Medical Laboratory Science Degree Program
Format: In person on the Armstrong Campus in Savannah or Fully Online
Credit Hours: 124
With a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science from Georgia Southern University, you’ll have the knowledge and experience to begin your career as a medical laboratory scientist. In this program, you’ll train in various lab areas, including hematology, microbiology, immunology, clinical chemistry and urinalysis.
Join the largest medical laboratory science program in the state of Georgia with a highly successful record of graduates receiving board certification!
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What is a Clinical Laboratory Professional?
Medical Laboratory Science Traditional Degree Completion
As the number of aging adults dramatically increases in the United States, the need for medical lab scientists will also grow. You’ll be a vital part of the healthcare system, providing laboratory data to assist physicians in patient diagnosis and treatment, as well as in infectious disease monitoring and prevention.
The Traditional Medical Laboratory Science degree program track is well-suited to entering freshmen, transfer students and students with a bachelor degree in biology, chemistry or related science field. At the end of your program, you’ll be eligible to sit for the American Society of Clinical Pathology Board exams.
Medical Laboratory Sciences Admission Requirements
Application Period: November 15 through March 1
Late applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Qualified applicants that met the March 1 deadline will be granted priority over applications received after the initial deadline. Certain programs may continue to review applications after the deadline until the program’s capacity is met.
Medical Laboratory Science Minimum Admission Requirements
- Applicants must be accepted by Georgia Southern University
- Apply as a student seeking a BS Degree
- If you have a BS Degree, apply as a Post-Bac seeking a degree
- Please choose the Armstrong Campus even if you are interested in the online program
- Please choose Degree in Health Sciences (If accepted into the program, this will then change to MLS)
- Applicants must apply and pay for the Allied Health Centralized Application Service (AHCAS) Application.
- Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or greater overall and in all sciences.
- All Core courses (including AREA A, D and AREA F) must be completed with a grade of “C” or better prior to program admission.
- Applicants who have applied for grade forgiveness or academic renewal will have their transcripts evaluated on a case by case basis in accordance with university policies.
- Other applicants who do not meet the minimum criteria may be considered under special circumstances.
- Additionally, there may be program specific requirements that may need to be met.
Medical Laboratory Science Online Degree Tracks
Additionally, the Medical Laboratory Science program at Georgia Southern offers an online track consisting of a Post-Baccalaureate option and a Career Track option. The Post-Baccalaureate option is for students with a BS in biology, chemistry, or related science. The Career Track option is for a certified MLT wishing to pursue a BS in MLS degree in addition to the traditional track, Georgia Southern offers online degree completion options for students currently working in the medical laboratory science field.
Online Career Ladder Medical Laboratory Science Program (Career Track)
Format: Online
The Medical Laboratory Sciences online Career-Ladder track enables certified medical laboratory technicians (MLT) to advance their education with a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Laboratory Science. The online track is limited to those with certified MLT credentials who are currently employed at an approved clinical site. It provides students with a high-quality academic and professional environment, allowing for the development of critical thinking skills and professional values and characteristics.
The program graduate will be able to satisfy eligibility requirements for a professional certification examination at the Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) level. Graduates of the Medical Laboratory Science program will qualify for employment in a variety of settings, and can progress within the clinical laboratory science field to education, supervision or management positions. Students in this track must maintain training support at an approved clinical facility while enrolled in the program.
With a completion time of just four semesters and high demand in the job market, this nationally accredited program truly offers a fast track to your career. Our graduates have a very successful record of achieving board certification.
Students eligible for this program must currently work in a hospital laboratory setting. We will require a Statement of Support Form from the hospital clinical site. Before admittance into the program, the hospital clinical site must be approved.
Online Fast-Track Medical Laboratory Science Program (Post-Baccalaureate)
South Carolina Resident Only
Format: Online
The Medical Laboratory Science Online Fast-Track is available to South Carolina residents who have completed a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, chemistry, or a related field and have a 2.5 overall GPA and within the sciences.
The program consists of an online didactic component and a training experience within a clinical laboratory. It provides students with a high-quality academic and professional environment. The program graduate will satisfy eligibility requirements for a professional certification exam at the MLS level. Graduates of the Medical Laboratory Science program will qualify for employment in various settings and progress within the clinical laboratory science field to education, supervision, or management positions.
Georgia Southern University works in conjunction with the South Carolina Hospital Association to provide clinical sites for students’ training. Students must maintain training support at an approved clinical facility while enrolled in the program. Some hospitals may provide tuition assistance and clinical training support.
With a completion time of just four semesters and high demand in the job market, this nationally accredited program truly offers a fast track to your career. Our graduates have a very successful record of achieving board certification..
Post Baccalaureate Students Currently Employed by Hospital Laboratory
The Medical Laboratory Science Online Fast-Track program is also available to students who have completed a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology or Chemistry and have a 2.5 or greater GPA overall and within the sciences. Students eligible for this program must currently work in a hospital laboratory setting. We will require a Statement of Support Form from the hospital clinical site. Before admittance into the program, the hospital clinical site must be approved.
The program consists of an online didactic component and a training experience in an approved clinical laboratory. This program provides students with a high-quality academic and professional environment. The program graduate will satisfy eligibility requirements for a professional certification exam at the MLS level. The Medical Laboratory Science program graduates will qualify for employment in various settings and progress within the clinical laboratory science field to education, supervision, or management positions. Students in this track must maintain training support at an approved clinical facility while enrolled in the program.
With a completion time of just four semesters and high demand in the job market, this nationally accredited program truly offers a fast track to your career. Our graduates have a very successful record of achieving board certification.
Medical Laboratory Science Program Outcomes
National Board of Certification Examination Pass Rate
National Board of Certification Examination Pass Rate
| Class of: | # of Graduates Taking Exam | Program % Who Passed the ASCP or AMT Within the First Year of Graduation | National # Who Passed Within the First Year of Graduation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 26 | 73% | 69.79% |
| 2021 | 25 | 80% | 72.45% |
| 2022 | 20 | 84.2% | 74.28% |
| 2023 | 15 | Data not available* |
*No graduates have taken the exam since graduation date of 12/15/2023
Employment Rate
Employment Rate
| Class of: | Total # of Graduates | Secured Initial Employment or Continued Education Six Months Post-Graduation (Traditional) | Secured Initial Employment or Continued Education Six Months Post-Graduation (Online) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 28 | 100% | 100% |
| 2021 | 25 | 100% | 100% |
| 2022 | 24 | 100% | 100% |
| 2023 | 15 (online) | Not applicable* | 94% |
*No traditional track accepted for 22-23 year
Graduation Rates
Graduation Rates
| Class | Students beginning Second half of program | Students Graduating | Attrition Rate | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 30 | 28 | 3% | 97% |
| 2021 | 26 | 25 | 4% | 96% |
| 2022 | 28 | 28 | 0% | 100% |
| 2023 | 16 | 15 | 6% | 94% |
*NAACLS accrediting body required date of second half of program. Second half of program constitutes the summer and second fall semester of the program.
Careers in Medical Laboratory Science
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) of the US Department of Labor reported that the demand for medical technologists (also known as medical laboratory scientists) would exceed the supply of new graduates.
$57,800
per year*.
$27.79 per hour.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians
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- Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s Degree
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- Work Experience in a Related Occupation: None
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- On-the-Job Training: None
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- Number of Jobs, 2021: 329,200
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- Job Outlook, 2021-31: 7% (As fast as average)
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- Employment Change, 2021-31: 21,800
Professional Student Organizations
American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS)
The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) is the preeminent organization for clinical laboratory scientists. ASCL provides leadership and promotes all aspects of clinical laboratory science practice, education and management to ensure excellent, accessible cost-effective laboratory services for the consumers of health care. Membership is open to any person enrolled in a program of clinical laboratory studies. Memberships is valid August 1 through July 31.
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- National Dues: $28.00 plus State Dues: $5.00
American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
You can apply for ASCP Student Associate Membership if you intend to meet the ASCP Board of Registry eligibility requirements for certification and you have been accepted or are currently enrolled in a regionally accredited college/university science program or a laboratory science program approved by an appropriate accrediting agency. You can be an ASCP Student Associate member until you become certified by the ASCP Board of Registry and eligible for ASCP Associate membership or 5 years from the date of application, whichever occurs first. This application must be signed by your program director.
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- Annual Dues: Free
Scholarship Opportunities
To apply for Georgia Southern scholarships, accepted students must log in to MyGeorgiaSouthern and click the MyScholarships link under the “Services” App.
SDS Grant
Students majoring in medical laboratory sciences who represent an economically disadvantaged background, as defined by the U.S. Department of Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA), are eligible to apply for the Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students program. The program is designed to increase diversity in the health professions and nursing workforce by offering awards to institutions that provide scholarships to students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are enrolled full time in a health profession or nursing program.
Professional License Disclosure
The Department of Clinical Sciences anticipates that graduates of this program will seek the following professional certifications: American Society for Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) Certification and laboratory personnel licensure.
The Department of Clinical Sciences has determined that the required classes and educational activities of this online Career Ladder, Fast Track and MLT-MLS academic program will qualify a graduate of this program to take the exam for ASCP Certification in all 50 United States. The department has not determined whether this program satisfies the requirements of all states and territories for the laboratory personnel licensure. Visit the ASCP Board of Certification and the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science to determine the requirements of your state or territory.
Accreditation
The Medical Laboratory Science program at Georgia Southern University is accredited by:
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
5600 N. River Rd. Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018-5119
Telephone: 773-714-8880
FAX: 773-714-8886
email: info@naacls.org
Website: https://www.naacls.org
Since 1990, the program has received continuing accreditation by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).
Frequently Asked Questions
How many students are admitted into the program?
The program is fairly competitive, favoring those students with higher GPAs.
Traditional Track–32 students
MLS Online Fast Track (SC Residents & Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology or Chemistry)–10-15 students depending on available clinical sites
MLT-MLS (career ladder)–Unlimited
When is the application deadline?
Students desiring acceptance to all of the programs in medical laboratory science should first make application to the university. Once you have been accepted to the university and have met all prerequisite requirements you will need to apply to AHCAS by March 1st.
What are your admission policies and procedures?
Currently enrolled Georgia Southern University students must also meet the requirements for admission to the Medical Laboratory Science program and apply separately to the program. Transfer students must be accepted to the university with regular admission status. Cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.5 or more. Satisfactory completion of the Regent’s Testing Program if applicable. Completion and/or credit for: a minimum of 20 semester hours biological science to include microbiology; a minimum of 12 semester hours of chemistry, to include general and organic, and a minimum of two college mathematics courses (statistics is required). Science course (chemistry and biology) average of 2.5 or better with no more than one required science course with a grade of “D.”
All prerequisite science (chemistry and biological science) courses are restricted to courses applicable to a major in those fields or medical laboratory science, according to the academic institution’s curriculum requirements where the course or courses were taken. Remedial courses do not qualify.
Students must apply to and be accepted to Georgia Southern University. Students should apply as a student seeking a BS degree or if you have a degree, apply as a Post-Baccalaureate seeking a BS degree. You will pick the Armstrong Campus and Bachelor of Health Science.
Once students have been accepted to the university and have met all prerequisite requirements, they may apply to the program through the AHCAS system. If you are accepted into the MLS program, your degree will then be changed to MLS
What is the MLT-MLS Online Career Ladder program?
The online Career-Ladder track enables certified medical laboratory technicians (MLT) to advance their education. The online track is limited to those with MLT credentials who are currently employed at an approved clinical site. It provides students with a high-quality academic and professional environment, allowing for the development of critical thinking skills and professional values and characteristics. The program graduate will be able to satisfy eligibility requirements for a professional certification examination at the Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) level.
What is the Fast Track program?
The Department offers a fast track online program.
Format: Online Program (open to South Carolina residents only): It is open only to South Carolina residents who have obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, chemistry, or a closely related field. In addition, this program requires the completion of microbiology and organic chemistry before admission.
Format: Online Program (open to Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology or Chemistry): The Medical Laboratory Science Online Fast-Track program is also available to students who have completed a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology or Chemistry.Typically, students who apply to this track currently work in a hospital/clinical setting. We will require a Statement of Support from the hospital/clinical site. Prior to admittance into the program, the hospital/clinical site must be approved.
Can I be accepted before I have completed all my prerequisites?
Yes, but they must be completed before you start in the fall unless arrangement with the department head was secured.
What are the essentials functions?
Essential functions are the physical, intellectual, and behavioral requirements of the program that a student must be able to master. Students must successfully meet these essential functions in addition to the academic requirements. In addition to the intellectual program requirements, students must be able to comply with program-designated essential functions in order to participate in a medical laboratory science educational program. These functions include visual and observation skills, motor and mobility skills, and communication and professional behavioral skills. A complete list may be found in the MLS Student Handbook.
Is health insurance required?
All students accepted into the program are required to submit complete health history forms, evidence of health insurance with a prescription plan.
I have a BS degree, what are my options?
You may be entitled to second BS degree from Georgia Southern University in Medical Laboratory Science. You may be eligible for the Traditional Track or the BS Fast Track.
What is required for international students?
Foreign applicants must meet the requirements for admission to Georgia Southern University as outlined in the University catalog and the NAACLS requirements, if applicable. Foreign applicants to Medical Laboratory Science program at Georgia Southern are advised to communicate with the department head before arranging for foreign transcript evaluation. If a student desiring to major in medical laboratory science already has a degree from a foreign university and desires to base his/her eligibility for national certification on this degree, the student must have the official transcript evaluated by one of several acceptable agencies. For an approved listing contact the MLS Program Director.
A student whose native language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and score a minimum of 523 on the written test (or a minimum of 193 on the computer-based TOEFL) for consideration for admission to the Department.
Do you accept part-time students?
No.
Do I have to travel to a clinical site?
Yes. Students will be responsible for their own travel arrangements to and from the clinical sites. Due to the limited number of clinical sites in Savannah, it will be necessary to assign students to clinical sites outside of Savannah. Students who desire to complete their clinical rotations at facilities not in Savannah should let the program director know in writing no later than the end of the fall semester.
Where are your clinical sites?
The clinical practicum is a structured clinical laboratory experience, where students integrate theory and application under supervision in various areas of the clinical laboratory. For the Traditional Track, the internship starts in late May/Early June to mid-November. A Practicum Schedule based on required contact hours for each individual course will be prepared for each student. Students are required to adhere to this schedule unless specified otherwise by the program director and/or clinical coordinator. Clinical practicum’s are provided in the laboratories of St. Joseph’s/Candler Health System, and Memorial Health University Medical Center located in Savannah, Southeast Georgia Regional Medical Center in Statesboro, Medical University of South Carolina, and others as necessary. For the online programs clinical internship starts during the first fall semester. Students will rotate through clinicals while taking online lectures. South Carolina students will be assigned a site. Other online students must be employed by an approved site.
If relocated to a clinical site outside Savannah, am I responsible for paying the extra living expenses?
Yes. Students are responsible for their own living expenses.
Is your program accredited?
Yes, by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS). This agency is committed to being the premier agency for accreditation and approval of educational programs in the clinical laboratory sciences and related health professions.
Do I have to take a licensing exam after I graduate?
Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the ASCP Board of Certification exam. A list of states requiring a separate license may be found our MLS Webpage.
Is it okay to have a “C” in a science class and still be accepted into the program?
Yes. Students are allowed only one “D” in area F.
Can I find a job with this degree?
Yes! There is a great need for medical laboratory scientists in a variety of health care settings and students usually have several job opportunities upon graduation.
Are there opportunities to further my education in Medical Laboratory Science?
Yes you may seek an advanced degree in the field of Medical Laboratory Science. There are masters programs and a newly designed Doctorate in Clinical Laboratory Science. In addition, you may advance your career by seeking a specialty certificate through the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
Will I be able to work full/part time while in the program and still be successful?
This depends on the student. We do not have a policy against employment while in the program, but we highly recommend students do not work during the program.
What is a typical day like in the program?
Traditional Track: In the first two semesters, classes and labs are offered on the Armstrong Campus Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. In the last two semesters, students follow their assigned clinical site schedule.
Online Tracks: Lectures are held entirely online. Clinical training will occur in the hospital laboratory. Your training will fall within the same time frame or immediately following your lectures.
Program History
Georgia Southern University’s Medical Laboratory Science program was established in April 1982. In September 1982, the first class was accepted for enrollment into a “2 + 2” curriculum. In April 1985, the program was granted full accreditation for 5 years (1985-1990) by the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation (CAHEA) of the American Medical Association (AMA). The program received continuing accreditation by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) for four consecutive periods of seven years (1990-1997, 1997-2004, 2004-2011, 2011-2018, and 2018-2028).
Have Questions? Contact Us!
Medical Laboratory Science
Georgia Southern University
11935 Abercorn Street
Savannah, GA 31419
Armstrong Campus
Phone: 912-344-2550
Fax: 912-344-3472
Email: medlab@georgiasouthern.edu
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Last updated: 7/31/2023