UC Online Welcomes International Students to Med Lab Science Leadership Master’s Program

The landscape of laboratory science is ever-evolving, and the demand for skilled professionals and leaders is soaring.

Laboratory scientists are highly trained individuals who play a crucial role in the global healthcare system by providing accurate and timely laboratory results and analysis to support medical decisions made by physicians, specialists, and other healthcare professionals.

A laboratory professional with a master’s degree is especially sought-after. The University of Cincinnati’s Master of Science (MS) in Medical Laboratory Science Leadership (MLSL) program is an internationally recognized, and well-regarded educational option that equips laboratory professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to compete in the dynamic laboratory field.

“Online programs fit my schedule personally and professionally … allows for flexibility and cuts out the time required to travel in a traditional setting.” – David Hamilton, MS-MLSL graduate (Meet David on UC’s blog)

Online Studies Ideal for International Students

The University of Cincinnati (UC) welcomes students from across the US and internationally to its popular MS-MLSL program. Its fully online format, where the curriculum is available 24/7, is popular with working adults who need a flexible study environment.

If you have a bachelor’s degree or laboratory experience in a specialty lab, research facility, veterinary or other lab types, or a Histology, Cytogenetics, Categorical, or Medical Lab Science/Medical Laboratory Technician Certification (ASCP, AMT, AABB, or equivalent), UC’s MS-MLS leadership program is ideal. If you’re an international student with laboratory experience, you bring a unique perspective.

“The goals and mission of the MS-MLSL program aligned with my values, so UC was an easy choice.” – Lydia Mack, MS-MLSL graduate (Meet Lydia on UC’s blog)

Highlights from UC’s MS-MLSL Program

UC designed its medical laboratory science leadership program for experienced lab professionals seeking to expand their expertise and qualify for more senior positions. The course curriculum equips you with advanced knowledge in laboratory operations, regulatory compliance, education strategies, professional development, quality assurance, and strategic management. By merging scientific proficiency with leadership insight, graduates are prepared to take on pivotal roles that influence the future of healthcare.

The MS-MLSL program features four tracks:

1. Higher Education
2. Health Care Administration
3. Advanced Practice: Micro/Molecular Diagnostics
4. Advanced Practice: Immunoheme/Transfusion Medicine

Coursework emphasizes the competencies required of laboratory professionals to serve as leaders and educators per the standards of ethics and professionalism outlined by organizations like The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science and The American Society for Clinical Pathology.

“I received my bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science from UC and had a great experience. It was an easy decision to return to UC for my master’s degree.” – Karrie Wetzell, MS-MLSL graduate  (Meet Karrie on UC’s blog)

How UC and NACES Help International Students

UC partners with The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) to help international students apply for the MS-MLSL degree program. NACES, a US-based trade association, provides credential evaluation services for people who completed their education outside the country.

For international students interested in the online MS-MLSL degree program, UC’s support staff directs them to a NACES member organization to start the application process.

UC evaluates several experience areas and proficiencies to ensure international students’ success in its online MS-MLSL program, including:

• Academic requirements – The requirements for the medical laboratory master’s leadership program include a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a bachelor’s degree. UC requires educational transcripts and letters of recommendation, as well.
• English language proficiency – Demonstrating proficiency in English is necessary for international students. Our Enrollment Services Advisor can help you determine the English language requirements for the MS-MLSL program.
• Credential evaluation – Assuming your academic credentials are from an institution outside the US, you will need to have them evaluated for equivalency. This is where NACES comes in. Its credit evaluation service can take several weeks, so beginning it as soon as possible is vital.
• Enrollment period and deadlines – UC welcomes you into the MS-MLSL program three times during the year — fall, spring, and summer. (Find the date for the next admission period.) International students will want to make note of certain steps in the admission progress, such as document translation, NACES evaluation, and potential international mail delivery delays, which may impact the application process.

Six Career Opportunities for Lab Pros

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of clinical laboratory technologists and technicians (another name for Medical Laboratory Scientists) is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations — 7% between now and 2029. This is due to an aging population predicted to need more diagnostic tests for medical conditions like diabetes and cancer.

UC’s Medical Laboratory Science Leadership master’s degree equips you with the education, skills, and confidence to work in a variety of leadership roles, including:

1. Laboratory Manager or Director
2. Clinical Laboratory Consultant
3. Research and Development Specialist
4. Laboratory Information Systems Manager
5. Educator
6. Healthcare Administrator

“I selected UC/UC online over the other institutions due to the course being online, and the curriculum would provide me with further knowledge in the clinical laboratory science field. The program curriculum will help prepare me for more advanced positions, such as laboratory manager or laboratory director.” – Marion Collins, MS-MLSL graduate (Meet Marion on UC’s blog)

Start the Application Process Today

Are you ready to take the next step, getting more information about UC’s MS-MLSL program and the application process? UC’s student support specialists are here to help you every step of the way. Chat online with a representative, complete a contact form, or call (833) 556-8611 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern, Monday through Friday.