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Behind the Scenes in Healthcare with the School of Medical Laboratory Science at Trinity Health System

When you visit a hospital or doctor’s office, your interaction usually starts and ends with direct patient care teams—nurses, phlebotomists, and physicians. But have you ever wondered what happens after a routine blood draw or diagnostic sample is collected?

In this episode of Trinity Talk, co-host Pete Fernbaugh sat down with Connie Moore, Program Director for the Trinity Health System School of Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) in Steubenville, Ohio. Together, they shed light on the essential, often-unseen world of medical laboratory professionals—the unsung heroes driving high-quality diagnostic healthcare.

70% of Medical Decisions Depend on the Lab

According to statistics from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), approximately 70% of a physician’s decision regarding diagnosis and treatment relies directly on laboratory results.

Whether evaluating cardiac markers during emergency surgeries, detecting infections, or matching blood types for life-saving transfusions, laboratory professionals analyze data that shapes critical patient outcomes.

“I emphasize [with our students] that this tube of blood represents…the person that’s most important to you.”

— Connie Moore, MLS Program Director

What Does a Medical Laboratory Scientist Do?

The modern clinical laboratory spans several specialized disciplines, each using high-precision instrumentation and rigorous analytical methods to process patient samples:

  • Clinical Chemistry: Analyzes blood glucose, electrolytes, liver function, hormones, and lipids.

  • Hematology & Coagulation: Evaluates red and white blood cell counts and clotting factors, critical for complex operations like open-heart surgery.

  • Blood Bank (Immunohematology): Conducts cross-matching and compatibility testing for safe blood transfusions.

  • Microbiology: Identifies bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens to guide targeted antibiotic treatments.

  • Urinalysis: Assesses metabolic and kidney conditions.

A Rich Legacy of Education in Steubenville

Trinity Health System’s commitment to training skilled laboratory scientists dates back to 1954 at the former Ohio Valley Hospital. After a brief hiatus, Trinity Health System leadership officially re-established the program in 2019 to address a growing national shortage of laboratory personnel.

Despite restarting right before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the program successfully graduated its inaugural class in 2020 and continues to train healthcare scientists today.

Pathways into the Program

The Trinity Health System School of Medical Laboratory Science offers a fast-paced, 11-month post-baccalaureate certificate program starting every August:

  • 4 + 1 Track: Open to graduates holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, Chemistry, or a related field.
  • 3 + 1 Track: An affiliated pathway with Youngstown State University, allowing senior students to complete their final undergraduate year directly inside Trinity’s clinical laboratories.

Students spend 40 hours per week gaining immersive, hands-on clinical training alongside certified laboratory professionals, paired with intensive classroom lectures. Additionally, Trinity’s program includes comprehensive phlebotomy training, ensuring graduates develop a deep appreciation for specimen collection and patient care.

Answering the Call in Health Sciences

Across the United States, thousands of medical laboratory positions are projected to open over the coming years, driven by retirements and expanding diagnostic technology. For biology or chemistry graduates seeking a meaningful, high-impact career in healthcare without primary bedside patient interaction, medical laboratory science offers a rewarding path forward.

To learn more about the program or explore enrollment opportunities, visit the Trinity Health System School of Medical Laboratory Science or watch the full interview on YouTube.