Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences
| The University of Arkansas for Meical Sciences (UAMS) College of Health Professions (CHP) is home to the nation’s oldest and largest Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) program, a testament to its long-standing commitment to excellence and innovation in healthcare education. Since 1918, then under the name of the University of Arkansas School of Medicine, laboratory professionals have been trained in Little Rock and have continuously evolved to meet the ever-changing demands of the healthcare industry.
Recognizing the need for flexible learning options, the Department of Laboratory Sciences MLS program offers on-campus as well as an extensive MLT-MLS online program that allows students from across the country to benefit from its renowned curriculum and exceptional faculty. The MLS program has also pioneered an option for students in underserved medical communities to attend didactic classes virtually and attend internships in hospitals near their home, allowing them to avoid relocating for their education. Through virtual labs and interactive coursework, students engage in practical, hands-on learning that is essential for developing the technical skills required in the field. The Department of Laboratory Science has over 300 students graduate from these programs each year.
One of the hallmarks of the UAMS Medical Laboratory Science program is its exceptional faculty. Comprised of experienced medical laboratory scientists, the faculty is dedicated to inspiring and mentoring the next generation of laboratory professionals.
As the Chair of the Department and Program Director, I am so proud of all the efforts of the faculty and staff. Our 13 faculty and 20 adjuncts are amazing, the impact they are having is unmatched. In my opinion, we have the best faculty and support staff! The College of Health Professions, specifically Dr. Long and her team, has always supported us and that has fueled our growth. We still have more work to do, as Arkansas and the nation have many vacant MLS positions.
In the Department of Laboratory Sciences, student success is a top priority. By offering multiple paths for students to complete the MLS program, the MLS program can support individuals at any stage of their academic journey. The Department of Laboratory Sciences has established partnerships with healthcare organizations in multiple states to provide students with valuable clinical internships, bridging the gap between academia and practice. The faculty prides itself on treating each student as an individual, each with their own unique career goals.
The MLS faculty promotes instilling professionalism in students, actively engaging in professional organizations, setting a strong example by taking leadership roles. Cherika Robertson, M.Ed., MLS(ASCP)CM, assistant program director for the on-campus MLS program and president of the Arkansas chapter of the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS-AR) emphasizes that the Department of Laboratory Sciences values membership in professional laboratory organizations. Department faculty serve on state, regional, and national committees within the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) and the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (ASCLS). Each year, students and faculty participate in the Arkansas Laboratory Conference, hosted by the Arkansas Society for Clinical Laboratory Science.
Lindsay Gilbert, the M.Ed., MLS(ASCP)CM, associate and tenured professor, leads outreach initiatives for MLS students, providing opportunities to assist in laboratories located in developing countries as well as UAMS’s student-run free clinic, the 12th Street Health & Wellness Center.
Thao Vu, M.S., MLS(ASCP)CM, assistant professor, promotes social fellowship and volunteer activities as the Laboratory Sciences Student Association (Laboratory Sciences Student Association) advisor for the on-campus students. In conjunction with ASCLS-AR Conference, each year the society hosts a statewide quiz bowl competition for students completing Medical Laboratory Technician and MLS education programs across the state of Arkansas. The UAMS Quiz Bowl team has been the reigning champion of this event for the past three years.
I and the department’s faculty are especially proud that while national pass rates on the national certification exam have gone down in recent years, the UAMS pass rates have remained strong, well above the national average. The department remains committed to excellence in education, research, and innovation and will continue efforts to provide even more medical laboratory scientists to Arkansas and the nation.
Cytology
For the past 57 years, students have studied cytotechnology, now called cytology, at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences campus. Housed in the College of Health Professions in the Department of Laboratory Sciences, the program is designed to provide students with hands-on experience as vital members of the diagnostic team, specializing in cellular analysis to detect diseases like cancer and infections.
Beyond mastering microscopic examination, they learn to assist in specimen collection, including fine needle aspirations (FNAs), ensuring proper samples for cytology and ancillary tests such as molecular and immunocytochemical studies. Students also train in rapid on-site evaluations (ROSE), assessing sample adequacy in real-time and providing immediate feedback to guide additional collection if needed. Through this comprehensive training, students develop the skills necessary for accurate diagnoses and optimal patient care.
As program director and assistant professor in the Cytology program, I am particularly proud of the quality of education students receive. Our program focuses on the latest advancements in cytology, and we are committed to equipping our students with the most current techniques and knowledge.
We also value the newly updated equipment in their state-of-the-art labs. With our new equipment, students can conduct diagnostic procedures that reflect the current standard of care. This ensures they are more than ready when they enter the workforce.
There is a significant need for cytologists in today’s healthcare workforce, and UAMS is addressing this gap head-on. The demand for cytologists is high due to a national workforce shortage. The department and college have made significant efforts to expand clinical affiliations across the United States, providing students with access to exceptional education and clinical experience.
Andrew Prince, assistant professor, recently told me, “I like helping the students because it’s rewarding to see their progress from the first days through the end of the course, seeing how much they’re able to accomplish over their time here. I love Cytology because it opened up a new world of learning for me, being able to use what I know to help patients and get to see new and interesting medical cases at the same time.”
The department benefits from high-quality faculty and a robust support network within the College of Health Professions led by the college’s Dean Susan Long, Ed.D., and Nathan Johnson, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Laboratory Sciences.
Johnson said, “Our faculty members bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and dedication to the students. They are experts in their field, and they are passionate about ensuring that students receive the best possible education.”
Long recently expressed her pride and satisfaction in seeing the growth of the program.
“Ms. Stinnett, Mr. Prince, and our recruitment and admissions team have worked very hard to attract new students to the field. This is a hidden profession, and it takes dedicated effort to fill these classes. We understand the importance of training the next generation of healthcare professionals, and our faculty and staff have done a great job creating an environment where students can thrive. Under Ms. Stinnett’s leadership, the program is poised for continued success and innovation, helping address the critical demand for cytologists across the country.”
