Image of Lab Scholars students at Marist University.

Lab Scholars

School of Science

Prospective Hospital Affiliates

Marist University, in partnership with local hospitals, has designed the accelerated Lab Scholars degree program to address laboratory staffing needs by leveraging existing employees. Many hospital staff are interested in pursuing lab careers but lack the New York State license required to work in a laboratory. The Lab Scholars program offers a pathway for these employees to gain the theoretical knowledge and clinical experience necessary to qualify for the licensing exam, all within an accelerated timeframe.

This accelerated program builds on the foundation of our traditional Lab Sciences program, which is based on the main campus of Marist University. Rooted in essential theoretical concepts, the program includes lectures at our Manhattan location to better serve the various hospital systems throughout New York City. Clinical lab education at our Poughkeepsie campus equips students with the skills essential for all laboratory procedures.

Since its inception, Marist has proudly offered this opportunity, resulting in over 100 graduates who are currently licensed and working in the field. We look forward to continuing to provide this valuable opportunity for many more hospitals and students in the future.

As part of the Lab Scholars curriculum, students will take the following courses:

  • Advanced Microscopy and Parasitology - 4 credits
  • Methods in Medical Technology (intro course) - 4 credits
  • Clinical Microbiology I - 4 credits
  • Clinical Hematology - 4 credits
  • Clinical Immunohematology - 4 credits
  • Clinical Chemistry - 4 credits
  • Clinical Microscopy I - 1 credit
  • Foundations in Medical Technology (covers NYS required material) - 1 credit
  • Advanced Microbiology - 3 credits
  • Advanced Hematology - 3 credits
  • Advanced Immunohematology - 3 credits
  • Advanced Chemistry - 3 credits
  • Topics in Medical Technology (capping course) - 3 credits
  • Advanced Clinical Microscopy Lab - 1 credit (part of the clinical rotations)
  • Supervised clinical experience at sponsor hospitals - 4 rotations, 2 credits each

Prerequisites: All applicants must have a bachelor’s degree prior to beginning the program.  A bachelor's degree in any subject is acceptable. Note that those with a Science degree tend to have more individual prerequisites.

Required courses (must have earned a C or better to transfer that course):

  • General Biology I and II
  • General Chemistry I and II
  • General Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Organic Chemistry (I and II, or an intro course)
  • Intro Statistics
  • Ethics or Bioethics

*Courses listed in red must have included an in-person lab

*Advising as to the suitability of any prerequisite course is available by contacting the MLS Program Director.

  • Summer I:
    • Late June – August : Advanced Microscopy and Parasitology
    • July – August: Methods
  • Fall: Late August - December
    • Clinical Microbiology
    • Clinical Chemistry
    • Clinical Immunohematology
    • Hematology
    • Microscopy I
  • Spring – separated into 3 modules
    • Module I (all lecture) January - March
      • Advanced Microbiology
      • Advanced Clinical Chemistry
      • Advanced Immunohematology
      • Advanced Hematology
      • Foundations
    • Module II (1st clinical rotation) – each student will be registered for 1of the following – March - April
      • Advanced Microbiology lab
      • Advanced Chemistry lab
      • Advanced Immunohematology lab
      • Advanced Hematology lab
      • Microscopy II lab
    • Module III (2nd clinical rotation) – each student will be registered for 1 of the following – April - May
      • Advanced Microbiology lab
      • Advanced Chemistry lab
      • Advanced Immunohematology lab
      • Advanced Hematology lab
      • Microscopy II lab
  • Summer II: separated into 2 modules
    • Module I (3rd clinical rotation) – each student will be registered for 1 of the following – May - June
      • Advanced Microbiology lab
      • Advanced Chemistry lab
      • Advanced Immunohematology lab
      • Advanced Hematology lab
      • Advanced Clinical Microscopy lab
      • Topics in Medical Technology (course spans both modules)
    • Module II (4th clinical rotation) – each student will be registered for 1 of the following - June - July
      • Advanced Microbiology lab
      • Advanced Chemistry lab
      • Advanced Immunohematology lab
      • Advanced Hematology lab
      • Advanced Clinical Microscopy lab
      • Topics in Medical Technology (course spans both modules)
  • An agreement between the hospitals and Marist University that outlines responsibilities for each member of the partnership is required.
  • Students must be sponsored by a hospital that has an agreement in place with Marist University in order to participate in the program.
  • It is the hospital's responsibility to recruit employees for consideration for the program by the Marist Adult Admissions team. 
  • Hospitals will manage students’ clinical schedules within the guidelines provided by Marist University.
    • Students will spend the spring and summer at the sponsored hospital rotating through the major areas of the lab (Chemistry, Hematology, Microbiology, Blood Bank and Microscopy) 
    • Hospital staff will be responsible for supervising students in the clinical lab using their own procedures, allowing students to have real-world experiences.
    • Hospital staff will be responsible for proctoring practical exams for each of the five major areas of the lab.
    • Hospital staff will be responsible for assessing the performance of students at the end of each clinical rotation using an MLS Program developed assessment tool.

If you are interested in exploring a partnership between your hospital and the Marist University Lab Scholars program, or have questions about the program, please contact the Program Director, Terry Paskell, at terrance.paskell@marist.edu. 

Contact Us

Cutting-Edge Facilities and Equipment

At Marist, we're committed to providing cutting-edge facilities and equipment for all fields, including the Lab Scholars program. Situated in our Allied Health & Science Building, you'll have access to the latest, innovative technology and equipment.

 

Expert Faculty and Practicing Professionals

Our faculty possesses diverse backgrounds, specialties, and areas of focus, giving students a well-rounded understanding of the medical field. With small class sizes, professors offer personalized academic instruction and mentorship, helping students develop their professionalism and knowledge as future healthcare professionals.

Terrance Paskell

Professor Paskell has been an esteemed member of the Marist Faculty since 2010. He teaches a variety of subjects, including clinical chemistry, clinical microscopy, and human biology. His research is centered around clinical chemistry and fluid analysis, delving into the diagnostic potential of bodily fluids to better understand health and disease.

Denise Freeman-Twiggs

Denise Freeman-Twiggs is a Professional Lecturer and Clinical Laboratory Scientist with a background in clinical microbiology and clinical chemistry. Denise is an alumnus of Marist University, where she completed her double major in Medical Laboratory Sciences and Biology. Denise started her career as a clinical microbiologist at New York Presbyterian Hospital. During her time there, she obtained her master’s degree in Infectious Disease from Drexel University, being awarded for her Academic Excellence in the program.

Matthew Bolssen

Before joining the Marist community, Matthew Bolssen played a significant role in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic by providing access to testing and vaccinations in underserved communities in Arlington, Virginia. Additionally, he served as a public health leader, laboratory director, and supervisor in both Arlington and Fairfax County, Virginia.