Medical Laboratory Science
BS
Why study Medical Laboratory Science?
UC's seven-semester, online Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science program (BS MLS) offers working professional clinical laboratory technicians (CLTs) and medical laboratory technicians (MLTs) the opportunity to complete their bachelor's degree and develop the skills needed for professional growth in a rigorous program with the convenience of online learning — students complete almost all of the course work online with exceptions as follows: occasionally students will need to take proctored exams at a testing center or other location and clinical rotations required at the end of the program are completed on-site in laboratories, usually scheduled where the student works. Students may also apply for life experience credit to reduce or eliminate clinical rotation hours.
Associate degree credits transfer directly to the online BS in medical laboratory science. Graduates are eligible and well prepared for the Board of Certification (BOC) exam sponsored by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) for the Medical Laboratory Scientist, MLS (ASCP) credential.
The most recent program outcomes can be found on the Program Outcomes page.
State Authorization
Federal regulations require the University of Cincinnati to publicly disclose whether completion of certain programs that lead or may lead to professional licensure or certification would meet a given state’s educational requirements for a specific professional license or certification required for employment in an occupation (regardless of whether the program is on-ground, online, or hybrid). To learn whether a University program meets a given state’s educational requirements, please visit the University of Cincinnati State Authorization webpage.
Admission Requirements
Students pursuing admission into the MLT-to-MLS Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science program are required to satisfy all the admission requirements outlined below. Proof of MLT certification and an associate degree are required for most applicants. We do offer some exceptions for military MLTs and MLTs who graduated more than five years ago.
Our Admissions Office is happy to work with you to answer any questions you may have and help determine your eligibility. To confirm you qualify for this program, please contact our enrollment team at onlineenrollment@uc.edu or (833) 556-8611 for assistance.
Prerequisites
- Earned Associate degree in MLT/CLT from a NAACLS accredited institution
- Equivalent education or experience, i.e. military MLTs, are highly encouraged to apply. Your enrollment advisor can help you navigate this part of the application process.
- Minimum GPA of 2.5
- Proof of ASCP, AAB or AMT CLT/MLT certification
- Conditional admission into the program is possible with proof of passing scores. Please contact your enrollment advisor to see if you qualify.
- Students are eligible to sit for certification within 5 years of graduating from their CLT/MLT program. UC Online can admit students without certification if they graduated more than 5 years ago. Please contact your enrollment advisor to see if you qualify.
Transcripts
Submit official transcripts from all schools attended. Transcripts can be sent through online systems such as Parchment to the University of Cincinnati Undergraduate Office of Admissions. This is the preferred method. These transcripts must be official copies of the student’s record.
Transcripts can also be physically mailed to the Office of Admissions at the address below. These transcripts must be the official copies of the student’s record and come directly from the student’s school.
University of Cincinnati, Office of Admissions
PO Box 210091
Cincinnati, OH, 45221
Proof of Certification
Proof of ASCP, AAB or AMT CLT/MLT certification.
PLEASE NOTE: Students are eligible to sit for certification within 5 years of graduating from their CLT/MLT program. UC Online can admit students without certification if they graduated more than 5 years ago.
Call your enrollment advisor at (833) 556-8611 to see if you qualify.
Professional References
Two professional references required; one must be from a current lab supervisor. Reference forms are submitted via the application system.
UC Online Application
Complete the online admission application.
Technology Recommendations
It is recommended to have the following:
- Intel i5 processor
- 8 GB RAM, 16 GB recommended
- Video Card
- Broadband Access (DSL/Cable/Fioptics)
- Sound card with internal or external speakers
- Web Camera with integrated microphone
- Printer or access to a printer
For additional technology requirements please visit the College of Allied Health Sciences Computer Requirements.
The online Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science degree can help you position yourself for success in a variety of work environments, including management and leadership roles in diverse health care settings.
With laboratories across the nation facing shortages of medical laboratory scientists, there has never been a better time to earn your bachelor’s degree and advance your career – according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical laboratory scientist jobs are projected to grow 11% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.
Opportunities After Graduation:
- Medical laboratory scientist
- Medical laboratory management
- Clinical supervisor
- Research and development
- Forensics
- Technical specialist
- Education and instruction
- Laboratory information specialist
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The University of Cincinnati has online enrollment services advisors (ESAs) available to help learners complete their application and get started in the Online Bachelor of Social Work program. If you have not already, please use the request information form above to be connected to an ESA today!
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Upon starting the program, a dedicated student success coordinator (SSC) will be assigned to all learners to help them achieve their academic goals. You will be introduced to your SSC as your first semester approaches, and they will be your primary liaison to the university all the way through graduation.
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In order to apply to the University of Cincinnati as a transfer student, learners must submit a transfer application form and have official transcripts sent directly to UC from all prior institutions they’ve attended.
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To request these transcripts, please contact your previous institution’s registrar and ask them to send the official transcript to the University of Cincinnati via an approved electronic method such as Parchment, eScrip-Safe, National Student Clearinghouse, or similar services. This is the preferred method. If electronic submission isn’t available, transcripts may be mailed to the Office of Admissions at:
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University of Cincinnati
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Office of Admissions
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PO Box 210091
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Cincinnati, OH 45221
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Transfer Articulation Agreements & Pathways
UC has developed clear pathways (articulation agreements) between select associate degrees at partner institutions and compatible bachelor’s degrees at UC. Each pathway includes a Transfer Degree Map that offers a semester-by-semester course comparison to assist with your transfer planning.
The following institutions have Transfer Degree Maps for this major:
- Columbus State Community College
- Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C)
- Sinclair Community College
- Alamance Community College
- Northcentral Technical College
- Reading Area Community College
- Southwestern Community College
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Please note that due to the nature of this program, students without an associate in medical laboratory technology or otherwise related coursework may not transfer into this program.
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Past UC students who have not attended any other institutions since their departure can apply to be readmitted to the university and enter the online MLS program by following the readmission instructions found on the Office of the Registrar’s website.
Explore unique opportunities, faculty, and resources available in Clinical and Health Information Sciences
The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS): 5600 N. River Rd., Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018; Phone 773-714-8880; Fax 773-714-8886; info@naacls.org.
Contact Information
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Program Code: 35BAC-MLSC-BS-.MLSC-DL