Wright State University partners with Indiana University East to expand pathway to in-demand medical laboratory careers

An articulation agreement signing ceremony with Indiana University East and Wright State University featured, from left, School of Natural Science and Mathematics Dean Markus Pomper, Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Brian Thomas and IU East Chancellor Dennis Rome; and Wright State President Susan Edwards, Provost Jim Denniston and College of Science and Mathematics Dean Ayşe Şahin. (Photos by Erin Pence)

Students at Indiana University East will soon have another pathway to well-paying health care careers through an innovative partnership with Wright State University.

Under a new articulation agreement, students can earn a bachelor’s degree in human life science and a concentration in medical laboratory science, combining rigorous coursework, hands-on laboratory training and clinical rotations from both universities.

This comprehensive preparation positions graduates for in-demand jobs in hospitals, public health and forensic labs, diagnostic centers and research facilities.

Students complete three years of foundational study toward a human life science degree at IU East, gaining essential knowledge in human anatomy and physiology, chemistry, immunology and cell biology. Their preparation includes studying the human body with IU East’s state-of-the-art Anatomage virtual dissection table and gaining valuable skills in chemistry and biology labs.

In their fourth year, students will transfer to Wright State University’s Medical Lab Science Certificate program. The curriculum emphasizes job performance, theory and clinical applications, preparing students to operate clinical laboratory equipment, conduct diagnostic tests and interpret results. The program concludes with two semesters of supervised clinical rotations at an affiliated clinical facility, including Reid Hospital in Richmond.

After completing the courses and clinical rotations at Wright State, students will earn a Bachelor of Science in Human Life Science from Indiana University East and a coveted Certificate in Medical Laboratory Science from Wright State University, which is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences.

At the signing ceremony for the articulation agreement, Ayşe Şahin, Ph.D., dean of Wright State’s College of Science and Mathematics, touted the credentials of the certificate program.

Indiana University East students can earn a Bachelor of Science in Human Life Science from IU East and a Certificate in Medical Laboratory Science from Wright State under a new agreement between the two institutions.

“Medical Lab Sciences is a pillar program in the College of Science and Mathematics at Wright State University,” Şahin said. “We routinely boast a 100% job placement rate of our students within one year of graduation and are proud to be our region’s premier workforce provider for an essential health care career. We are excited about our partnership with IU East and are eager to welcome the first cohort of IU East medical laboratory science students to Wright State.”

Markus Pomper, Ph.D., dean of the School of Natural Science and Mathematics at IU East, emphasized the promising career prospects of future graduates: “This partnership allows students from East Central Indiana to prepare for a well-paying career in the health care field.”

Jason Troutwine, vice president of Reid Health, also emphasized the opportunities the new program could bring to the region.

“Medical lab science technologists are essential members of our team at Reid, with entry-level salaries starting above $65,000,” Troutwine said. “We offer competitive salaries and benefits for graduates seeking meaningful and fulfilling careers in health care. This versatile field provides opportunities for medical lab science technologists or laboratory technical assistants at Reid, both of whom play a vital role in delivering high-quality, compassionate care for our communities. We appreciate Indiana University East’s work to launch this program and our continued partnership with the campus.”