Why study Medical Laboratory Science?

The University of Cincinnati Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science (BS – MLS) program will prepare you for an exciting career as a medical laboratory scientist. Medical laboratory scientists are allied health professionals who participate in patient care by performing laboratory procedures that assist in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases. The analysis performed by medical laboratory scientists uses advanced biomedical and instrumentation and technology to perform laboratory testing on blood and body fluids in the area of chemistry, microbiology, hematology, immunology, toxicology, blood banking and molecular procedures.

Laboratory scientists perform manual and automated procedures and utilize laboratory information computer systems to analyze and transmit patient data. Additionally, medical laboratory scientists monitor test quality, integrate data, problem solve, conduct research, develop new test methods and consult with other members of the health care team.

The UC Medical Laboratory Science major combines a curriculum common to most undergraduate majors in the medical field with courses specific to the medical laboratory profession. The final year requires clinical rotations at partnering clinical laboratories.

Graduates of the NAACLS* accredited MLS program are well-prepared for the Board of Certification (BOC) exam offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) for the Medical Laboratory, 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. 

Career Possibilities

Medical laboratory scientists, also known as Clinical Laboratory Scientists, work both independently and with a team in in a variety of settings, including:

• Hospital laboratories
• Independent laboratories
• Clinics and physicians' offices
• Research and development laboratories
• Public/government health agencies
• Forensics laboratories
•  Pharmaceutical companies.

Regardless of the setting, clinical laboratory scientists consistently work in a challenging, fast paced and collegial environment.  

Most jobs for medical laboratory scientists require a bachelor's degree and certification. To be eligible to sit for a board of certification exam, most credentialing organizations require completion of an MLS program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). Advanced certification is available in each laboratory area for those who choose to pursue a higher level of training, education and experience. Graduate training in one of the laboratory disciplines will allow individuals to advance to supervisory positions and intermediate level research positions

Due to the high demand for Medical Laboratory Scientist professionals, virtually all of our graduates are employed and generally choose from several entry-level technologist positions.

Major Maps

• Guide: Medical Laboratory Science (Fall 2024)

Advising

Advisors will be there to help you at every step of your academic journey. If you have advising-related questions, please visit the College of Allied Health Sciences’ Academic Advising.

Admission Requirements

The University of Cincinnati has established academic success criteria for first-year applicants to bachelor's degree programs. All students are encouraged to apply. Please visit High School Student Admissions for more information about first-year student admission requirements.

Admission to the Clinical Year

The clinical year is required to complete the BS-MLS. All prerequisite courses must be completed before starting the clinical year. Admission to the clinical year is competitive and requires separate application. The deadline to apply is October 1 preceding the intended starting fall semester.

Highly qualified candidates may be offered Direct Admission to the clinical cohort concurrent with freshman acceptance to the university. Students not meeting qualification for direct admission can be offered admission to their clinical cohort by participating in the annual progression check.

For more information, please visit the Clinical Year Application page. 

Transferring to UC Requirements

Students who have earned a high school diploma or GED and have attended a college or university other than the University of Cincinnati since earning their high school credentials are considered transfer students. Please visit UC Admissions for information about applying to the university as a Transfer Student. 

Changing Majors within UC Requirements

If you are currently enrolled in an undergraduate program at the University of Cincinnati (including UC Blue Ash and UC Clermont), but want to change your major to one in the College of Allied Health Sciences, please visit Transition Admissions for more information.

Application Deadlines

Application deadlines can be found at Admissions Deadlines.

Accreditation

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; www.naacls.org.