Abstract

Precious Ojokhue and John Osilumie Dirisu*

ABSTRACT

Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) also known as Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) or Biomedical Science is a vital field of health. This field of study provides information on health using scientific laboratory analysis to diagnose, treat, monitor and prevent diseases. The professional Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science programme runs for five (5) years for Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) admission, and four (4) years for direct entry candidates. The study curriculum is divided into three stages; a one year Basic Science usually runs at the Faculty of Natural Sciences. A two year Biomedical Science; run by departmental staff in collaboration with staff of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine. A two year professional course and laboratory posting in Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) approved Laboratories and Hospital Laboratories. The study curriculum for Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (BMLS) five years programme is further divided into two stages; the pre-professional stage and professional stage. There are varying challenges facing the students of Medical Laboratory Science not just in Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, but virtually all the Nigeria Universities where the course is studied. Students of Medical Laboratory Science have suffered much neglect manifested in the form of poor regulations of admission, lack of infrastructures, inadequate practical and laboratory posting among others. And these challenges greatly have negative impact on the students learning, leading to improper training of these students to fit into the world of Medical Laboratory Science profession in terms of desirable knowledge and skills. Studying the profession (MLS) might be quite challenging but it is full of beautiful prospects. Medical Laboratory Science is one of the most lucrative courses to study in Nigeria and other countries.