The online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Clinical Microbiology offered by the University of Cincinnati College of Allied Health Sciences is a fully online and flexible program designed for professionals with a bachelor’s degree in a science or related field. This certificate is ideal for individuals currently working in clinical laboratories or those seeking to build expertise in microbiological diagnostics and qualify for categorical certification through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
Whether you are pursuing new career opportunities or preparing for ASCP Technologist in Microbiology certification (Route 3), this program provides the targeted academic and clinical training required to advance in the field of diagnostic microbiology.
The curriculum emphasizes diagnostic bacteriology, virology, parasitology, mycology, molecular methods, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Students complete asynchronous online coursework and a hands-on clinical practicum, which can be arranged at their current place of employment or an approved clinical site.
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and meet specific biology and chemistry coursework prerequisites. Contact us at [email protected] and an Enrollment Advisor will work with you directly.
Pursuing a specialized certificate in Clinical Microbiology allows you to deepen your knowledge in a rapidly evolving and essential area of healthcare. As public health threats and emerging pathogens increase global demand for accurate detection and containment, certified microbiology professionals are vital in identifying infections, guiding treatment plans, and supporting infection control measures.
Graduates of this program bring essential skills to hospital and public health laboratories, reference labs, diagnostic companies, and research institutions. Their training includes microbiological testing, quality control, data analysis, and laboratory safety—skills that support timely diagnostics and safeguard communities.
This program is ideal for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree in a laboratory science or related field and have some prior experience in a clinical setting. If you are interested in specializing in microbiology and pursuing ASCP categorical certification, this program will help you build the necessary academic foundation and applied experience.
Graduates benefit from:
Graduates of the University of Cincinnati’s Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Clinical Microbiology are prepared to sit for ASCP’s categorical certification exam in microbiology and consistently meet or exceed national performance benchmarks. The program follows NAACLS and ASCLS guidelines to ensure graduates are equipped with the skills and competencies required for success in the field.
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.
The University of Cincinnati is staying ahead of the growing demand for laboratory science professionals by offering a full lab science education pathway starting with this program. Graduates from this program can qualify for the Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science and the Doctorate of Clinical Laboratory Sciences. Both are completely online and offer unrivaled lab science graduate degree experience. If you’re interested in furthering your education after graduation, we encourage you to visit these programs!
UC Online has partnered with hundreds of companies to offer tuition scholarships to employees, spouses, and dependents.
Professionals from ANY laboratory background can qualify for the Master’s in Medical Laboratory Science Leadership program.
Applicants must have at least ONE of the following:
Potential career opportunities after graduation include:
Yes, UC is an accredited school nationally, by Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The MLS programs are accredited by The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS), the premier international agency for educational programs in laboratory sciences.
Additional resources to support you from start to finish.
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