Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science

Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science
03.15.2025
60
05.12.2025
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The online MLT-to-MLS Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science offered by the University of Cincinnati College of Allied Health Sciences is a convenient choice for those who have already completed an associate degree program in CLT or MLT. This program enables students to earn their bachelor’s degree while balancing work and personal responsibilities, offering the flexibility to overcome traditional obstacles to continuing their education.

This program is a MLT-to-MLS completion program. Most students will only need to have completed an associate’s degree before starting. Exceptions may be made for military MLT students missing an associate’s degree. Contact us at [email protected] and an Enrollment Advisor will work with you directly. 

University of Cincinnati’s Online MLT-to-MLS Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science

Our program teaches the technical expertise and academic foundation essential for today’s medical laboratory scientists. The Medical Laboratory Science curriculum is designed to develop the competencies, ethics, and professional standards defined by the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS), ensuring that you’ll be well prepared for the medical laboratory science board of certification exam.

Students will also complete a hands-on clinical practicum and a capstone research project as part of the Medical Lab Science program. The practicum is customized to each student’s needs, and those with sufficient prior work experience may receive Life Experience Credit from the university to fulfill some or all practicum requirements. Eligibility is based on course grades, timeline of work experience, competency evaluations, and professional references. An Enrollment Advisor can provide more details.

This program can be completed in as little as two years (7 semesters).

Why Advance from a MLT to MLS Degree?

When you advance your degree from an MLT to a MLS degree, you also advance your career in a field vital to patient diagnosis and treatment. As the demand for disease management and intervention increases, medical laboratory scientists answer the call to help people live longer, healthier lives. 

Beyond their roles in the clinical laboratory, individuals with an MLS degree contribute valuable expertise across diverse fields such as forensics, pharmaceuticals, and industry. They perform essential tasks, including analyzing blood, body fluids, tissues, and cells; designing and conducting studies; monitoring patient outcomes; and much more.

Is a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences right for me?

Students who excel in this program have a solid foundation of knowledge gained through their CLT/MLT associate degree and prior work experience. If you’ve already earned your CLT/MLT associate degree, our online program can help you advance your career to the next level as a medical laboratory scientist. Our graduates enjoy benefits like increased pay, eligibility for promotion, career advancement, and a greater knowledge of laboratory science theory and practice.

If you’re interested in building on your expertise and continuing your education, read on to learn about the benefits of advancing your education.

Program Offerings

  • 100% online
  • Can be completed in just over two years.
  • Start in the fall, spring, or summer semester.
  • Financial aid & scholarship options available
  • Prepares students for ASCP MLS certification exam
  • World-class faculty — learn from experts in the field of medical laboratory science
  • Over 20 years of history as an online MLT-to-MLS program
  • Transfer credits accepted from NAACLS* accredited CLT/MLT associate degree programs

Program Outcomes for the Bachelor’s of Medical Laboratory Science

Graduates of the University of Cincinnati (UC) medical laboratory science program consistently perform higher than the national average on the American Society for Clinical Pathology’s Board of Certification Exam in medical laboratory science. Program outcomes are calculated following NAACLS guidelines and are based on students who began the second half of the program and graduated from the online BS, campus-based BS, and campus-based certificate programs.

Medical Laboratory Science Board Certification Pass Rates*

UC MLS National Average
Jan. – June 2023 93.1% 77.5%
July – Dec. 2022 85.5% 73.9%
Jan. – June 2022 88% 77.4%
July – Dec. 2021 88% 77.4%
Jan. – June 2021 88% 77%
July – Dec. 2020 85% 78%
Jan. – June 2020 90.7% 83.4%
*Pass rates reflect the percentage of students who graduated within the designated period and passed the ASCP BOC Exam within one year of graduation.

Medical Laboratory Sciences Graduation and Placement Rates

2021-2022 2022-2023 2023-2024
Graduation Rate* 79% 83% 90%
*Graduation rates reflect the percentage of students who began the second half of the accredited program and have successfully graduated
2020-2021 2021-2022 2022-2023
Placement Rate* 99% 99% 100%**
*Placement rates reflect the percentage of graduates who either find employment in the field of medical laboratory science or a closely related field (for those who seek employment) or continue their education within one year of graduation.

**The value listed for the most recent year is not yet final and will be updated after the one-year post-graduation timeframe has closed for all graduating cohorts at the end of June.

Program Accreditations

Licensure

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.

A Full Laboratory Science Pathway Through UC Online

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!

Is UC Online right for me?

Testimonials
“This degree has helped me tremendously, as soon as I graduated I was given a raise for becoming a MLS. The program was a perfect fit for my work-life balance. It was beneficial to have an online program that I was able to work on within my own timeframe”

Sonny C.
Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science Alum

“I am really passionate about the lab, one could say I fell in love with the lab when I was working third shift as a phlebotomist. The clinical rotation requirement for this program helped me gain experience in departments I had not had experience in previously. ”

Michaela G.
Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science Alum

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