Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science with Honors
Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science with Honors
The pre-professional requirements of the MLS Program include successful completion of the University of Utah’s foundational courses, as well as pre-requisite courses including at least four semesters of chemistry, three semesters of biology, and two semesters of mathematics. Information on the general education and bachelor of science degree requirements for the University of Utah can be found on the Office of Undergraduate Studies' Undergraduate Degree Requirements page.
Students accepted into the MLS Program begin coursework in Fall semester. For full-time students, the professional phase of the program consists of five consecutive semesters of MLS courses including three semesters of didactic coursework (junior year) and two semesters of clinical rotations at the MLS program’s affiliate clinical sites (senior year). For part-time students, the professional phase of the program consists of seven semesters, including five semesters of didactic coursework and two semesters of clinical rotations.
Students planning to earn a Bachelor of Science degree with Honors distinction in Medical Laboratory Science must also complete the degree requirements set forth by the Honors College including completion of four Honors core courses, nine credits of Honors elective courses, and an Honors thesis with the MLS Program (MD LB 4999). Additional information on Honors requirements can be found on the Honors College website.
The junior year consists of on-campus classes and student laboratory sessions in all of the major disciplines for entry-level competency as a Medical Laboratory Scientist including: body fluids analysis, clinical chemistry, hematology, hemostasis, immunology, immunohematology, microbiology, and molecular diagnostics. In addition to clinical rotations during the senior year, students complete on-campus courses in laboratory operations/management, education, research, and special topics.
Upon completion of university requirements and those of the MLS Program, which is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS– Rosemont, IL), graduates are awarded a Bachelor of Science degree with Honors distinction in Medical Laboratory Science. Graduates are then eligible to apply for the national certification exam offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP BOC) on route 1. Applicants that successfully pass the ASCP BOC examination receive certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist for three years and must participate in the Credential Maintenance Program to maintain certification thereafter. Graduates should be aware that there is a 5-year window in which to take the examination after program completion.
Note that graduation from the MLS Program is not contingent upon passing any external certifying examination.
For the current MLS Bachelor of Science curriculum and degree requirements, please refer to the University of Utah General Catalog. Curriculum requirements are available under the Program Requirements tab, and sample degree plans are available under the Sample Degree Plan tab.
Students following requirements from a previous academic year should consult the Previous Catalogs page to locate their applicable catalog year.
It is strongly recommended that all general education, bachelor of science, and Honors core/elective courses be completed prior to beginning the MLS Program. Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree with Honors distinction should meet with the MLS thesis advisor to discuss a timeline for completion of their thesis work. In general, students should plan to complete their thesis research the summer prior to starting the MLS Program.
To create an individualized course plan, please Schedule An Advising Appointment.
For the current MLS Bachelor of Science curriculum and degree requirements, please refer to the University of Utah General Catalog. Curriculum requirements are available under the Program Requirements tab, and sample degree plans are available under the Sample Degree Plan tab.
Students following requirements from a previous academic year should consult the Previous Catalogs page to locate their applicable catalog year.
At the end of clinical rotations and before completion of the MLS Program, students must successfully pass a comprehensive exam administered by the MLS program.
Students who wish to apply to the MLS Program should prepare for professional courses by completing the pre-requisite courses at a four-year college/university or a community college that offers equivalent courses. Students are advised to have a strong background in chemistry, biology, and mathematics.
Admission is dependent upon selection by the MLS Admissions Committee. Requirements include a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 and successful completion of pre-requisite courses. Selection is based on review of official transcripts, the applicants responses to the essay prompts, the applicant's work, leadership, service history, and their references.
Completed 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 (16 points)
- Essay responses (12 points)
- Experience (12 points)
References (4 points)
The University of Utah Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Program is committed to providing an equitable and non-discriminatory admissions process. All applicants are evaluated using the published MLS Program admission and selection criteria.
Consistent with University of Utah Policy 1-012: University Non-Discrimination Policy, the MLS Program does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or protected veteran status in recruitment, admission, or access to the program and its educational activities.
The University provides reasonable accommodations or modifications to ensure equal access to qualified individuals with disabilities, individuals who need modification due to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, and individuals who require accommodation based on a religious belief.
For additional information, please refer to University of Utah Policy 1-012: University Non-Discrimination Policy and the University's Nondiscrimination & Accessibility Statement.
Enrollment is limited to ensure adequate space in the teaching laboratory and in the clinical rotations.
Beginning December 1st, the application instructions and forms will be accessible online. 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 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. Students offered a position in the program must pay a one time, non-refundable acceptance fee ($75) to hold their position. A mandatory orientation session for conditionally admitted students is held the week before classes begin in the Fall semester.
Offers of admission to the MLS Program are conditional and contingent on the following criteria:
- Maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA and a minimum math/science GPA of 2.5.
- Completion of all pre-requisite courses with a minimum letter grade of C minus, as applicable.
- Provision of documentation of immunization status and/or approved medical or religious exemption, completed health history and physical examination form, and negative screening for tuberculosis.
- Completion of all required safety trainings.
Applicants offered admission to the MLS Program have the option to request a one year deferral. After payment of the one time, non-refundable deferral fee ($150), the applicant's position will be held for one year without them having to reapply for admission.