Geisinger’s Medical Laboratory Science program earns accreditation, strengthens regional healthcare workforce

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

Geisinger is among the nation’s leading providers of value-based care, serving 1.2 million people in urban and rural communities across central and northeastern Pennsylvania. Founded in 1915 by philanthropist Abigail Geisinger, the nonprofit system generates more than $8 billion in annual revenues across 163 care sites — including 10 hospital campuses — and Geisinger Health Plan, with more than half a million members in commercial and government plans. Geisinger College of Health Sciences educates more than 500 medical professionals annually and is conducting more than 1,400 clinical research studies. With more than 27,000 employees, including 1,800 employed physicians and 5,200 registered nurses, Geisinger is among Pennsylvania’s largest employers, having an estimated economic impact of $16.8 billion on the state’s economy. In 2024, Geisinger joined Risant Health, a nonprofit charitable organization created to expand and accelerate value-based care across the country. Learn more at geisinger.org or follow on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.