Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences Program

March 5, 2026

New MLS Extended Program Seeks to Fill the Gap in Rural Medical Laboratories

Ben Boulden

MLS Extended students get hands on training in affiliated hospitals while taking UAMS classes online, helping to fill positions in small and rural hospitals.

A silent hiring crisis exists in the medical laboratories of rural, small-town hospitals in Arkansas and nationwide, and a new program in the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences’ (UAMS) College of Health Professions seeks to help. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, unfilled positions in all medical laboratories average 7-10%, but in rural…

May 20, 2024

UAMS Graduates 1,134 Health Care Professionals

Chris Carmody

UAMS students take part in the May 18 commencement ceremony at Barton Coliseum in Little Rock.

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) on May 18 conferred degrees and certificates to 1,134 students in its five colleges and graduate school. UAMS awarded 175 degrees or certificates to students in the College of Medicine, 172 in the College of Nursing, 583 in the College of Health Professions, 78 in the College…

January 11, 2024

UAMS, Western Piedmont Community College Sign Memorandum of Understanding for Student Transfers

Ben Boulden

Susan Long, right, signs the Memorandum of Understanding as Nathan Johnson, left, and officials of Western Piedmont Community College, onscreen, look on.

Western Piedmont Community College and the UAMS College of Health Professions signed an agreement to help qualified graduates of the community college transfer to the Medical Laboratory Sciences program in the university’s Department of Laboratory Sciences.

January 2, 2024

Medical Laboratory Sciences Students Graduate into Strong Job Market

Ben Boulden

Graduates of the Medical Laboratory Sciences program gather from one last photo after the Dec. 18 graduation and awards ceremony.

On Dec. 18, graduates of the Medical Laboratory Sciences program in the Department of Laboratory Sciences celebrated some good news: They successfully had completed a challenging program of study, and their job prospects look bright.

October 6, 2023

Layla Simmons, Thao Vu Honored with 2023 Faculty Excellence Awards

News Staff

Layla Simmons, left, received the College of Health Profession's 2023 Excellence in Teach Award, and Thao Vu, second from right, received the 2023 Excellence in Service Award.

The recipient of this year’s Excellence in Teaching Award is Layla Simmons, M.Ed., RDCS, RDMS, assistant professor in the Department of Imaging and Radiation Sciences, Diagnostic Medical Sonography program.  This award recognizes an educator who has exemplified the mission of UAMS and CHP by educating future and current health professionals and the public. Simmons’ extensive,…

September 15, 2023

College of Health Professions Scholarship Reception Recognizes Students, Donors

Ben Boulden

Justine Bersonda, center, holds certificates for the scholarships she recently received. A member of the Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS) Class of 2023, Bersonda also spoke at the scholarship reception on behalf of the other scholarship recipients. Nathan Johnson, chair of the MLS department, stands left, and Dean Susan Long, right.

The UAMS College of Health Professions at a Sept. 8 reception celebrated dozens of students who recently received scholarships and also brought them together with many of the donors who made those scholarships possible.

March 6, 2023

Students in UAMS Pathways Academy Gain Exposure to Health Professions

Chris Carmody

A student practices intubation on a manikin during the UAMS Pathways Academy College of Health Professions Day.

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) hosted high school students from Pathways Academy’s Pine Bluff and Little Rock programs for a day of hands-on learning opportunities provided by the UAMS College of Health Professions. Pathways Academy — part of UAMS’ Division for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion — is an educational and community engagement…

August 11, 2022

College of Health Professions Promotes Four Faculty Members

News Staff

The UAMS College of Health Professions recently promoted four members of its faculty. Left to right, they are: Melissa Halverson, Nathan Johnson, Paul Nelson and Ashley McMillan.

The UAMS College of Health Professions recently announced the promotions of four faculty members: Melissa Halverson, Pharm.D., MPH; Nathan Johnson, Ph.D.; Paul Nelson, M.S.; and Ashley McMillan, D.D.S.

May 18, 2019

UAMS Graduates 864 Health Care Professionals

Ben Boulden

Degrees or certificates were awarded to 864 graduates of the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences’ (UAMS) five colleges and graduate school May 18 during a commencement ceremony at Verizon Arena in North Little Rock.