Academic Requirements

Applicants

Applicants must have completed a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology or other laboratory-based science field. Candidates with a B.S. degree from a Michigan university who meet the program academic requirements are considered first.

Applicants must have an overall GPA of 2.7 or higher and grades of C+ (2.5) or higher in the required science and math courses listed below.  Grades must be verified by submitting official transcript(s) from all universities attended.   

We are looking for resourceful, self-motivated students with critical thinking skills.  Applicants will be expected to analyze their university transcript to identify deficiencies (i.e., missing coursework and/or required courses with grade of C- or lower).  Transcript guidance will not be provided prior to submitting your application.  Instead, guidance will be provided at the interview, where needed.  

Foreign transcripts must be evaluated by a designated agency for course credit and grades, including GPA.

Required courses

Applicants with a Medical Laboratory Science major should already meet all academic requirements based on their program of study.

Applicants without a Medical Laboratory Science major must have completed the following baccalaureate-level courses within the last 7 years and before the program start date:

• INTRODUCTION TO CLINICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE – proof of enrollment required at interview.
• MLT (ASCP): Study Guide & Exam Prep (www.study.com) -OR-
• Alternate college course options - preferred for higher application ranking and program success:
• CDS 4500 – Oakland University - Contact: lim@oakland.edu
• CLSC 203 and 204 – Eastern Michigan University – Contact: lshetron@emich.edu
• BLD 213L (and preferably BLD 314L) - Michigan State University
• Similar university/college course with laboratory component upon approval by program director.
• CHEMISTRY - 16 credit hours including:
• GENERAL CHEMISTY courses with laboratory
• BIOCHEMISTRY (one course with or without laboratory)
• ORGANIC CHEMISTRY courses (at least one course with passing grade with our without laboratory)
• Alternate: An online Chemistry course approved by program director (via www.study.com).
• BIOLOGY - 16 credit hours including:
• GENERAL BIOLOGY courses with laboratory
• GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY with laboratory (required)
• Alternate: An online Microbiology course approved by program director (via www.study.com).

• MATH (intermediate algebra or higher)
• HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY (required) / ANATOMY (preferred)
• Alternate: An online Human Anatomy & Physiology course approved by program director (via www.study.com).
• STATISTICS (preferred)

Online Alternate Courses

We currently accept completion of online courses offered from www.Study.com (or other providers as identified here in the future) when it is not feasible for an applicant to complete the MLS program course requirements in an in-person university setting – AND/OR – if an applicant has a C- or lower grade in previously completed university courses.  

The current recommendations are outlined in the Academic Requirements and Alternatives document linked here.   Student status on completing these recommended courses will be confirmed at the interview.

NOTES: 

1. Proof of registration will be required within one week after the interview. 
2. Proof of completion must be submitted by Day 1 Program Orientation.
3. Students who have not completed the required courses will not be allowed to start the program.

Additional requirements

• Proficient skills in Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams, OneDrive) plus Internet and email applications
• Permanent U.S. resident or authorization to work in the U.S.
• Good faculty and/or employer recommendations (three)
• Previous full-time work experience

Note: Substitutions to the above academic requirements may be permitted upon review of academic transcript and personal interview. Alternate online courses credits may not be accepted by the ASCP BOC certifying agency unless transferred to a regionally or nationally accredited educational institution.