Online Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science
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.
MLT-to-MLS BS in Medical Laboratory Science Program Overview
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.
BS MLS Program Highlights
High Quality Education
- 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
- Graduates from this program can qualify for the Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science and the Doctorate of Clinical Laboratory Sciences
Flexibility
- 100% online
- Can be completed in just over two years
- Start in the fall, spring, or summer semester
- Financial aid & scholarship options available
Support from Application through Graduation
At UC, you’ll have a full support team behind you:
Enrollment Services Advisor: Your go-to resource during the application process
Student Success Coordinator: Helping you prepare for classes and stay on track
Access to Resources: Access to university resources that will support you through your program including online learning expectations and resources, health and wellness resources, and academic support
Students pursuing admission into the MLT-to-MLS Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science program are required to satisfy all the admission requirements outlined below. Proof of MLT certification and an associate degree are required for most applicants. We do offer some exceptions for military MLTs and MLTs who graduated more than five years ago.
Our Admissions Office is happy to work with you to answer any questions you may have and help determine your eligibility. To confirm you qualify for this program, please contact our enrollment team at onlineenrollment@uc.edu or (833) 556-8611 for assistance.
Prerequisites
- Earned Associate degree in MLT/CLT from a NAACLS accredited institution
- Equivalent education or experience, i.e. military MLTs, are highly encouraged to apply. Your enrollment advisor can help you navigate this part of the application process.
- Minimum GPA of 2.5
- Proof of ASCP, AAB or AMT CLT/MLT certification
- Conditional admission into the program is possible with proof of passing scores. Please contact your enrollment advisor to see if you qualify.
- Students are eligible to sit for certification within 5 years of graduating from their CLT/MLT program. UC Online can admit students without certification if they graduated more than 5 years ago. Please contact your enrollment advisor to see if you qualify.
Complete the online application and submit the application fee.
Standard Application Fees:
- $65.00 for domestic applicants to most degree programs
- $70.00 for international applicants to most degree programs
- $20.00 for domestic applicants to Graduate Certificates
- $25.00 for international applicants to Graduate Certificates
- Application fees for UC Online programs are waived through Fall 2026 for all applicants who apply by July 1, 2026
- Fee waivers are automatically applied for applicants who: are currently serving in the US armed forces, or are veterans of the US armed forces.
Applications are accepted continuously throughout the year. Please review and submit the following materials:
All applicants are required to upload unofficial transcripts during the application process, showing all undergraduate and graduate course work completed, including degrees granted and dates of conferral.
Official transcripts are not required until the student has received and accepted an offer of admission from the university. Once the offer has been confirmed, the student must submit official transcripts.
Students who have received degrees from the University of Cincinnati do not need to submit official paper copies of their UC transcripts.
For questions regarding international students, contact an Enrollment Services Advisor.
Transcripts can be submitted electronically or by mail. To see if your transcript(s) can be ordered electronically, visit the links below and search for your previous school(s).
- Parchment
- Please select “University of Cincinnati – Main Campus” as the recipient of your transcript.
- National Student Clearinghouse
- Please have your transcript sent directly to admissions@uc.edu.
If you do not see your past school(s) listed on either site, please contact the school(s) directly. Then, mail your sealed, unopened, official transcripts to:
Please mail sealed, unopened, official transcripts to:
University of Cincinnati
Office of Admissions
PO Box 210091
Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0091
Proof of ASCP, AAB or AMT CLT/MLT certification.
PLEASE NOTE: Students are eligible to sit for certification within 5 years of graduating from their CLT/MLT program. UC Online can admit students without certification if they graduated more than 5 years ago.
Call your enrollment advisor at (833) 556-8611 to see if you qualify.
Two professional references required; one must be from a current lab supervisor. Reference forms are submitted via the application system.
In order to apply to the University of Cincinnati as a transfer student, learners must submit a transfer application form and have official transcripts sent directly to UC from all prior institutions they’ve attended.
To request these transcripts, please contact your previous institution’s registrar and ask them to send the official transcript to the University of Cincinnati via an approved electronic method such as Parchment, eScrip-Safe, National Student Clearinghouse, or similar services. This is the preferred method. If electronic submission isn’t available, transcripts may be mailed to the Office of Admissions at:
University of Cincinnati
Office of Admissions
PO Box 210091
Cincinnati, OH 45221
It is recommended to have the following:
- Intel i5 processor
- 8 GB RAM, 16 GB recommended
- Video Card
- Broadband Access (DSL/Cable/Fioptics)
- Sound card with internal or external speakers
- Web Camera with integrated microphone
- Printer or access to a printer
For additional technology requirements please visit the College of Allied Health Sciences Computer Requirements.
| Term | Application Deadline | Classes Start |
|---|---|---|
Summer 2026 Fall 2026 |
March 15, 2026 July 15, 2026 |
May 11, 2026 August 24, 2026 |
The University of Cincinnati's online course fees differ depending on the program. On average, students will accrue fewer fees than students attending on-campus classes.
The one fee applied across all UC Online programs is the distance learning fee. Students living outside the state of Ohio must also pay an additional “non-resident” fee to enroll in courses at UC Online. This fee is lower than the out-of-state fee for traditional on-campus programs.
To view tuition information and program costs, visit the Online Program Fees page.
- The University of Cincinnati and all regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
- The University of Cincinnati Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS)
- 5600 N. River RD, Suite 720 Rosemont, Il 60018-5119 | Phone: 773.714.8880 | Email: info@naacls.org
Outcomes
Program outcomes are calculated following NAACLS guidelines and are based on students who began the second half of the program and graduated from the Bachelor of Science and certificate programs (online and campus-based).
| 2020-2021 | 2021-2022 | 2022-2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pass Rate* | 99% | 100% | 99% |
*Pass rates represent the percentage of students who graduated during the specified reporting period and who both attempted and passed the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification Exam within one year of their graduation date.
| 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% | 100% | 99% |
*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.
Note: Data collection is ongoing for graduates in the July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025 reporting period. Results will be updated as new information is available and finalized after the 1-year post-graduation period ends in 2026.
“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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