Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science (BSc. MLS)

School of Paramedical Studies (SPACS College)

Prepare for a vital career at the heart of modern medical science. The SPACS College Medical Laboratory Science programme equips graduate with the advanced scientific knowledge and technical skills required to analyze biological specimens and provide life-saving data to healthcare teams.

The Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science is a comprehensive 48-month (4-year) programme designed to transition students from foundational knowledge to entry-level professional mastery.

• Year 1 and 2 (Associate Degree): The first 24 months focus on an Associate’s Degree in Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT), which serves as the prerequisite for the final two years.
• Year 3 and 4 (equivalent to Bachelor’s Degree): The final 24 months provide advanced training, allowing students to major in one of five specialized disciplines.
• The Second Degree Pathway: If you already hold a BSc. in Biological, Forensic, Chemical, or Physical Sciences, you may be eligible to earn your BSc. MLS in as little as two or three years. You can transfer you credit from another educational institution to SPACS College BSc. MLS Pprogramme as another pathway options

Why Medical Laboratory Science?

Medical Laboratory Scientists (also known as Clinical Laboratory Scientists or Medical Technologists) are the “detectives” of the medical world.

• Critical Impact: It is estimated that 65% to 75% of all medical decisions—including diagnosis, treatment, and hospital discharge—are based on laboratory test results.
• Sophisticated Technology: Use high-precision equipment like automated analyzers and microscopes to identify cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and infections.
• Versatile Disciplines: Study Clinical Chemistry (Chemical Pathology), Hematology, Immunohematology (Blood Banking), Immunology, Histopathology, and Microbiology.

Areas of Specialization (Majors)

Students in the BSc. program have the opportunity to major in one of the following five disciplines:

Clinical Experience and Training

Training is a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical application:

• Didactic Lectures: Conducted via Blended Learning (online and face-to-face).
• Practical Training: Hands-on sessions held at the SPACS College campus.
• Clinical Rotations: Real-world experience at affiliated sites, including St. Ann’s Bay Hospital, Leya Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, and other partner health facilities. Clinical placement is determined at the end of Semester 5.

Local, International Certification and Accreditation

SPACS College is committed to international standards, seeking institutional accreditation locally and internationally from Canada and America.

Graduates are eligible to sit for prestigious international certification exams:

• CSMLS: Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Sciences (Qualified to work across Canada and the Commonwealth).
• ASCP: American Society for Clinical Pathology (Recognized across all US states).
• AMT: American Medical Technology (USA).

Professional Registration and Licensing in Jamaica

To legally practice as a Medical Laboratory Scientist or Technologist in Jamaica, all graduates must be registered and licensed by the Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine (CPSM).

The following steps are required to facilitate graduate registration and licensing once graduate have completed their programme at SPACS:

• Application Fee: Graduates must submit the required application fee directly to the Council as part of their registration package.
• Official College Transcripts: To ensure the integrity of your academic records, SPACS College will send graduate official transcripts directly to the Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine.
• Council Verification: The Council will review applicant transcripts and certification status to approve the license, allowing applicant to practice within the Jamaican healthcare system.

Important Note for Graduates

Registration with the Council is a mandatory legal requirement. We recommend that graduate begin the application process immediately following graduation to ensure a smooth transition into the workforce.

For further assistance with transcript requests, please contact the SPACS College Office and complete transcript request form after download from the website at https://www.spacscollege.com/download/academic-transcript-request-form/.

Quick Programme Facts

• Program Code: MLS 01
• Start Dates: January, May, and September.
• Duration: 4 Years (12 Semesters total) or 2-3 Years (for degree holders in releted programmes).
• Internship: 5–6 months.
• Cost: $750,000 (Bachelor’s Degree phase).
• Location: 5 James Avenue, Ocho Rios, St. Ann. ( mainly for practical sessions)

Admission Requirements

1. Standard Entry: five subjects in CSEC (Grades 1–3 where Grade 3 is accepted after 1998), GCE (Grades A–C), or an equivalent local or international qualifications level including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, and Chemistry.
2. Transfer Credits: Candidates with prior tertiary certification may apply for credit exemptions following a transcript evaluation.
3. Mature Entry: Candidates aged 25+ with significant industry experience may be considered via an entrance interview and portfolio review.
4. Alternative Route: Students missing prerequisites can enroll in the General Applied Science (GAS) programme (Biology, Chemistry, and Math) while simultaneously studying their chosen course.

How to Apply

Are you ready to start your career journey in medical laboratory science?

1. Online: Visit www.spacscollege.com and apply under the Admissions tab.
2. Application Fee: $3,000.
3. Resources: Download Course Outline Here https://www.spacscollege.com/download/spacs-departmental-programme-courses-semesters-schedules-2024/ | Download Application Forms Here https://my.spacscollege.com/online_admission