Our department prepares students to act as medical detectives on health care teams. With state-of-the-art facilities, NAACLS-accredited clinical partners, hands-on learning opportunities and expert instruction, we provide students with the robust education they need to become certified medical laboratory scientists.
Medical laboratory scientists are integral members of the health care team. These experts perform, develop and evaluate complex laboratory tests to uncover information about patients' health. In collaboration with pathologists, medical lab techs and other lab specialists, medical laboratory scientists provide laboratory results that aid in the patient's diagnosis and help monitor their treatment.
At USD, our faculty bring real-world experience in the clinical laboratory setting to the classroom, serving as an invaluable resource to our students. Our students experience an enriching education in which they learn the latest technology, develop problem-solving techniques and grow their collaboration skills. Opportunities like our senior-year clinical internship connect classroom learning to practice, giving students real-world experience as medical detectives. We also equip our students with the essential collaboration skills they'll need to work effectively on health care teams. Together, our students and faculty pose questions, find answers and shape the future of health care.
The tail end of academic year 2022-23 brought a flurry of activity to the University of South Dakota campus and the School of Health Sciences, illustrating the efforts the school extends to further immersive activities and education to high schools, middle schools and even some elementary schools.
Several programs in the University of South Dakota School of Health Sciences are celebrating notable milestones.
At the University of South Dakota Nursing Center for Simulation and Interprofessional Education, located in the Andrew E. Lee Memorial Medicine and Science Building, students improve their patient assessment abilities and communication skills. They also learn the importance of interdisciplinary teamwork to deliver safe care and improve health outcomes.
Our department prepares students to act as medical detectives on health care teams. With state-of-the-art facilities, NAACLS-accredited clinical partners, hands-on learning opportunities and expert instruction, we provide students with the robust education they need to become certified medical laboratory scientists.
Learn to become an interprofessional team in real-world settings.
USD is home to the only comprehensive health sciences school and medical school in the state. This advantage offers our students the unique opportunity to learn and train alongside peers in a variety of disciplines, equipping them with the collaborative experiences they need to be effective members of their future patients' care teams.
We are also proud to have strong relationships with the region's leading health care providers. These partnerships offer our students invaluable opportunities for developing professional connections, getting hands-on experiences and serving their communities early in their education.
The program gave me so much—the opportunity to explore and have a choice in where I went post-grad, as well as the work ethic necessary for the job. The size of the program is great. I was able to be close with other students and build a great relationship with Kari. I still communicate with my instructors and my classmates. The program gave me foundation to keep learning in my field.
Tori Jones
B.S. Medical Laboratory Science '21
