DANVILLE — The Geisinger Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) program in Danville has achieved a major milestone: a five-year accreditation from the National Accreditation Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS). This accreditation acknowledges that Geisinger’s MLS program meets or exceeds NAACLS standards and assures learners that the program offers rigorous, high-quality education.
NAACLS accreditation means that graduates meet all industry standards and are fully qualified to perform complex clinical testing on blood and body fluids. This achievement positions Geisinger as a leader in healthcare education, marking the first newly accredited MLS program in Pennsylvania in eight years and the only one in the Susquehanna Valley Region.
“Being the first newly accredited MLS program in Pennsylvania in eight years speaks volumes about Geisinger’s dedication to advancing healthcare education,” said Marianne Downs, MLS program director. “Our graduates meet every industry requirement, but more importantly, they’re filling critical roles in hospital laboratories across the region. That’s a win for healthcare and for our community.”
The accreditation team noted the program’s innovative clinical training schedule and strong support from laboratory administration. These elements, combined with a culture of student success, have already yielded impressive results: every graduate has secured employment in hospital laboratories, and the current cohort—set to graduate in December—has 100% job placement within Geisinger.
About Geisinger College of Health Sciences
Educating. Inspiring. Leading. At Geisinger College of Health Sciences, we bring innovation and purpose together to educate the next generation of healthcare leaders. As the academic and research arm of the Geisinger family, our college was founded to enhance and improve community health, with a focus on discovery, hands-on learning and applied practice across our system. Today, we offer a research institute, graduate medical education, schools of medicine, graduate education and nursing, and faculty and professional development programs. Visit geisinger.edu/gchs.
The College is committed to nondiscrimination in all employment and educational programs or activities. Concerns or questions may be directed to the Title IX coordinator whose contact information is available at geisinger.edu/titleix.