Individuals with a prior baccalaureate degree (or higher) from a regionally or nationally accredited college/university who are currently employed in a clinical laboratory may opt to further their education in a specific content area. The baccalaureate degree must be in a biological or chemical science, or demonstrate a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry obtained within, or in addition to, the degree.
Students accepted into the MLS Program begin coursework in Fall semester. The structured program for each discipline is equivalent to the curriculum of that content area within the MLS Program. Students on this track complete their required professional coursework concurrently with the first-degree seeking undergraduate students majoring in Medical Laboratory Science. The student’s employer must agree to serve as the clinical site for all required clinical rotations. After completing the structured program, students are eligible to apply for the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP BOC) Technologist certification exam in the specific content area on Route 3. Applicants that successfully pass the ASCP Board of Certification examination receive certification as a Technologist for three years and must participate in the Credential Maintenance Program to maintain certification thereafter. Students should be aware that there is a 5-year window in which to take the examination after program completion.
The MLS Program offers structured programs in the following content areas: blood banking, clinical chemistry, hematology, and microbiology. For students with a bachelor's degree who are seeking certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist, please see the Post-Baccalaureate Program.
The MLS Program offers structured programs in the following categories: blood banking, clinical chemistry, hematology, and microbiology. For students with a bachelor's degree who are seeking certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist, please see the Post-Baccalaureate Program.
Professional courses are taken after students are fully admitted to the MLS Program. At the time of application to the MLS Program, students identify which route/category they plan to complete. The curriculum for each program of study is outlined below.
16 Total Credits
- Complete the following didactic courses:
- Complete the following clinical rotations:
- MD LB5400 - Applied Clinical Immunohematology (3)
A Sample 2-Year Plan for completion of the blood bank curriculum is provided.
17 Total Credits
- Complete the following didactic courses:
- MD LB3600 - Basic Techniques in Clinical Laboratory Science (1) (lab included)
- MD LB3850 - Body Fluids Analysis (2) (lab included)
- MD LB4100 - Clinical Immunology (2)
- MD LB4110 - Clinical Immunology Laboratory (1)
- MD LB4200 - Clinical Chemistry (4)
- MD LB4210 - Clinical Chemistry Laboratory (1)
- MD LB4511 - Molecular Diagnostics (2)
- Complete the following clinical rotations:
A Sample 2-Year Plan for completion of the clinical chemistry curriculum is provided.
15 Total Credits
- Complete the following didactic courses:
- Complete the following clinical rotations:
A Sample 2-Year Plan for completion of the hematology curriculum is provided.
17 Total Credits
- Complete the following didactic courses:
- Complete the following clinical rotations:
A Sample 2-Year Plan for completion of the microbiology curriculum is provided.
Students who wish to apply to the MLS Program on this route must have a baccalaureate degree (or higher) from a regionally or nationally accredited college/university. The baccalaureate degree must be in a biological or chemical science or demonstrate a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry obtained within, or in addition to, the degree. Students are advised to have a strong background in chemistry, biology, and mathematics. Applicants must also be employed in an accredited clinical laboratory that can support their clinical rotations.
Admission is dependent upon selection by the Medical Laboratory Science Admissions Committee. Requirements include a minimum GPA of 2.5 (both cumulative and math/science) and successful completion of a bachelor's degree or higher. Selection is based on review of official transcripts, responses to the essay questions, the applicant's work and service history, and the letters of recommendation.
Applications from all qualified applicants will be reviewed by the MLS Admissions Committee, which is comprised of members of the MLS faculty. The selection process for the MLS program is competitive and is based on a point ranking system.
The following criteria will be used to rank all qualified applicants:
- Academic achievement (4–16 points)
- Cumulative GPA
- Math/Science GPA
- Minimal repeats of pre-requisite courses
- Essay responses (3–12 points)
- Relevance
- Organization/logic/clarity
- Writing style
- Experience (3–12 points)
- Laboratory experience (defined as experience outside of didactic courses)
- Work experience
- Community service
- Leadership experience
- Letters of Recommendation (1–4 points)
Enrollment is limited to ensure adequate space in the teaching laboratory.
Application materials will be available by request beginning December 1st. All applications need to be completed online through the Undergraduate Application portal. Applications must be submitted by February 15th to be considered for admission to the program for the Fall semester. Late applications may be considered on a case-by-case basis if space is available. Applicants will be notified in early April of the Admissions Committee's decision and accepted students will begin the program in Fall semester. A mandatory orientation session for accepted students is held one week before classes begin in the Fall semester.
There is a one-time, non-refundable application fee of $25.
Offers of admission to the MLS Program are conditional and contingent on the following criteria:
- Maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA and minimum math/science GPA of 2.5.
- Provision of documentation of vaccination status and/or approved medical or religious exemption, completed health history and physical examination form, and negative test result for tuberculosis.
- Successful completion of a background check.
- Completion of required safety trainings.
Contact a Pre-MLS Academic Advisor to request application materials.