Department of Medical Laboratory Science celebrates Medical Laboratory Professionals Week April 14-20
The 49th annual Medical Laboratory Professionals Week (MLPW) will take place April 14-20. Although key members of the diagnostic healthcare team, laboratory professionals are often behind-the-scenes in their diagnostic and analytical work, resulting in a lack of understanding among many people outside the profession of what laboratory scientists do on a daily basis. Consider the following facts:
- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 14 billion laboratory tests are performed annually in more than 266,000 laboratories across the United States that are certified through the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) program.
- Many different positions exist within the laboratory workforce, with preparation ranging from certificate training all the way to a clinical doctorate.
- Established in 1949, the Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) program at UND today offers multiple NAACLS-accredited program routes for laboratory professionals, and is one of the largest in the country. In 2022, the department graduated 81 MLS students and 34 histotechnology students, far above the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS) program averages of 19 and 9, respectively.
MLPW provides a unique opportunity to increase public understanding of and appreciation for the medical laboratory profession, while also having some fun! We hope you will join us in celebrating MLPW and recognizing the contributions of laboratory professionals to positive healthcare outcomes:
Monday, April 15, 7:30 – 9 a.m. in SMHS East Atrium: Monday Morning Hydrate
Start your week with a beverage and some lab-themed fun
Tuesday, April 16, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in SMHS Room E311: DakMinn Blood Drive
Join in a friendly SMHS competition to help save lives
Wednesday, April 17, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the UND Memorial Union: MLS Club Bone Marrow Drive
Be the match for someone in need of a stem cell transplant
Thursday, April 18: MLS Student Appreciation Day
Treats for and recognition of students throughout the day
Friday, April 19: Lab Trivia Day
Watch your email for a chance to participate
Learn more about the history of UND’s Department of Medical Laboratory Science here.
