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Science, Allied Health Science Concentration, B.S.

The Science major, Allied Health Science concentration, is designed for students who expect to enter a professional school for cytotechnology, chiropractic medicine, pharmacy, or medical laboratory science. While the Allied Health Science concentration may also be used by students interested in dentistry, medicine, occupational therapy, or physical therapy, students are encouraged to speak to their advisors about other major options better suited to their needs.

For some programs, the Allied Health Science concentration leads to an MTSU degree through completion of at least 90 credit hours at MTSU, acceptance into a professional school, and either successful completion of one year or completion of the professional program (3+1). A four-year major in a standard science major such as chemistry or biochemistry is encouraged for students considering highly competitive health fields such as medicine or laboratory-intensive work. Admission to the MTSU pre-professional program does not assure admission to a professional program. However, MTSU committees and advisors support students in their application. Selection for admission is competitive and is made by the admissions committee of the respective program according to its selection standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is medical laboratory science?

Medical laboratory science professionals are highly skilled scientists who discover the presence or absence of disease and provide data that help physicians determine the best treatment for the patient. Although they are not often personally involved with patients, medical laboratory scientists and technicians play a crucial role in the process of providing personalized care. They generate vitally important data for identifying and treating cancer, heart disease, diabetes and many other health conditions. Source: explorehealthcareers.org

What can you do with a medical laboratory science degree?

Using sophisticated biomedical instrumentation and technology, as well as highly skilled manual techniques, clinical laboratory professionals examine and analyze body fluids, tissues and cells, analyze the chemical constituents of body fluids, cross-match donor blood for transfusions, test blood for drug levels to measure the efficacy of particular treatments, and evaluate test results for accuracy and help interpret them for the physician. Source: explorehealthcareers.org

What jobs can you get with a medical laboratory science degree?

Medical laboratory technicians and medical laboratory scientists can find challenging employment in a wide range of arenas, including:

• Hospital clinical laboratories
• Commercial or reference laboratories
• Public health laboratories
• Pharmaceutical or chemical industries
• Biotechnology companies
• Forensic and law enforcement laboratories
• Veterinary clinics
• Research and teaching institutions
• Transplant and blood donor centers
• Fertility clinics
• The cosmetics or food industry

Source: explorehealthcareers.org

Can MTSU help me become a Pharmacist?

Absolutely! In fact, there are many different paths to a Doctor of Pharmacy program through MTSU, including an opportunity for a guaranteed interview at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, a “Direct Admit” program with Union University, and many 3+1 agreements with Pharmacy schools in Tennessee and surrounding states. Most MTSU students choose to complete either a bachelor’s degree or a 3+1 program. Students who complete bachelor’s degrees are welcome to choose any major at MTSU, although many are drawn to the Chemistry or Biochemistry degrees. While completing their degree requirements they also take the recommended prerequisite courses to be successful in a PharmD program. Students in 3+1 programs pursue the Allied Health Science degree and stay at MTSU for the equivalent of about 90 semester hours (three years). When they complete that coursework, they apply to a Pharmacy program at another school for the 4th year. Upon successful completion of the first professional year we award a bachelor’s degree in Allied Health Science and the student continues with their studies toward their PharmD. We encourage you to visit pharmacyforme.org for more information about the exciting field of Pharmacy.

How long does it take to earn a chiropractic degree?

Students typically complete 3 or 4 years of undergraduate work at MTSU, followed by 4 years in the Doctor of Chiropractic degree.