The University of Bridgeport (UB) and Gateway Community College, Housatonic Community College, and Norwalk Community College marked the start of a new articulation agreement during a virtual signing on June 26. The agreement provides a pathway for transfer to a bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS). Of special note, this will be the first UB - CSCU Shore-West regional articulation agreement.

Following completion of an associate degree program at one of the three community colleges, transfer students who meet UB’s admission criteria may enroll In the MLS program. Students will be prepared for an exciting career in one of the most rapidly expanding areas of healthcare. Medical laboratory scientists, vital members of medical teams, perform scientific sample testing and report the findings to physicians. The data provided by the medical laboratory scientists assist physicians and other direct patient caregivers identify the best treatment for patients with cancer, heart disease, diabetes, infectious diseases, and other medical conditions.

”We are pleased to partner with the three community colleges in expanding academic options for their students who wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree in a high-growth career area in healthcare. An MLS education enables an outstanding career path and an opportunity to impact the health and well-being of others,” said Stephen Healey, interim president of the University of Bridgeport.

Students may apply to the MLS program in their sophomore year of their Associate degree program. Full-time transfer students will be eligible for UB scholarships, subject to satisfying the UB scholarship and other selection criteria based on the sole discretion of UB.

“This articulation agreement creates another career pathway for our students who are drawn to careers in the medical field,” said Thomas Coley, regional president for the Shoreline-West region of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities. “This seamless pathway to a bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences will not only expand opportunities for our community college graduates, but will also make an impact on the regional workforce which relies heavily on qualified healthcare professionals.”

Students who graduate with a customized MLS four-year degree may pursue opportunities in biomedical research graduate programs, physician assistant programs, or medical school. Noteworthy statistics for UB’s MLS program include the following over a three-year period: a 100 percent career outcome rate, a 100 percent average graduation rate, and a 93 percent average certification pass rate.