Geisinger introduces new medical laboratory sciences program

Scranton, PA – Geisinger has introduced a Medical Laboratory Science program to meet the growing need for qualified medical laboratory professionals. The new 11-month program provides in-class and hands-on education, as well as clinical rotations in the Geisinger system. Applications are due Sept. 1, with classes beginning in January.

“There’s never been a greater need or a better time to train to become a medical laboratory professional,” said Marianne T. Downes, program director. “Medical laboratory work is deeply impactful in so many areas — on individual lives, on the success of our employers and even on public health. I chose this career for its reputation for job security and its ability to provide for a family. What I found is a career where I feel I’m making a significant contribution.”

Medical laboratory science is a growing health profession that provides diagnostic services to detect and treat diseases. Biomedical Journal has declared the shortage of medical laboratory professionals “critical.” And the U.S. Department of Labor projects a fast growth rate for new jobs in this exciting field. 

Medical laboratory scientists are trained to provide diagnostic information to healthcare providers so they can determine treatment plans for patients. For example, medical laboratory scientists assure accurate results for routine tests such as blood glucose and diagnostics that make sure children’s leukemia is in remission. They prepare the right blood product for transfusion for people with conditions such as sickle cell disease and perform genetic testing to determine patients’ risk for certain cancers. 

Medical laboratory scientists are often the first to see results indicating a change in patients’ health status and make sure those results are correct before providers order more costly, invasive testing. 

Applications are due by Sept. 1. To apply for the class forming in January 2024 and for more information, visit go.geisinger.edu/medicalscience.

About Geisinger College of Health Sciences
Geisinger College of Health Sciences is the research and education arm of the Geisinger family. Geisinger is committed to making better health easier for the more than 1 million people it serves. Geisinger is the inaugural member of Risant Health, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding and accelerating the adoption of value-based care. Founded more than 100 years ago by Abigail Geisinger, the system now includes 10 hospital campuses, a health plan with more than half a million members, and the College. The College houses a Research Institute, graduate medical education, and schools of medicine, nursing and graduate education, in addition to faculty and professional development programs. The College is committed to non-discrimination in all employment and educational opportunities. Visit geisinger.edu/gchs.

About Geisinger
Geisinger is among the nation’s leading providers of value-based care, serving 1.2 million people in urban and rural communities across Pennsylvania. Founded in 1915 by philanthropist Abigail Geisinger, the nonprofit system generates $10 billion in annual revenues across 126 care sites — including 10 hospital campuses — and Geisinger Health Plan, with more than half a million members in commercial and government plans. Geisinger College of Health Sciences educates more than 5,000 medical professionals annually and conducts more than 1,400 clinical research studies. With 26,000 employees, including 1,700 employed physicians, Geisinger is among Pennsylvania’s largest employers with an estimated economic impact of $15 billion to the state’s economy. On March 31, 2024, Geisinger became the first member of Risant Health, a new nonprofit charitable organization created to expand and accelerate value-based care across the country. Learn more at geisinger.org or follow on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.