Program Overview
The TTUHSC Bachelor of Science Medical Laboratory Science is a fully accredited, 2+2 degree program that trains you in clinical laboratory skills and techniques, with the option of choosing from three areas of special focus:
- The Standard Option prepares you for a career primarily in a clinical setting such as a
hospital, physician's office, laboratory, or a reference laboratory. - The Pre-Med Option prepares you for pursuing graduate education in medical school, osteopathic school, veterinary school, or research graduate programs.
- The Pre-Physician Assistant Option prepares you to pursue graduate education in physician assistant studies.
- The Pre-Molecular Pathology Option prepares students to matriculate into the one-year Master of Science in Molecular Pathology program for a career in molecular diagnosis of acquired, inherited and infectious diseases.
- The Pre-Healthcare Administration Option prepares students to matriculate into the Master of Science in Healthcare Administration program for a career in management, human resources and industry.
In our training lab facility, you will develop advanced clinical laboratory skills using some of the most complex, state-of-the-art instruments available.
For students who already hold a bachelor’s degree, online options for a second degree and a certificate program in Medical Laboratory Science are also available.
The Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Medical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).
NAACLS
5600 N. River Road, Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018
Phone: 733-714-8880
Fax: 733-714-8886
For more information, please reach out to the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs at (806) 743-3220 or health.professions@ttuhsc.edu.
- 2 years estimated time to completion
- 32 estimated class size
Curriculum & Coursework
The curriculum of the TTUHSC Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science program consists of 131-132 hours of academic education.
Classes include: Clinical Bacteriology, Molecular Diagnostics, Clinical Chemistry, Parasitology/Mycology, Laboratory Management, Clinical Chemistry, Clinical Microbiology, Hematology, Immunology, Immunohematology, and Urinalysis & Body Fluids.
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Junior Year Fall Semester Course Designation Credit Hours
HPML 3400 Clinical Chemistry I 4 hours
HPML 3405 Clinical Bacteriology I 4 hours
HPML 3455 Principles of Immunology 4 hours
HPML 3110 Professional Issues in MLS 1 hour
Total Hours 13 hours
Junior Year Spring Semester Course Designation Credit Hours
HPML 4405 Molecular Diagnostics 4 hours
HPML 3450 Clinical Chemistry II 4 hours
HPML 3460 Clinical Bacteriology II 4 hours
HPML 3470 Hematology I 4 hours
Total Hours 16 hours
Junior Year Summer Semester Course Designation Credit Hours
HPML 3310 Urinalysis and Body Fluids 3 hours
HPML 4300 Applied Research and Statistics 3 hours
HPML 4420 Laboratory Management 4 hours
HPML 4455 Parasitology/Mycology 4 hours
Total Hours 14 hours
Senior Year Fall Semester Course Designation Credit Hours
HPML 4385 Clinical Correlations 3 hours
HPML 3465 Immunohematology I 4 hours
HPML 4440 Clinical Preceptorship I 4 hours
HPML 4480 Hematology II 4 hours
Total Hours 15 hours
Senior Year Spring Semester Course Designation Credit Hours
HPML 4741 Clinical Preceptorship II 7 hour
HPML 4842 Clinical Preceptorship III 8 hours
HPML 4105 Senior Seminar 1 hour
Total Hours 16 hours
Total Credit Hours Required Credit Hours
Prerequisites 57-58 hour
Professional Curriculum 74 hours
Total Hours for B.S. degree 131-132 hours
During professional studies, students are required to adhere to all departmental policies and academic and behavioral guidelines as outlined in the Student Handbook and Clinical Preceptorship Manual.
A student must have the permission of the program director to be concurrently enrolled in another university while a student at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.
The Medical Laboratory Science Program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), 5700 N. River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018 (773) 714-8880.
The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, masters, doctoral, and professional degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097,or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. The commission should be contacted only if there is evident that appears to support the institution's significant non- compliance with a requirement standard. A member of the Texas Tech University System, TTUHSC has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges as a separate institution from Texas Tech University since 2004. TTUHSC received its reaffirmation of accreditation from SACSCOC in 2009. The next reaffirmation is scheduled for 2019.
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Junior Year Fall Semester Course Designation Credit Hours
HPML 3320 Clinical Chemistry I 3 hours
HPML 3120 Laboratory Practice for Clinical Chemistry I 1 hour
HPML 3321 Clinical Bacteriology I 3 hours
HPML 3121 Laboratory Practice for Clinical Bacteriology I 1 hour
HPML 3323 Principles of Immunology 3 hours
HPML 3123 Laboratory Practice for Principles of Immunology 1 hour
HPML 3310 Professional Issues in MLS 1 hour
Total Hours 13 hours
Junior Year Spring Semester Course Designation Credit Hours
HPML 3322 Clinical Chemistry II 3 hours
HPML 3122 Laboratory Practice for Clinical Chemistry II 1 hour
HPML 3324 Clinical Bacteriology II 3 hours
HPML 3124 Laboratory Practice for Clinical Bacteriology II 1 hour
HPML 3326 Hematology I 3 hours
HPML 3126 Laboratory Practice for Hematology I 1 hour
HPML 3327 Molecular Diagnostics 3 hours
HPML 3127 Laboratory Practice for Molecular Diagnostics 1 hour
Total Hours 16 hours
Junior Year Summer Semester Course Designation Credit Hours
HPML 3310 Urinalysis and Body Fluids 3 hours
HPML 3328 Clinical Parasitology and Mycology 3 hours
HPML 3128 Laboratory Practice for Parasitology and Mycology 1 hour
HPML 4300 Applied Research and Statistics 3 hours
HPML 4420 Laboratory Management 4 hours
Total Hours 14 hours
Senior Year Fall Semester Course Designation Credit Hours
HPML 3325 Immunohematology I 3 hours
HPML 3125 Laboratory Practice for Immunohematology I 1 hour
HPML 3329 Hematology II 3 hours
HPML 3129 Laboratory Practice for Hematology II 1 hour
HPML 4385 Clinical Correlations 3 hours
HPML 4440 Clinical Preceptorship I 4 hours
Total Hours 15 hours
Senior Year Spring Semester Course Designation Credit Hours
HPML 4741 Clinical Preceptorship II 7 hours
HPML 4842 Clinical Preceptorship III 8 hours
HPML 4105 Senior Seminar 1 hour
Total Hours 16 hours
Total Credit Hours Required Credit Hours
Prerequisites 57-58 hour
Professional Curriculum 74 hours
Total Hours for B.S. degree 131-132 hours
During professional studies, students are required to adhere to all departmental policies and academic and behavioral guidelines as outlined in the Student Handbook and Clinical Preceptorship Manual.
A student must have the permission of the program director to be concurrently enrolled in another university while a student at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.
The Medical Laboratory Science Program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), 5700 N. River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018 (773) 714-8880.
The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, masters, doctoral, and professional degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097,or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. The commission should be contacted only if there is evident that appears to support the institution's significant non- compliance with a requirement standard. A member of the Texas Tech University System, TTUHSC has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges as a separate institution from Texas Tech University since 2004. TTUHSC received its reaffirmation of accreditation from SACSCOC in 2009. The next reaffirmation is scheduled for 2019.
Program Term Application Deadlines
|
Term |
Applications Open |
Application Deadline |
First Day of Term |
|---|---|---|---|
|
SUMMER |
TBA |
TBA |
TBA |
|
FALL |
DEC 1 |
MAY 1 |
TBA |
|
SPRING |
TBA |
TBA |
TBA |
How to Apply
Online Application
Applicants for the MLS traditional program must complete the TTUHSC SHP online application.
Application Fee
A non-refundable $75 application fee is required and may be paid by credit card through the online application system.
If you prefer to pay by check or money order, make it payable to TTUHSC and mail it to:
Office of Admissions and Student Affairs
3601 4th Street, MS 6294
Lubbock, TX 79430
Your application will move forward in the admissions review process after your application fee has been received.
Transcripts
By Mail: Transcripts must be in an official sealed envelope by the institution and sent to our mailing address:
TTUHSC SHP Admissions and Student Affairs
3601 4th Street, Mail Stop 6294
Lubbock, TX 79430
Electronically: Submit official electronic transcripts from every college or university attended directly from the institution or an approved third-party transcript service to shp.application@ttuhsc.edu.
Please note:
Do not send transcripts to Texas Tech University, as TTUHSC is a separate institution and doing so will delay application processing.
Official TTUHSC transcripts are not required; official Texas Tech University transcripts are required.
Transcripts from international institutions must include an official course-by-course evaluation from a recognized Foreign Transcript Evaluation Service.
Applicants are responsible for ensuring all required application materials, including updated transcripts, are received by the application deadline.
Admissions Requirements
Minimum GPA
A minimum cumulative GPA of a 2.5 is required; this includes all courses taken at every institution attended. A minimum science prerequisite GPA of a 2.5 is also required.
Prerequisite Coursework
All prerequisite courses must be complete prior to matriculation. Applicants who have completed all or most of their prerequisite coursework at the time of application may be at an advantage during the admissions process. The following is an example course plans using the Texas Tech University equivalents of the prerequisite courses. Students wishing to enter the Medical Laboratory Science program should choose either the standard, pre-med or pre-PA options. Substitution of courses may be authorized by the Program Director.
Texas Common Core Curriculum
Certain prerequisite courses will apply toward meeting the Texas Common Core requirements as indicated below. Students must have all Texas Core courses completed prior to program entry to the Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences degree program. Completion of the Texas Core Curriculum (42 semester credit hours) with a grade of C or better.
Admission Requirements
Completion of 42 credit hours of Texas Common Core requirements prior to matriculation.
The Texas Common Core course requirements can be found by visiting the TTUHSC Core Curriculum website. Completion of 28 credit hours of standard science prerequisites prior to matriculation.
Note: These hours may be included as part of your Texas Common Core. Applicants that have not completed the required prerequisites, must submit a plan of completion at the time of application to the SHP Office of Admissions. All prerequisites must be completed by August of the enrollment year.
Essay
An essay is required as part of the application.
STANDARD OPTION PREREQUISITES
Standard prerequisites plus the following:
| Course Designation |
Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| General Chemistry I with lab |
4 hours |
| General Chemistry II with lab |
4 hours |
| Biology I or A P I with lab |
4 hours |
| Biology II or A P II with lab |
4 hours |
| Microbiology with lab |
4 hours |
| Genetics or science elective |
3-4 hours |
| Intro to Organic or Organic Chemistry I with lab |
4 hours |
All applicants must complete the program prerequisites (28 hours) and requirements below (Note: No grade of less than a C will be accepted; all science courses must be designated for science majors)
PRE-MED OPTION PREREQUISITES
The pre-med mentor program is designed to provide direction to students interested in attending medical school following the completion of a degree in Medical Laboratory Science. The primary purpose of this program is to help the student, by means of meetings and counseling, to prepare for and apply to medical school. Preparation for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), the admission interview, and other aspects of personal preparation are considered. The goal of this program is to provide to those students with both academic and professional potential the best opportunity to successfully gain admission to medical school.
Standard prerequisites plus the following:
| Course Designation |
Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Organic Chemistry I II |
8 hours |
| Physics I II |
8 hours |
| Calculus I or Statistics |
3 hours |
| Biochemistry |
4 hours |
Must verify medical school of choosing as prerequisites vary per school.
PRE-PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT OPTION PREREQUISITES
Standard prerequisites plus the following:
| Course Designation |
Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Organic Chemistry or Biochemistry |
4 hours |
| Anatomy Physiology |
8 hours |
| Genetics |
4 hours |
| Psychology |
3 hours |
Must verify medical school of choosing as prerequisites vary per school.
Additional Admission Requirements
For additional requirements for the Pre-Med and Pre-PA options, please contact the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs (806) 743-3220 or health.professions@ttuhsc.edu.
International Applicants
If you are not a citizen/permanent resident of the United States, please refer to our International Applicants webpage for the additional requirements needed for your application.
Application Process
Applications are considered on a rolling basis for acceptance into the professional program. Individual applications are reviewed once materials have been received; therefore, it is in the applicant's best interest to complete their application, including submission of required documentation, as early as possible. Fulfillment of the basic requirements does not guarantee admission.
Applicants who meet the above listed requirements and are deemed competitive candidates for admission will be invited to TTUHSC for an interview. The admissions committee selects the most qualified applicants for admission by considering the following: cumulative GPA, prerequisite science GPA, interview scores, student essay, and other factors.
Interviews
Admission interviews are granted by the MLS admissions committee by invitation only. Applicants are selected for interviews based on a holistic evaluation of their application and supporting documents.
Application Submission Checklist
- Online Application
- Application Fee
- Official Transcripts
Questions regarding the application process should be directed to the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs. Please contact our office by phone at 806-743-3220 or email at health.professions@ttuhsc.edu.
Cost & Aid
Access information about tuition and fees, along with scholarships and financial aid resources, to help you plan and finance your education at TTUHSC.
Tuition & Fees
The following information is not intended to be comprehensive and is subject to change. Tuition, fees, and charges are subject to change by administrative, legislative, or regent action, and changes become effective on the date enacted. The following tuition information should be used only as a guideline for estimating charges.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Our goal is to make obtaining a college degree within reach by supporting you with financial aid and scholarships programs. TTUHSC relies on a variety of financial aid sources to increase the university's affordability. This may include scholarships, grants, student loans, and waivers. As a student, please know that you and your family have a dedicated financial aid advisor who can assist you with this process.
Student Outcome Data
Medical Laboratory Scientist Certification
To work in a clinical laboratory, you must be certified as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS). As a graduate of the program, you will be eligible to sit for the Medical Laboratory Scientist national certification exam administered by the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification.
Outcomes (2023-2025)
| Program Year |
Graduation Rate (%) |
Certification Pass Rate (%) |
Employment Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 - 2023 |
95 |
93 |
99 |
| 2023 - 2024 |
97 |
95 |
100 |
| 2024 - 2025 |
94 |
97 |
97 |
**Outcomes report is based on NAACLS Standard II.B requirement.
Additional Resources
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List of Affiliates
Hendrick Medical Center - Abilene, TX
Baptist St. Anthony - Amarillo, TX
Northwest Texas HCS - Amarillo, TX
Veterans Affairs Hospital - Amarillo, TX
Clinical Pathology Laboratories - Austin, TX
St. David's South Austin MC - Austin, TX
St. David's - Austin, TX
St. Joseph Health Regional - Bryan, TX
Cedar Park Regional MC - Cedar Park, TX
Childress RMC - Childress, TX
HCA Conroe Regional MC - Conroe, TX
Charlton Methodist - Dallas, TX
Children's Medical Center - Dallas, TX
Methodist Hospital - Dallas, TX
Parkland Health & Hospital System - Dallas, TX
UTSW/William P. Clements Hospital - Dallas, TX
Veterans Affairs Hospital - Dallas, TX
Wise Regional - Decatur, TX
Eastland Memorial - Eastland, TX
Providence East - El Paso, TX
Providence Memorial - El Paso, TX
Providence Sierra - El Paso, TX
Hill Country Memorial - Fredricksburg, TX
Hunt Regional - Greenville, TX
Ben Taub - Houston, TX
HCA Northwest - Houston, TX
Texas Children's Hospital - Houston, TX
Quest medfusion - Lewisville, TX
Covenant Health System - Lubbock, TX
University MC - Lubbock, TX
Mansfield Methodist - Mansfield, TX
South Texas Health System - McAllen, TX
Midland Memorial - Midland, TX
Medical Center - Odessa, TX
Paris Regional MC - Paris, TX
Richardson Methodist - Richland, TX
Shannon Medical Center - San Angelo, TX
Methodist Health System - San Antonio, TX
Cogdell Memorial - Snyder, TX
UTHSC - Tyler, TX
DeTar Navarro - Victoria, TX
HCA Clear Lake - Webster, TX
Huntsville RMC - Huntsville, AL
Fairbanks Memorial - Fairbanks, AK
UC Health - Aurora, CO
UCH Memorial North - Colorado Springs, CO
UCH Memorial South - Colorado Springs, CO
UCH Poudre Valley - Ft. Collins, CO
UCH Yampa Valley MC - Steamboat Springs, CO
MedStar Washington MC - Washington, D.C.
Phoebe Putney - Albany, GA
Moanalua MC - Honolulu, HI
HCA Research MC - Kansas City, MO
St. Louis Children's/Barnes-Jewish Hospital - St. Louis, MO
Benefits Health - Great Falls, MT
Penn Medicine Princeton MC - Plainsboro, NJ
Tricore - Albuquerque, NM
Tricore Plains Regional - Clovis, NM
Covenant Health Hobbs - Hobbs, NM
MountainView RMC - Las Cruces, NM
Tricore Lincoln County MC - Ruidoso, NM
Tricore Presbyterian Hospital - Santa Fe, NM
Valley Health System - Henderson, NV
Renown Health MC - Reno, NV
Samaritan Albany Health - Albany, OR
Samaritan Good Sam RMC - Corvallis, OR
Curry Health - Gold Beach, OR
Samaritan Mid-Valley/Lebanon Hospital - Lebanon, OR
Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital - Lincoln, OR
Providence - Medford, OR
Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital - Newport, OR
Interpath - Pendleton, OR
AnMed Health - Anderson, SC
VCH Prince William - Manassas, VADepending on affiliate availability, this list is subject to change.
Up to 2 Departmental Rotations Are Completed in a Different Facility
Clinical Pathology Laboratories - Austin, TX
St. David's - Austin, TX
HCA Conroe Regional MC - Conroe, TX
Charlton Methodist - Dallas, TX
Eastland Memorial - Eastland, TX
Providence East - El Paso, TX
Providence Sierra - El Paso, TX
Quest medfusion - Lewisville, TX
Mansfield Methodist - Mansfield, TX
Richardson Methodist - Richardson, TX
Methodist Health System - San Antonio, TX
UCH Memorial North - Colorado Springs, CO
UCH Memorial South - Colorado Springs, CO
UCH Poudre Valley - Ft. Collins, CO
Tricore Plains Regional - Clovis, NM
Mountainview RMC - Las Cruces, NM
Tricore Lincoln County MC - Ruidoso, NM
Samaritan Albany Health - Albany, OR
Samaritan Good Sam RMC - Corvallis, OR
Curry Health - Gold Beach, OR
Samaritan Mid Valley/Lebanon Hospital - Lebanon, OR
Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital - Lincoln, OR
Interpath - Pendleton, OR
Providence - Medford, OR
Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital - Newport, ORDepending on affiliate availability, this list is subject to change.
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The Medical Laboratory Science Programs (MLS), to include traditional as well as second degree & post baccalaureate certificate, at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, are vigorous and intense programs placing specific professional, intellectual, physical and social requirements, and demands on the students enrolled in the programs. An objective of these programs is to prepare graduates to enter a variety of employment settings and to render care to a wide spectrum of individuals with physical and psychosocial impairments. The technical standards set forth by the MLS programs establish the essential qualities considered necessary for students admitted to these programs to achieve the knowledge, skills, and competencies for entry-level practice. The ability to meet these technical standards is required for admission to the MLS programs and must be maintained throughout the terms a student is enrolled in the respective program. These standards are subject to amendment based on changes in health care /scope of practice.
Accepted applicants for MLS’ education programs will be required to verify they understand and meet these essential functions or they believe the standards can be met with reasonable accommodations.
In keeping with applicable federal and state law regarding disabilities, we are committed to making reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform successfully in our program. Any student with a disability who is accepted to the MLS program must contact the 504 coordinator in the TTUHSC Office of Student Affairs as soon as possible. The coordinator will evaluate the student, confirm the stated condition qualifies as a disability under applicable laws, and determine what accommodations are reasonable.
There are three separate and distinct components in the curriculum for the MLS programs. There is an academic didactic (classroom) component, a laboratory component, and a clinical/fieldwork/preceptorship/ component. Accommodations in place for the didactic component may not be available for the laboratory component and/or clinical/fieldwork/preceptorship/ components in the curriculum.
To successfully complete didactic, laboratory, and clinical/fieldwork/preceptorship portions in the MLS programs an individual must meet the following technical standards with or without accommodations.- Mobility
- The student must have adequate gross mobility in order to maneuver in a timely and safe fashion throughout the department.
- The student must be able to lift his or her arms above shoulder height in order to place or remove items of ten pound or less from shelves.
- The student must be able to bend over at the waist or squat (waist and knees) in order to place and remove items of ten pounds or less from drawers and cabinets.
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Manual Dexterity
The student must have adequate fine motor skills to be able to manipulate small objects in a safe and precise manner. Examples would include (but are not limited to) being able to operate a computer keyboard; dial a telephone; handle cuvettes, sample cups, pipette tips, and reagent vials; pick up glass slides from table top, manipulate tools and instruments used in the clinical laboratory (including a microscope); collect specimens, and use a pen or pencil in order to communicate effectively in writing for coursework and clinical/fieldwork/preceptorship to ensure patient/client safety.
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Auditory Acuity
The student must be able to hear well enough to respond to significant sounds in a clinical lab. Examples would include (but are not limited to) being able to hear signals generated from instrumentation that may indicate normal operating status, critical sample value, or equipment malfunction, and being able to hear and follow verbal instruction from a coworker or supervisor in order to ensure patient safety. (National Patient Safety Goals NPSG)
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Verbal Communication Skills
The student must be able to orally communicate professionally to persons on the telephone or other health care workers, listening specifically to the student in person to ensure patient safety. (National Patient Safety Goals NPSG)
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Visual Acuity to read, write, discern colors, and use a microscope.
The student must have adequate eyesight such that he/she can recognize and distinguish gradients of color (such as on a urine reagent strip and special stains), read numbers and words either on a video display screen, computer printout, or legible handwriting, and interpret lines and points on graphs and charts to ensure patient safety.
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Intellectual, Conceptual, Integrative, and Quality Skills
The student must possess the ability to develop and exhibit organizational problem-solving skills. Specifically, the student must have the ability to measure, calculate, analyze, interpret, synthesize and evaluate data in a short period of time; have the ability to learn to perform duties and assignments in a timely manner while under stress in a variety of settings; exhibit the maturity to accept feedback and demonstrate professional conduct in the classroom, laboratory, and at the preceptorship site.
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Social Behavior Skills
Demonstrate respect for individual, social, and cultural differences in fellow students, faculty, staff, patients, clients, and patients’/clients’ families during clinical/fieldwork/ preceptorship/ and academic interactions. Demonstrate flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in academic and clinical/fieldwork/preceptorship situations. Conduct oneself in an ethical and legal manner, demonstrating honesty, integrity, and professionalism in all interactions and situations.
I understand and acknowledge that I must meet the essential functions required for the MLS program.
- Mobility
Request Information
Contact Us
Office of Admissions and Student Affairs
School of Health Professions - Office of Admissions and Student Affairs
-
Address
3601 4th Street Lubbock
Lubbock, TX 79430
United States
- Phone (806) 743-3220
- Email health.professions@ttuhsc.edu
-
Hours
Mon. - Fri.
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.