Medical Laboratory Sciences
Move into an in-demand and rewarding career in the biomedical sciences.
About the Program
Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS) is a healthcare profession that combines medicine and science to identify disease. Medical laboratory scientists (sometimes called medical technologists) function as detectives, by analyzing patient specimens using the latest laboratory technologies and communicating the results to physicians. Medical laboratory scientists identify diseases such as strep, diabetes, anemia, HIV, cancers, heart disease, and more.
The Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS) degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS) is a robust program for undergrads who recognize the impact and opportunity that laboratory testing has on the future of health care solutions. Additionally, this program provides a good foundation for students interested in pursuing graduate and advanced degrees, such as medical school and physician assistant school. Contact us for more information.
Program Information
Career Options and Salary
- Public health laboratories
- Crime and forensic science labs
- Research institutions
- Law enforcement agencies
- Biotechnology firms
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Veterinarian laboratories
Medical laboratory scientists earn between $52,000 to $80,000 a year, based on experience, location, and certification. Employment opportunities are high and projected to grow 7 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations.
Why Should I Choose GW?
- >95% employment rate for program graduates
- Scholarships available to those that meet award criteria
- Rolling admissions for Fall, Spring, and Summer
- Learn from board certified, experienced medical laboratory scientists who are experts in their field
- Earn your degree and pave the way for a career in the health professions from a NAACLS* accredited program, and a highly reputable and prestigious university
- Curriculum designed with working professionals in mind
- Graduates are eligible to take a board certification exam in Medical Laboratory Sciences and have a significantly higher pass rate than the national average
* The George Washington University’s (GW) Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS) in Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS) is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).
What Courses Will I Take?
- Bacteriology
- Parasitology
- Hematology
- Blood Banking
- Clinical Biochemistry
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Immunology and Serology
- Laboratory Management & Operations
How is this program offered?
This is a bachelor’s completion program. All students enter with a minimum of 45 credits, which includes admissions specific prerequisite courses. Students are eligible for one of two routes:
- Fully Online: Available for students who have a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) certification* or have graduated within 6 months from a NAACLS accredited MLT program. This program provides 100% of didactic (lecture) coursework online with a 16 week practicum experience in the student’s local area. All didactic (lecture) online courses are formulated to be flexible and asynchronous.
- Hybrid (Blended): Includes online and on campus requirements. This program provides 100% of didactic (lecture) courses online and 6 in-person labs at the GW Virginia Science and Technology Campus (VSTC) in Ashburn, VA. Students also complete a 16 week practicum at an approved diagnostic laboratory in the student’s local area. Students in this program will need to reside within commuting distance to Ashburn, VA.
*ASCP, AMT, or AAB certification required.
Program Resources
Learn about GW’s Medical Laboratory Sciences Program on the program website.
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