Individuals with a prior baccalaureate degree (or higher) from a regionally 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 science or chemistry, or demonstrate a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry obtained within, or in addition to, the degree.
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 via Route 3. 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 categories: blood banking, clinical chemistry, hematology, and microbiology.
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. To create an individualized course plan, Schedule An Advising Appointment.
16 Total Credits
Complete all of the following
- 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
18 Total Credits
Complete all of the following
- 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 all of the following
- 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 all of the following
- 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 accredited college/university. The baccalaureate degree must be in a biological science or chemistry, or demonstrate a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry obtained within, or in addition to, the degree. 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. Selection is based on evaluation of transcripts including repeated coursework. Requirements include a minimum GPA of 2.5 (both cumulative and math/science) and successful completion of a bachelor's degree or higher.
Applications from all qualified applicants will be reviewed by the MLS Admissions Committee. The committee consists 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 prerequisite courses
- Essay questions (3–12 points)
- Relevance
- Organization/logic/clarity
- Writing style
- Experience (3–12 points)
- Laboratory experience (defined as experience outside of didactic courses)
- Work experience
- Extracurricular activities and community service
- Leadership potential
- Letters of Recommendation (1–4 points)
Enrollment is limited to ensure adequate space in the teaching laboratory.
Beginning December 1st, the application instructions and forms will be accessible upon request from the MLS Academic Advisor. All applications need to be completed online through the Undergraduate Application portal. Applications must be submitted to the MLS Admissions Committee between January 1st and March 1st 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 by May 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:
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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.
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Successful completion of a background check.
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Completion of required safety trainings at the mandatory orientation for incoming MLS students.