and career goals. While the focus of this program is biomedical laboratory operations, additional coursework can include topics such as molecular diagnostics, immunodiagnostics, advanced flow cytometry, mass spectrometry, transfusion medicine/hemostasis, cell biology, statistics, information technology, scientific writing and research in the sciences. The student will also complete a research project in an area of interest under the guidance of expert BLD faculty and local mentors. 

Through the project, the student investigates a topic in biomedical laboratory science with scientific and management focus. As a part of this process, the student collects data and fine tunes their scientific writing and presentation skills. For some students, this can lead to professional publications and/or presentations. In addition, students can use their Masters of Science in Biomedical Laboratory Operations to meet the Masters eligibility requirement for the Diplomate in Laboratory Management ASCP exam (via route 2). For details on credentialing, please see: https://www.ascp.org/content/board-of-certification/get-credentialed or contact the BLD program to see if we can provide any course plans that would align with your credentialing goals. Unfortunately, our masters program does not provide a path to certification through the ASCP B.O.C.

Career Outlook

This program provides the foundation for career advancement in laboratory operations management, quality assurance specialist roles, policymakers, research, industry and regulatory roles. The BLD faculty mentor students in professional development and networking, and this mentorship also creates career advancement opportunities.

Course Information

Core

BLD 801 - Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Seminar (1 Credit)
BLD 805 - Communication in the Sciences (2 Credits)
BLD 811 - Fundamentals of Scientific Research (1 Credit)
BLD 842 - Managing Biomedical Laboratory Operations (2 Credits)
BLD 844 - Topics in Biomedical Laboratory Operations (1 Credit)
BLD 846 - Decision Processes for Biomedical Laboratory Operations (2 Credits)
BLD 895 - Projects in Biomedical Laboratory Operations (3 Credits)

Admissions Requirements

To be accepted to this program, you must have:

• A bachelor's degree
• Previous work experience - Résumé
• Taken the GRE or have certification as a medical laboratory professional through ASCP
• Taken the TOEFL (Only required if English is not your native language)
• A written personal statement
• 3 letters of recommendation
  Please also provide contact information for your recommenders in the MSU Application system.
• Official transcripts from all previous schools

To apply to this program:

• Complete a university graduate application.
• Have transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended sent directly to MSU. Mailing address is: Michigan State University Hannah Administration Building 426 Auditorium Road, Room 250 East Lansing, Michigan 48824-2604 
• Official general GRE (Graduate Record Exam) scores. GRE scores can be up to 5 years old. The MSU GRE code is 1465. The BLD Department Code is 0601
• For applicants in which English is not their first language, an English Language Proficiency test must be taken. Test takers should use the Michigan State University code 1465. Please read this additional information on test availability and requirements.  For applicants with degrees from universities/colleges outside the USA, degree evaluation is required.