Colorado Center for Medical Laboratory Science

The Colorado Center for Medical Laboratory Science, a program of Metropolitan State University of Denver, offers post-BS-level professional education in Medical Laboratory Science.

Medical laboratory science (MLS), also known as clinical laboratory science, is a nationally recognized allied health field focused on the analysis of patient samples to support accurate diagnosis, treatment, and disease prevention. Medical laboratory scientists use sophisticated instruments and techniques to perform tests on blood, tissue, and other body fluids – providing critical data that helps physicians make informed medical decisions. This behind-the-scenes role is essential to modern healthcare, with nearly 70% of medical decisions relying on lab test results.

Those with bachelor’s degrees in biology, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, chemistry, and other related academic programs are well-prepared to enroll in this post-bachelor’s certification program and pursue a career in health sciences. Graduates of the MLS program are eligible to sit for the national board exam and earn their MLS certification. With MLS credentials, they’re equipped to work in high-demand clinical lab roles across hospitals, research centers, and public health labs — contributing directly to patient care and medical advancements.

The Role and Expertise of Certified Medical Laboratory Scientists

Medical laboratory scientists are key members of the healthcare team who contribute to the practice of diagnostic medicine. Working in clinical laboratories, the medical laboratory scientist establishes, monitors, and performs a wide range of analytical tests to identify a variety of disease processes, including anemia, leukemia, infection, diabetes and other metabolic imbalances, cardiac disorders, and cancer. A career as a medical laboratory scientist offers strong job stability, opportunities for professional growth, and the fulfillment of making a meaningful impact on patient care every day.

Career Opportunities in Medical Laboratory & Clinical Lab Science    

A certified medical laboratory scientist is trained to perform, monitor, and validate a wide range of diagnostic tests — including molecular techniques — that support accurate medical diagnoses, safe transfusions, and effective treatment plans. Medical laboratory scientists find meaningful careers in hospitals, diagnostic labs, research institutions, and public health agencies, contributing directly to patient care and public health outcomes.

This post-BS level professional education opens doors for medical technologists and Medical laboratory scientists toward various fulfilling careers in a number of medical fields, including in-demand roles such as:

• Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)
• Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)
• Clinical Laboratory Technician (CLT)
• Blood Bank Technologist
• Microbiology Technologist
• Chemistry Technologist
• Molecular Diagnostics Technologist

Accredited Medical Laboratory Science Program & Certification Eligibility

The Colorado Center for Medical Laboratory Science (CCMLS) is a nationally accredited, one-year curriculum that includes a variety of didactic, student laboratory, and clinical coursework in all areas of laboratory medicine. Our graduates are eligible to sit for the national certification examination in medical laboratory science (MLS) offered by the: American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).

Our History — The Colorado Center for Medical Laboratory Science

The Colorado Center for Medical Laboratory Science (CCMLS) is one of the largest and among the oldest Schools of Medical Laboratory Sciences in the Rocky Mountain region. Established at St. Luke’s Hospital in 1962, the program was located on the Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center campus since the 1980s. A recent move to a new teaching facility at the Medical Center of Aurora enabled the program to expand the number of students it admits each year. The Colorado Center for Medical Laboratory Science (CCMLS) takes pride in innovative programs and skilled graduates. Major disciplines in the medical field include hematology, blood banking, clinical chemistry, and microbiology.

We share in the vision of our program sponsor, Metropolitan State University of Denver, in our commitment and mission to improve the health care of Coloradans and those in the Rocky Mountain region by providing laboratory professionals who possess strong leadership qualities and excellent theoretical and technical skills.

Certified medical laboratory scientists work in hospital clinical laboratories, reference and state health department laboratories, government agencies, the armed forces, and research, as well as in the industries that support the clinical laboratory field. A severe national shortage of medical laboratory scientists has generated a large demand for new graduates. In addition to immediate employment opportunities, graduates often pursue continuing education, including advanced degrees, physician assistant programs, and medical school.