UC Is Now Your Full Pathway in Medical Laboratory Science Education

The laboratory science industry has been changing considerably over the last decade. These changes include technological advancements and spikes in demand due to new widespread health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes have been happening alongside a surge in demand for leadership due to growing retirement numbers among laboratory managers.

Professionals in this field can stay ahead of these changes by advancing in their careers to answer these challenges and make an impact where it’s needed most. Advancing in this field can be daunting, especially if you’re already working in the industry, but the University of Cincinnati is here to help by offering a full education pathway to advance in laboratory science.

What is a Full Pathway in Medical Laboratory Science?

The “full pathway” for laboratory science professionals at UC refers to the ongoing education offered from the undergraduate to the doctorate level. At each level, UC provides students with a comprehensive education in laboratory science principles, techniques, and essential leadership skills to enhance their impact in the industry. All of these programs are made possible through the University of Cincinnati.

The process is made even easier by allowing students to complete the coursework for each degree while balancing their life and job commitments thanks to UC Online. Let’s take a closer look at each of these opportunities below.

The Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science

The Bachelor’s in Medical Laboratory Science (BS-MLS) is the undergraduate portion and the first step in UC’s online lab science pathway. Often referred to as a “completer” or a “bridge” program, this degree is made specifically for certified medical/clinical laboratory technicians (MLTs/CLTs) who have already completed their associate’s degrees and are interested in becoming certified medical laboratory scientists (MLSs).

This NAACLS-accredited bachelor’s, designed to meet the highest industry standards, has been offered online at UC for more than 20 years and on campus for more than 80 years. Through such a long history, the curriculum has been refined to teach the competencies, ethics, and professionalism standards for laboratory technicians outlined by organizations like the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS). Life experience credits are also awarded for prior clinical experience, which means that this program can be easily completed in as little as two years!

Another overarching goal of this program is to prepare students to take an MLS certification exam from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or an equivalent organization. Graduates who completed this program through UC Online are better prepared for a certification exam than graduates from similar programs in other institutions. With an MSL certification, graduates can excel in higher-paying positions and qualify for more educational advancement opportunities.

The Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science Leadership

Once the undergraduate portion of the laboratory science pathway is finished, the graduate potion begins with the Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science Leadership (MS-MLSL). UC’s online master’s degree expands on the concepts of the bachelor’s by adding leadership components and opportunities for more credentials that help graduates stand out among the competition. This includes the opportunity to earn a specialty certification from the ASCP, a helpful credential for those seeking a specialized laboratory practice role. Other viable career opportunities with this degree include instructor positions in higher education and health care administration positions.

The MS-MLSL curriculum, like all programs offered through UC Online, is designed to be completed while managing commitments outside school. There are four concentration tracks from which students can mix and match classes to build the education path that will serve them best. These tracks include:

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

To qualify for this program, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, two years of professional laboratory experience, and an MLS Certification (from ASCP, AMT, AABB, or equivalent). Applicants without certification can still qualify with at least five years of professional laboratory experience. This opens the program to individuals from all lab science backgrounds, and they are all encouraged to apply.

The Doctorate of Clinical Laboratory Science

The final step in the full laboratory science pathway through UC Online is the Doctorate of Clinical Laboratory Science (DCLS) program. This is the first doctorate to be offered entirely online at UC, and it offers a unique opportunity for students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Students can qualify for the DCLS with just their bachelor’s as long as they have a generalist MLS certification. The curriculum is built to provide seamless transition opportunities from the prior steps in the pathway!

The DCLS represents the highest level of education in laboratory science offered at UC. In addition to qualifying graduates for advanced positions in laboratory practice, and higher education, the DCLS curriculum transforms students into High Complexity Laboratory Directors (HCLD) as defined by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) of 1988. These professionals are responsible for quality assurance in complex laboratory environments and ensure that test and general operations are performed well.

Unlike the previous programs in the lab science pathway, the DCLS only accepts students during the fall cohort each year. This means that completing an application early is even more important for this program. Depending on each student’s education level when they start the program and whether the student is enrolled full-time or part-time, this degree can be completed in 3 to 6 years.

Why is a Full Pathway in Lab Science Important?

Careers in health care are often very complex, and laboratory science is no exception. The advancement of laboratory technology and the increasing demand for qualified professionals further complicates this issue. The University of Cincinnati makes it a priority to ensure that students are prepared to fill these roles and that they have a clear path to advance.

Why Complete The Pathway

Committing to the full lab science pathway is a big commitment, but the career benefits make it worth the time and money. The benefits of advancing via the lab science pathway include:

• Greater Career Opportunities – Advanced degrees like the MS-MLSL and DCLS open doors to leadership, research, and specialized fields all throughout the lab science industry
• Increased Earning Potential – These advanced positions often pay higher salaries and higher financial rewards. The ASCP estimates that certified laboratory scientists earned $69,000 annually as of 2021, while laboratory leaders with master’s degree or higher earned between $85,000 and $95,000 on average.
• Enhanced Job Security – Students with more qualifications are more adaptable and desirable to employers in chaotic job markets. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that the laboratory scientist jobs are projected to grow 11% during the 2020’s, which is faster than average for all occupations.
• Greater Impact on Patient Care – Lab science professionals play a critical part in improving patient outcomes through advanced research and laboratory practice

The University of Cincinnati Online Experience

The University of Cincinnati Online is the perfect conduit for the UC education experience. Most students, especially at the graduate level, are working hard to balance their commitments outside their education. UC Online makes this more manageable by offering:

1. Asynchronous Coursework – Assignments can be completed on a student’s timeline without having to visit campus.
2. Application to Graduation Support – Every student will be assigned an Enrollment Services Advisor (ESA) and a Student Success Coordinator (SSC) to assist them every step of the way!
3. World-Class Faculty – The faculty leading these courses are among the top experts in the field. A prime example is the director of the MS-MLSL and DCLS programs, ASCLS President, Dr. Patricia Tille.
4. Scholarship Opportunities – UC’s College of Allied Health Science offers several scholarships, including exclusive benefits for active-duty military personnel, veterans, and University to Business scholarships.

Take the Next Steps with UC’s Full Pathway in MLS

There’s no better time than now to start your journey at the University of Cincinnati. Our faculty and staff are ready for you whether you’re starting at the graduate or undergraduate level, full-time or part-time. We’d like to invite you to apply for the next step that best fits your career and get your application started!

You can apply for the Bachelor’s in Med Lab Science, Master’s in Med Lab Science Leadership, and the Doctorate of Clinical Lab Science by filling in your information on the respective program page. Please don’t hesitate to contact us directly if you have questions or call (833) 556-8611 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best specialization in laboratory science?

The ideal specialization depends on each student’s career goals and interests. Many popular areas include molecular diagnostics, microbiology, hematology, and clinical chemistry – all of which can be advanced with a degree from UC.

Which degree is best for a laboratory professional?

The best degree depends on the role you desire in your career. Our bachelor’s degree serves as a gateway to become a certified medical laboratory scientist. Those who are interested in leadership, education, or more advanced laboratory opportunities would benefit from a master’s or doctorate degree.