School of Medical Laboratory Science - About

Students will receive a required textbook list upon acceptance into the program. The cost of the required textbooks is approximately $500.00. Students may purchase the required textbooks online (used or new, electronic or hard copy). In addition to the required textbooks, supplementary books will be checked out to the student. These must be returned prior to graduation.

All students are required to maintain Professional Liability Insurance throughout the clinical year. The cost of this coverage is approximately $35.00, which is paid by the School.

All students are advised to take the national certifying exam. It is offered by the ASCP Board of Certification. The student pays the examination fee of approximately $250.00.

Mercy Hospital Ada, Ardmore and Oklahoma City may elect to employ students after their first six months are satisfactorily completed and upon recommendation of their section supervisors. This work is not to exceed twenty hours per week and will be in the evenings or on weekends. The work is voluntary, paid, and directly supervised. The work must in no way interfere with the academic responsibilities of the student.  Students will not perform service work in place of qualified staff.

Students may use the hospital cafeteria and will receive a 30% discount.

Most scholarships and loans are best pursued through the student’s university. Mercy Hospital Ada School of Medical Laboratory Science is a participating member of the Pell Grant and VA Loans. During the clinical year, scholarships are available through the OSCLS, ASCLS and ASCP organizations and program officials will aid in filling out applications. Mercy Hospital Ada School of Medical Laboratory Science does not pay a student stipend.

These individuals are responsible for teaching courses, directing and supervising student laboratory and clinical experiences, evaluating students, developing curriculum, formulating policies and procedures and evaluating program effectiveness. In addition, other laboratory coworkers, management and pathologists participate in the education of the MLS students. A list of faculty members and their ranks is available from the program director upon request.

The student will receive a certificate and pin from Mercy Hospital Ada upon successful completion of the program. This is not contingent upon passing a national certification examination.

An affiliated university student will pay tuition to the university. Tuition refunds are subject to the university refund policy. A non-affiliated university student who possesses a baccalaureate degree will pay a clinical education fee* directly to the School of Medical Laboratory Science to cover the expense of the clinical laboratory education. Fees are non-refundable .

* The clinical education fee will be the same as the affiliated university student fee, which is determined by the Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO).  Prices are subject to change.  Contact the program director for more information.

In addition to the Castle Branch background check required for applicants, all students accepted into the program may undergo an additional background check which can include a name check and a fingerprint background check completed by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. Currently, the School of MLS pays for the additional background check, however, this benefit is not guaranteed.

Students admitted to the clinical program must pass a health screen, including a drug screen, prior to the start of class. The process is facilitated through Mercy Coworker Health. Any student who becomes ill while on duty may see the Emergency Room physician or their personal physician at their own expense. Students are strongly encouraged to obtain hospitalization insurance. Group rates are available through most universities.