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Biology Major: Pre-Laboratory Science Track
Launch your career in the hidden medical profession that saves lives.
Imagine yourself as a professional who can go behind the scenes of diagnosing and treating diseases, helping reveal some of the most critical answers physicians need to determine the best treatment for patients. Now picture yourself working for Mayo Clinic. At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, we’ll put you on course to become a laboratory scientist and gain the competitive edge to work for the leading medical facility in the country.
In situations demanding ultimate precision, an education from Saint Mary’s and its collaboration with Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences or the Veterans Administration Hospital in Illinois, prepares you with the expertise to conduct vital laboratory tests.
Begin your journey at Saint Mary’s, where you’ll study on our Winona Campus for two years, completing general education requirements as well as pre-requisite courses. Upon successful completion of this study, you’ll have the opportunity to apply through the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences or the Veterans Administration Hospital.
Whether you choose the medical laboratory science or cytotechnology emphasis, you’ll be well-prepared for your chosen path. With the medical laboratory emphasis, you’ll be on your way to a career involving the analysis of biological specimens, performing scientific testing, and reporting results to physicians. The cytotechnology emphasis readies you for a role that is dedicated to studying body cells to detect cancer and other abnormal conditions.
At Saint Mary’s, we believe in the transformative power of education. We understand that higher learning is not merely about acquiring knowledge; it’s about having a profound impact on lives, inspiring positive change, fostering community, and shaping our future.
We’re committed to ensuring your readiness for a career in laboratory sciences and empowering you to create a positive impact in both your professional and personal lives. Begin your journey at Saint Mary’s, where the opportunity to translate your learning into meaningful action starts from the moment you set foot on campus. We invite you to experience it firsthand.
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Program Highlights
- Discover innovative spaces within Aquinas Hall, where the study of genetics, molecular biology, and ecology come together to facilitate practical research experiences and hands-on learning.
- Complement your major and prepare for your future career goals by adding a minor in Spanish, psychology, or health humanities.
- Step outside of your comfort zone — and your time zone — with one of our immersive study abroad opportunities like Belize, where you can observe wildlife in the largest tract of protected rainforest north of the Amazon.
What You'll Learn
- Demonstrate proficiency in conducting a full range of testing in the contemporary medical laboratory
- Possess the ability to proficiently problem-solve, effectively troubleshoot, and interpret results
- Skillfully develop, implement, and evaluate test methods and test protocols
- Develop and refine critical thinking skills to assess complex clinical situations and make informed decisions based on laboratory data
- Maintain a strong awareness of safety protocols and adherence to governmental regulations and standards in laboratory practice
- Embrace ethical leadership in all aspects of laboratory work, adhering to the highest ethical standards and promoting a culture of integrity
Admissions
Your journey towards a brighter future starts here. Whether you’re a high school graduate starting your college search — or a transfer student eager to find the perfect fit — Saint Mary’s is committed to helping you find your place in the world.
Course Catalog
Careers that look to the future.
Our program's graduates are well-prepared to pursue careers at Mayo Clinic where many of our alumni are currently employed. Learn more about employment outcomes here.
Cytotechnologist
$86,428 per year*Medical Lab Scientist
$76,305 per year*Salary.com, Cytotechnologist Salary in the United States at https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/cytotechnologist-salary#:~:text=How%20much%20does%20a%20Cytotechnologist,falls%20between%20%2478%2C514%20and%20%2494%2C452. (visited Nov. 1, 2023).
ZipRecruiter, Medical Laboratory Scientist Salary in Minnesota at https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Medical-Laboratory-Scientist-Salary–in-Minnesota (visited Nov. 1, 2023).