Southern Miss Medical Laboratory Sciences Program to Celebrate 55th Anniversary
Fri, 04/10/2026 - 08:52am | By: Morgan Smith
The University of 网曝吃瓜鈥檚 Medical Laboratory Sciences program, housed within the School of Biological, Environmental and Earth Sciences, will celebrate its 55th anniversary with a series of events on campus. The anniversary reflects the program鈥檚 long-standing role in preparing highly skilled laboratory professionals who are critical to patient care and outcomes.
Medical laboratory scientists use laboratory analysis to assist health care providers. Using biomedical instruments, information technology and manual techniques, they perform tests on blood and other body fluids across disciplines such as clinical chemistry, hematology, immunology, microbiology and molecular biology.
Originally founded in response to a need from area hospitals for bachelor鈥檚-level medical technologists, the program has, over the past 55 years, supplied more than 2,000 qualified laboratory professionals to health care facilities across the United States, including many hospitals throughout Mississippi. Today, the program continues that legacy by preparing students to meet growing workforce demands in a field experiencing a national shortage of trained professionals.
Through hands-on laboratories and in-person instruction, students gain practical experience that mirrors the clinical laboratory environment. This approach allows faculty to mentor students closely while providing immediate feedback and real-world training. The program culminates in a 20-week clinical experience at an affiliate site, and many students secure employment before graduation. The program has consistently achieved a 100% job placement rate, with graduates earning ASCP certification pass rates between 90 and 100%.
As part of the celebration, the program will host events on the Southern Miss Hattiesburg campus during National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week, April 19-25.
On Monday, April 20, the program will host a blood drive in Union Room H and a career and vendor fair in Union Room B from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Thad Cochran Center. The event is free and open to the public.
Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with clinical affiliates, health care organizations and industry vendors while learning more about careers in medical laboratory sciences.
At 10:30 a.m., Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker will sign an official proclamation in recognition of Medical Laboratory Professionals Week, honoring the contributions of laboratory professionals across the community. A video message from Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves recognizing the week will also be shared during the event.
The celebration will continue Friday, April 24, with an open house for prospective students interested in medical laboratory sciences. The event will offer an inside look at the program, including opportunities to meet faculty and current students, explore career pathways and learn how laboratory professionals impact patient care.
鈥淲e hope more young people who love science and care for their communities will check out what a future in medical laboratory science has to offer them,鈥� said Dr. Sabrina Bryant, program director of Medical Laboratory Sciences.
Learn more about the Medical Laboratory Sciences program at Southern Miss and how it prepares students for careers in health care.
About the College of Arts and Sciences
The College of Arts and Sciences at The University of 网曝吃瓜 is home to 13 schools, two ROTC units, and more than 100 academic programs. Guided by the University鈥檚 mission, we educate students, lead the state and nation in research and the creative arts, and advance knowledge across the humanities, social sciences, and STEM. Through innovative research and nationally recognized student success, we provide pathways to understanding the past, solving today's challenges, and imagining the possibilities of tomorrow.