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.
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.
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.
The university reserves the right to make changes in the types, structures, rates for fees, and tuition. Every effort will be made to give as much advance notice as possible. In addition to tuition and fees, there are other expenses associated with your Cost of Attendance. A breakdown of a graduate student budget can be found on the "Estimate Your Cost of Attendance" page.
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