Kay Rasmussen, MS, MLS(ASCP)CM Academic Director
School of Health Sciences
Lee Med 307
(605) 677-5000
medlab@usd.edu
http://www.usd.edu/medlab
86-87 Major Hours, 120 Degree Hours
FACULTY:
Instructor:
Kay Rasmussen, MS, MLS(ASCP)CM
Medical Directors of Affiliated Schools of Medical Laboratory Science:
James Quesenberry, St. Luke’s College Medical Technology Program, Sioux City, Iowa
David W. Ohrt, Sanford Health, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Askar Qalbani, Mercy Medical Center, Sioux City, Iowa
Program Officials of Affiliated Schools of Medical Laboratory Science:
Renee Rydell, Sanford Health, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Pamela Briese, St. Luke’s College Medical Technology Program, Sioux City, Iowa
Mary K. Smith, Mercy Medical Center, Sioux City, Iowa
Ruth Paur, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota
MAJOR:
Medical Laboratory Science, B.S.
Individuals who enjoy science, like solving puzzles and enjoy working with people may find Medical Laboratory Science a rewarding career option. It is a career that will provide life-long mobility, flexibility and opportunity. Modern medicine would be impossible without medical laboratory professionals. The Medical Laboratory Science Program is a part of the School of Health Sciences. A Medical Laboratory Scientist is the member of the health-care team trained to perform a wide variety of scientific fact-finding tests in the clinical laboratory. These tests encompass the areas of clinical chemistry, clinical microbiology, hematology, clinical urinalysis, immunology, immunohematology, and molecular diagnostics. The results of these tests are used in the diagnosis, treatment, and, in some cases, prevention of disease. An abundance of employment opportunity exists in hospital laboratories, commercial reference laboratories, private laboratories, public health laboratories, clinics, and research centers. After experience within the field there are opportunities for advancement into management, information technology, consulting and teaching positions. Industry also offers opportunity in the area of sales, public relations, research and development. There are channels for continued academic specialization and advanced degrees that in turn bring further employment opportunities and benefits. A degree in Medical Laboratory Science can also be used as a stepping stone to pathologist assistant, physician assistant, or medical school.
Students spend 3 years on the USD campus completing medical laboratory science major requirements, university degree requirements, general education, and the fourth year is spent at an affiliated School of Medical Laboratory Science where students complete their clinical requirements. The program culminates in a Bachelor of Science degree from the USD School of Health Sciences.
SCHOLARSHIPS