Doctor of Clinical Laboratory Science

Next Term Application Deadline

02.01.2025

Total Credits

60-81

Next Term Starts

08.25.2025

DCLS Application is OPEN!

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Program requires the completion of an associate degree program. Have you earned an associate degree?*
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Program requires the completion of a BSN degree program. Have you earned a BSN degree?*
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- No
Desired Start Date*
*This program is now enrolling for Summer 2025.

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DCLS Application is OPEN!

The University of Cincinnati is now accepting applications for the Fall 2025 cohort. Reach out to our recruiting team directly with any questions!

A Doctorate of Clinical Laboratory Science (DCLS) from the University of Cincinnati Online is built for professionals at the baccalaureate and graduate levels seeking to expand their knowledge and skills to high-complexity laboratory positions. These can include faculty positions in education programs, governmental, or clinical laboratory settings.

Our doctorate program seeks to improve the quality, efficiency, and safety of laboratories across the nation and improve the overall quality of healthcare. Laboratory science professionals relay crucial test results to physicians and require High Complexity Laboratory Directors (HCLDs) to manage and educate those seeking to advance. This program teaches the skills needed to assume these roles and beyond. It can be considered the next step from existing online laboratory science degrees also offered online at the University of Cincinnati: Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science and Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science Leadership.

University of Cincinnati’s Doctorate of Clinical Laboratory Science Program

The Doctorate of Clinical Laboratory Science is designed to increase diagnostic efficiency among professionals in laboratories. Whether students are clinical laboratory scientists (CLSs) or medical technologists (MTs) who have at least a bachelor’s degree, they can qualify for this program which will help them accomplish even more.

The Goal of UC’s DCLS Program

The Doctorate of Clinical Laboratory Science program’s goal is to provide students at the baccalaureate and graduate levels with additional knowledge, skills, and attributes that help medical laboratory science professionals succeed. These include attributes in leadership, education, research, and advanced practice that will allow these professionals to meet their professional goals and to maintain and improve the quality of health care nationwide. The DCLS program coursework is built to emphasize the competencies that help medical laboratory professionals serve as leaders, clinical practitioners, and educators according to the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) and the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).

Doctorate of Clinical Laboratory Science Program Outcomes

Students who complete the DCLS program will be able to:

Provide customized, patient-centered consultation services to help with clinical decision-making among healthcare teams for their patients.
Monitor laboratory data, and perform tests and diagnostic procedures for patients using informatics and analytics to improve accuracy and reduce costs and errors.
Conduct research and apply evidence to demonstrate clinical laboratory tests and algorithms to improve the quality, efficiency, and safety of testing processes.
Educate healthcare providers and the public, including patients and their families, about the indications, evidence, preparation, and interpretation of lab testing, including at-home self-testing.
Direct laboratory operations to comply with all state and federal laws and regulations, including guidelines determined by professional licensure boards and certification/accreditation agencies.
Participate in public and private health policy decision-making at all organization and government levels using evidence.

Is a Doctorate in Clinical Laboratory Science the Right Choice for Me?

Are you a working laboratory professional concerned about pursuing more education due to your existing commitments at work and home? If so, this program is built just for you! The demand for laboratory professionals with the qualifications to lead and educate future professionals is only going to rise in the years to come. With a Doctorate in Clinical Laboratory Science, you can be the difference that the industry needs to ensure that quality health care is provided all across the nation!

Our program is only available during the fall cohort each year, which means it’s best to complete your application early to ensure all the admission requirements are met. Please complete and submit the form at the top of this page to get the process started!

Program Offerings:

Full and Part-Time Options
Pathways for Those with Bachelor and Master’s Degrees
Hybrid Learning Between In-Person Residency and Asynchronous Online Coursework
Opportunity to Complete Residency at a Local Facility
World-Class Faculty Leadership
Application to Graduation Support from UC Online
Scholarship Opportunities for Active Military and Veterans
University to Business Scholarships

Accreditation

The Doctoral program, Doctor of Clinical Laboratory Science (DCLS) at University of Cincinnati is a Candidate for Accreditation by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), 5600 N. River Rd, Suite 720 Rosemont IL 60018-5119, 773.714.8880.

Candidacy is a “pre-accreditation” status with NAACLS, awarded to developing or emerging programs for a maximum period of 4 years.

FAQs

Do I Need a Master’s Degree to Apply for UC’s Online DCLS Program?

Students can be accepted into the Doctorate of Clinical Laboratory Science program from both the Bachelor’s and Master’s levels. Visit the DCLS program’s admission requirements page for the full requirements for both levels.
Will I need to Travel to Fulfill the Residency Requirement?

The University of Cincinnati does not require students in the online Doctorate of Clinical Laboratory Science program to travel for their required residency. The residency is designed to be completed over three semesters and can be partially completed at home and local affiliated sites depending on your location within the U.S.

Visit the DCLS curriculum page for more details on the program classes!
What laboratory backgrounds qualify for the Master’s in Medical Laboratory Science program?
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:
1. Medical Laboratory Science/Medical Laboratory Technology certification (ASCP, AMT, AABB or equivalent)
2. At least 2-5 years of professional practice as a laboratory science professional or related experience.