School and Ranking Information
There are about seven schools in Indianapolis offering medical laboratory science (also known as clinical laboratory science) degree programs. Indiana University - Purdue Global - Indianapolis (IUPUI), Marian University and the University of Indianapolis are the top choices for medical laboratory technology training, due to the number of degrees they award, their graduation rates, their rankings and their student services.
- Winner: IUPUI is the winner because it awarded the most degrees in the field in 2020-2021, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Its program is also accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), which is a requirement for certain certifications.
- Runner-Up #1: Marian University is the next best choice, since its ranking and graduation rate are slightly higher than those of the University of Indianapolis. Its program also helps students prepare for certification.
- Runner-Up #2: University of Indianapolis, in third place, offers students the opportunity to work in a hospital lab.
School Comparison Chart
| Category | Indiana University - Purdue Global - Indianapolis | Marian University | University of Indianapolis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ranking (2022) | 202nd (tie) in National Universities** | 250th (tie) in National Universities** | 263rd (tie) in National Universities** |
| Location | Indianapolis, IN | Indianapolis, IN | Indianapolis, IN |
| School Type | 4-year, public | 4-year, private, not for-profit | 4-year, private, not-for-profit |
| Undergraduate Tuition & Fees (2021-2022) | $10,044 (in-state), $32,101 (out-of-state)* | $36,600* | $33,520* |
| Medical Laboratory Technology Programs Offered | Bachelor's | Bachelor's | Bachelor's |
| Medical Laboratory Technology Degrees Awarded in 2020-2021 | 18* | 0* | 3* |
| Undergraduate Graduation Rate (in 150% of normal degree time) for 2015 Entering Class | 57% (21% transfer-out rate)* | 64% (25% transfer-out rate)* | 63% (25% transfer-out rate)* |
Sources: *NCES College Navigator, **U.S. News and World Report.
Winner: Indiana University - Purdue Global - Indianapolis
- The clinical laboratory science program holds an accreditation from the NAACLS
- Program admission is competitive, and class sizes are limited to 12 students
- Some scholarships for medical laboratory technology students are available
- 82 hours of prerequisite coursework, including 18 credits each of biology and chemistry, are required to enter the program
IUPUI offers a bachelor's degree program in clinical laboratory science. This program prepares students to take the national certification exam to gain the MLS credential from the ASCP. Students take courses in hematology, serology, parasitology, clinical chemistry and diagnostic medical microbiology. All courses must be completed in the specified sequence, and transfer credits and course substitutions are not allowed. Students should be aware that the program has special costs in addition to tuition. Graduates who pass the certification exam may find employment opportunities in hospitals, clinics and medical research facilities.
Runner-Up #1: Marian University
- Students can complete the required 1-year internship at one of two hospitals
- Students in the School of Mathematics and Sciences can complete research to earn credit
Marian University offers a 4-year clinical laboratory science program that culminates with a bachelor's degree. This program prepares graduates to take the national certification exams leading to the credentials Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Medical Technologist or Medical Laboratory Scientist. Students accepted into this program spend the first 3 years studying biology and chemistry and fulfilling general education requirements. The final year is spent participating in an internship at a local hospital or medical center that is accredited by the American Medical Association.
Runner-Up #2: University of Indianapolis
- Students complete 10-11 months of training in a hospital laboratory; they can choose among three hospitals
- This program contains courses of study that prepare students for professional programs
The University of Indianapolis offers a medical technology program. This 4-year program prepares students to work in hospitals, private laboratories and even forensics or pharmaceutical labs, conducting procedures like blood and tissue typing, DNA sequencing and sample analysis. Students spend the first 3 years of the program studying chemistry, microbiology and immunology. The final year of the program is spent in a local hospital laboratory gaining hands-on clinical experience. Since the medical technology program satisfies many requirements for professional programs, students may choose to continue their education in medicine, dentistry or pharmacy.
