Louisiana Tech University’s Medical Laboratory Science program has earned continuing accreditation for the maximum 10-year period from the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS) following a comprehensive two-year review process.
The prestigious accreditation recognizes the quality and strength of Louisiana Tech’s program after an extensive self-study and an on-site evaluation conducted in October 2025 that resulted in zero deficiencies.
It also reinforces Louisiana Tech’s role in preparing highly skilled laboratory professionals who are essential to modern healthcare. Medical laboratory scientists perform the diagnostic testing that informs nearly 70 percent of all medical decisions, making the profession a critical component of patient care.
“This achievement reflects the hard work of our faculty, students, clinical partners, and alumni,” said Dr. Jamie Newman, director of Biological Sciences at Louisiana Tech University. “Receiving the maximum 10-year accreditation with zero deficiencies demonstrates the hard work of our Medical Laboratory Science program and the strength of the partnerships our faculty has built with healthcare systems across Louisiana.”
“We are deeply grateful for the unwavering dedication of our university and clinical faculty,” said Vanessa Jones Johnson, director of Tech’s Medical Laboratory Science program. “Their collective expertise ensures our graduates receive the highest caliber didactic and clinical training, which is the cornerstone of our program’s success. This milestone would truly not be possible without their support.”
“Following a rigorous and comprehensive two-year review process, the Medical Laboratory Science program has earned the maximum accreditation period allowed by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences,” said Dr. Gary Kennedy, dean of Louisiana Tech’s College of Applied and Natural Sciences. “This achievement is a strong reflection of the quality of health science programs within the College of Applied and Natural Sciences.”
Louisiana Tech’s Medical Laboratory Science program prepares students for careers as clinical specialists who design, perform, evaluate, and supervise biological, chemical, and other clinically related laboratory tests. Students complete three years of pre-professional coursework on the Tech campus before entering a competitive senior-year clinical internship.
Senior students gain extensive hands-on experience through affiliations with hospital systems across Louisiana, including sites in Monroe, Shreveport, Bossier City, Alexandria, Baton Rouge, and Jennings. Clinical internships are completed either through traditional hospital-based NAACLS-accredited programs or within Louisiana Tech’s affiliated hospital systems.
Program leaders said continued NAACLS accreditation is essential to maintaining and expanding those partnerships, helping ensure students receive high-quality clinical training while supporting workforce development for healthcare providers throughout the state.
The Medical Laboratory Science program is housed within Louisiana Tech’s College of Applied and Natural Sciences and supports the University’s mission of preparing graduates to meet critical workforce needs across Louisiana and beyond.