Oversee the Efforts of Medical Lab Tech Teams
Develop the skills to become a medical laboratory professional—or rise into management roles—with the online MLS programs from the George Washington University (GW). You’ll learn from experienced faculty in online classes that enable you to thrive as a lead lab technician or biomedical laboratory manager.
Learn More Today
Complete the form to learn more about our programs.*
*Note, 45 transferrable credits required to apply for BSHS and BSHS/MSHS dual degree programs.
Aligns with ASCP Requirements
Meet the requirements to sit for the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) certification exam.*
100% Online Courses
GW’s online classes offer a convenient way for medical laboratory professionals to prepare for lead laboratory technologist or management roles.
Ranked a Top 65 University
There are about 4,000 universities in the nation, and U.S. News & World Report ranked the George Washington University No. 63.1,2
Making important scientific discoveries requires strong clinical laboratory skills and guidance from senior leaders. Get on the path to lead medical lab tech (MLT) or supervisory roles with GW’s online MLS programs.
We designed our online classes for medical laboratory professionals at many experience levels. Students seeking ASCP MLS certification can begin with the MSHS in Laboratory Medicine or Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Medical Laboratory Sciences. If you already possess an MLT or MLS/MT/CLS certification, you can build the skills for overseeing clinical laboratory technicians (CLT).
Throughout your online program, you’ll learn from faculty with experience educating CLTs, MLTs, and other medical laboratory professionals.
Online MLS and Laboratory Medicine Programs
- Graduate
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
Online
2 Years Duration
52 Credits
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Program Details
Prepare to sit for the ASCP Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) board of certification exam* with GW’s MSHS in Laboratory Medicine degree. Our program combines online education and hands-on practice focusing on research and new laboratory medicine technologies.
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Online
20 Months Duration
48 Credits
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Program Details
Become a laboratory technologist by learning the latest molecular techniques to investigate and determine the causes of disease. You can also gain qualifications for taking the ASCP Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) board of certification exam in 20 months.*
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Online
1 Year Duration
18 Credits
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Program Details
Prepare for hematology specialist roles where you can work at the forefront of blood-related disease detection and treatment. You will also delve into the procedures for processing blood samples while satisfying requirements to sit for the ASCP Technologist in Hematology (H) certification exam.* This hematology certificate has received accreditation from the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS),** indicating the high-quality online education GW provides.
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Online
1 Year Duration
16 Credits
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Program Details
- Delve into the principles of traditional and molecular laboratory procedures
- Applicants with clinical laboratory experience may be eligible to waive individual clinical practicum requirements
- Accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)**
- Fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
Learn the ins and outs of testing, storing, and transporting blood for transfusions in an online program with NAACLS accreditation. Plus, prepare to meet the qualifications for the ASCP Technologist in Blood Banking (BB) certification exam.*
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Online
1 Year Duration
19 Credits
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Program Details
Become a certified technologist in clinical chemistry to assist physicians in identifying more precise diagnoses. Plus, gain qualifications for taking the ASCP Technologist in Chemistry certification exam in one year.* GW’s online clinical chemistry program has received accreditation from the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).**
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What Careers Can I Pursue with a Laboratory Medicine Degree?
GW’s online MSHS in Laboratory Medicine program instills knowledge and skills for seeking MLS certification from the ASCP.* This certification sets up advancement opportunities for medical laboratory professionals, including the following roles:
- Clinical Laboratory Scientist
- Clinical Laboratory Supervisor
- Medical lab tech (MLT) educator
- Biotechnology Research Associate
- Government Research Associate
What Careers Can I Pursue by Completing an Online MLS Program?
Job openings for clinical laboratory technicians and laboratory technologists are expected to rise 11% from 2020 to 2030.3 GW offers online medical laboratory sciences programs at the post-baccalaureate level to help you move into lead lab technician or management roles, such as:
- Medical laboratory supervisor
- MLT/MLS educator
- Public health laboratory supervisor
- Biotechnology research associate
- Medical laboratory technologist
11%Projected growth in job openings for clinical laboratory technicians and laboratory technologists from 2020 to 20303
>95%Employment rate for graduates within three months of completing the online MLS certificate and laboratory medicine master’s programs
$94,000Average annual salary for the top 10% of medical laboratory supervisors4
“The medical lab sciences program has helped me establish my career and pass the ASCP board examination. I am looking forward to the experience I will gain as an entry-level scientist in a medical laboratory with the goal of going further with my education and educating others about this demanding yet rewarding career.”
– JACQUELINE BLAZQUEZ MLS(ASCP)CM, POST-BACCALAUREATE CERTIFICATE IN MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCES, ’20
Frequently Asked Questions
As you explore an online program at the George Washington University, our dedicated staff is here to support you. If you have a question we don’t cover here,request more informationor call 844-386-7323.
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GW operates on the semester system system with the fall semester beginning in August, the spring semester beginning in January and the summer semester beginning in April or May. Some programs admit new students in all three semesters, while other programs admit new students once or twice per year. Your start date will depend on which program you select so please complete the “Request Info” form under “Learn More Today” and someone will contact you with more information.
Online classes are designed to take the same amount of time as on-campus classes. They are taught by GW faculty members and have comparable assignments to campus programs that can be completed off-site. Time spent per course varies by the course’s length and credit hours. For example, students are expected to spend approximately 14 hours per week working on an eight week long, three-credit hour course and 7.5 hours per week working on a fifteen week, three-credit hour course. As an off-campus student, you also save time that on-campus students spend commuting.
While most studies will be completed online, your program may require you to visit campus during the course of your studies.
No, you do not need to attend class at a specific time. Our online courses are designed to be asynchronous, giving you flexibility.
Assignments will have specified due dates that must be met. Students are expected to read the weekly readings, participate in online weekly discussion boards and other asynchronous group activities, and submit papers and other assignments through the online learning management system.
Yes, an academic advisor will work with you throughout the admissions process, scheduling classes, and the course of your studies. GW also offers our online students 24/7 technical support.
Students in GW’s master’s, bachelor’s and post-bachelor’s programs may be eligible for financial aid. Students seeking graduate certificates are not eligible for federal financial aid.
You may also be able to benefit from loans, institutional scholarships, merit- or need-based grants, employer reimbursement programs, and more. Explore your options on our Tuition and Financial Aid page.
Yes, GW is regionally accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
You can request more information to speak with a GW program manager, or you can begin the application process today.
Yes. GW’s transcript ordering service is available to interested applicants of the programs listed on this website. The service is designed to make the application process simpler for you, while also helping us expedite the admissions decision on your behalf. Our transcript services team will order all domestic transcripts once you decide to allow us to help you with this task.
The George Washington University will only request and pay for your domestic college transcripts that allow third-party requests up to the point of admission to the university. This means that any coursework completed after you are advised of an admission decision, including coursework you are currently completing, will still need to be submitted by you.
It is your responsibility to request and purchase these additional transcripts to complete your file. This information may be used to determine your eligibility for financial aid, admission, and potential transfer credits. Additionally, some institutions may require you to obtain your official transcripts directly; if this is the case, we will contact you.
Sources
- U.S. News & World Report. (2021 April 27). A Guide to the Changing Number of U.S. Universities. Retrieved December 17, 2021, from https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/how-many-universities-are-in-the-us-and-why-that-number-is-changing.
- U.S. News & World Report. (2021). Best Colleges Rankings: George Washington University. Retrieved December 14, 2021, from https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/george-washington-university-1444.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2021 September 8). Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians. Retrieved January 6, 2022, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/clinical-laboratory-technologists-and-technicians.htm.
- PayScale. (2021 December 19). Average Laboratory Supervisor, Medical / Clinical Salary. Retrieved January 6, 2022, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Laboratory_Supervisor%2C_Medical_%2F_Clinical/Salary
* While the completion of this program will make graduates eligible to register for an ASCP Board of Certification Exam, this does not automatically guarantee a graduate will also meet their state’s requirements for state licensure (if applicable). Since each state may have different requirements for licensure, each student is encouraged to contact their state’s regulating agency and review these requirements prior to beginning any degree program.
Please be aware that the fully online post-baccalaureate certificate programs do not meet the student lab requirement for New York state licensure. Also, for those applying to the fully online post-baccalaureate categorical certificates in hematology, microbiology, blood banking, and chemistry, the state of New York does not provide licensure for categorical certification (e.g., Technologist in Microbiology, Technologist in Blood Banking, etc.). We recommend that students who live in New York or plan to relocate to New York do research to determine the NY licensure requirements.
**National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), 5600 N River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018-5119
FAQs
How do I prepare for MLS? ›
Inside Tips From Those Who Have Passed the MLS Certification
Make your own flashcards. Read the questions carefully and look for tricky words like “not” or “except.” Form study groups with classmates. Don't over-study the day before the exam.
Along with improving your career opportunities, earning an MLS may also increase your earning potential. Having a master's degree may qualify you for more advanced positions, which often comes with an increase in your average salary.
How many years does it take to study MLS? ›DURATION OF COURSE
The BMLS degree programme runs for 5 years for Joint Matriculation entry candidates and 4 years for direct entry candidates. The BMLS programme is being handled by the professional Medical Laboratory Scientists in the cadres of Professor to Lecturer II's cadre.
They both work in the lab and perform tests on biological samples, however, a medical lab scientist typically has more education and is able to perform more involved lab work. A medical lab technician performs more of the routine lab work and is often supervised by a medical lab scientist.
Is MLS hard to get into? ›MLS Tryouts are very difficult to be invited to unless you are drafted out of college from the MLS Superdraft or the MLS Supplemental Draft. If you are not invited to the MLS Combine the likelihood of you getting a chance to tryout with an MLS team is very limited.
How many questions is the MLS exam? ›EXAMINATION MODEL
The MLS(ASCP) and MLS(ASCPi) certification examination is composed of 100 questions given in a 2 hour 30 minute time frame. All exam questions are multiple-choice with one best answer. The certification exam is administered using the format of computer adaptive testing (CAT).
MLS salary in India ranges between ₹ 2.2 Lakhs to ₹ 25.3 Lakhs with an average annual salary of ₹ 3.6 Lakhs.
Can MLS become a doctor? ›Medical lab scientists can become medical doctors by following the same education path as other aspiring doctors by attending medical school.
What can I become if I study MLS? ›- Biological Technician.
- Blood Bank Technologist.
- Chemical and Materials Scientist.
- Chemical Technician.
- Clinical Chemistry Technologist.
- Cytotechnologist.
- Immunology Technologist.
- Medical Laboratory Scientist.
- Talk to your peers. To help study for your ASCP exam, talk to people who have been through it before.
- Take care of yourself. In addition to studying, you can prepare for the exam by caring for your own physical and mental wellbeing. ...
- Familiarize yourself with the testing location.
Is MLS a good career? ›
Many Medical Laboratory Science jobs are available that enable professionals to make a positive impact on the lives of patients in their communities. This career is highly valuable and meaningful. Your journey to this rewarding career begins with a Medical Laboratory Science degree.
Is MLS higher than MLT? ›Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLT) and Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS) are overlapping, but distinct roles. In a laboratory setting, these two roles work together with the MLS maintaining a supervisory role over the MLT.
Is medical laboratory science difficult? ›It's certainly equally as hard as nursing classes. You need to understand anatomy, physiology and chemistry at the very least. The first 2 years of college is basic core programs and then you take classes that specialize you to laboratory science: microbiology, hematology, immunohema...
Where do medical lab technicians make the most money? ›- HCA Healthcare. 3.4 $40.11per hour. 3,124 reviews5 salaries reported.
- Phillips 66. 3.7 $32.50per hour. 795 reviews5 salaries reported.
- Aspen Dental. 2.5 $25.74per hour. ...
- American Health Associates. 2.2 $25.58per hour. ...
- Merck. 4.1 $25.50per hour. ...
- Show more companies.
Entering an online MLT to MLS program allows lab technicians to continue working in the field while advancing their education. It's a critical step forward for medical lab professionals aspiring for positions with more responsibility, higher pay, and supervisory duties.
Can you make the MLS without college? ›Attend a paid pro try out or combine. If you don't get scouted and signed after college in the MLS draft to play pro soccer then you still have options. Most pro teams, MLS, NWSL and lower leagues, offer a paid try out you can attend. Go on a team's website and search for when their try outs are and sign up for them.
What is the best way to get into the MLS? ›To be invited to the trial you need to be an elite performer in College Soccer and recommended for participation. From there the best players can be drafted to a team. Each of the clubs takes turns to pick a player to draft into their squad each January.
What is the weakness of the MLS? ›Some of the weaknesses the MLS has are its low salary caps, which restrict clubs from recruiting the best talent, and its reliance on the standard United States talent progression system, which sees athletes move from club teams or high school teams into college teams and finally to a draft.
What is passing score for MLS? ›The exam content covers areas within Medical Laboratory Science, including blood banking, urinalysis, chemistry, hematology, immunology, and lab operations. Examinations are scored on a scale of 0 to 999, with a minimum passing score of 400.
What is passing score for MLT? ›Is it Hard to Pass the MLT (ASCP) Exam? The medical lab technician certification exam is graded on a 999-point scale, with 400 being a passing score.
What happens if you fail ASCP exam? ›
According to ASCP guidelines, you can take an exam under the same eligibility route up to five times. If you fail to pass the exam after the fifth attempt, you are no longer eligible for that exam unless you can fulfill requirements for an alternate eligibility route (when available).
Is an MLS the same as a JD? ›JD degrees are meant for individuals looking to practice law. Upon completion of the degree program, students are eligible to sit for the bar and become licensed attorneys. An MLS, however, does not prepare students to sit for the bar or formally represent clients.
What is the salary cap for the MLS 2022? ›Payroll Type | Total |
---|---|
2022 MLS Salary Cap Max | $4,900,000 |
Total Salaries | $0 |
Dead Money | $1,333,333 |
The MLS regular season typically starts in late February or early March and runs through mid-October, with each team playing 34 games; the team with the best record is awarded the Supporters' Shield.
Can a MLS draw blood? ›Depending on where they work, medical lab scientists may draw blood from patients for laboratory testing. This typically occurs at smaller health clinics, blood banks, and labs where medical staff are required to perform multiple roles within their specialty.
Are medical laboratory scientists in demand? ›As the need for laboratory diagnostic procedures increases, medical laboratory scientists and other laboratory professionals are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for medical laboratory scientists and other lab professionals to grow faster than average through 2030.
What is the difference between MLT and MLS? ›D) is a professional with a six years professional doctorate degree in medical laboratory science, the medical laboratory scientist (MLS) has four years bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science and the medical laboratory technicians (MLT) has three years diploma in medical laboratory science.
Where can I work with a degree in MLS? ›- research and product development.
- insurance underwriting.
- forensic medicine.
- forensic science.
- Peace Corps.
- food, cosmetic and consumer-product testing labs.
- medical product sales and marketing.
These places include banks, manufacturing companies, schools, universities, health care institutions, research firms, government agencies etc. Most times companies don't care whether you studied Medical Laboratory Science or not, as far as you have the abilities and skills they need you will be hired.
Is MLS the same as biomedical science? ›The Biomedical Science: Medical Laboratory Science (BMS:MLS) program provides you with the medical knowledge and understanding of diagnostic testing needed for a fulfilling career in the biomedical sciences, including as an American College of Clinical Pathology-certified Medical Laboratory Scientist.
How many questions do you need to get right to pass the ASCP? ›
To earn a passing score, you'll have to get at least 400 points or more. Most of the tests span two hours and 30 minutes, during which examinees will face 100 multiple-choice ASCP exam questions.
How many times can you fail the ASCP? ›A: You are permitted to take the examination in any one category a total of five times under one route. If you are unsuccessful after five attempts, you are ineligible for further examination in that category under the same route of eligibility. 15 people like this.
What is the passing rate for ASCP? ›within 12 Months of Graduation = 88%
*Students sometimes choose not to take the certification exam for personal reasons, e.g., attending graduate or medical school, military, etc.
It's not at the top of its sport. It's not even all that close. And unlike American football or basketball, professional soccer is a multilateral, competitive industry.
Is MLS getting more popular? ›MLS recorded increases in merchandise sales, viewership, and online engagement.
Is being a medical laboratory scientist stressful? ›Job stress is common, with 96.1% reporting they experience "a little bit" to "a lot of stress." Most commonly, stress was related to workload or call duties. Many reported feeling overwhelmed by their workload (slightly overwhelmed: 37.6%, moderately overwhelmed: 29.2%, and very overwhelmed: 14.3%).
What is the highest paid medical laboratory scientist? ›While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $112,500 and as low as $41,000, the majority of Medical LAB Scientist salaries currently range between $56,500 (25th percentile) to $98,000 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $110,500 annually across the United States.
Is medical laboratory science competitive? ›Medical laboratory science programs require an extensive amount of hands-on work. Because of that, they're typically limited in the number of students they'll accept. Therefore, enrollment in these programs is generally quite competitive.
Are MLS and CLS the same? ›ANSWER: All three describe the same profession. MLS is used by some states and the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Personnel (NAACLS), CLS is the term used by the California Department of Public Health.
Is the MLT exam multiple choice? ›The MLT(ASCP) and MLT(ASCPi) certification examination is composed of 100 questions given in a 2 hour 30 minute time frame. All exam questions are multiple-choice with one best answer. The certification exam is administered using the format of computer adaptive testing (CAT).
Is medical laboratory science more of biology or chemistry? ›
Clinical laboratory science (also known as medical technology or medical laboratory science) is a biology/chemistry-based degree that prepares students for exciting, challenging and dynamic careers.
Is MLT easy to study? ›Unlike other healthcare professions that require years of training & practice, MLT is comparatively an easy way to enter the industry. Pursuing a 3-year BSc MLT course will equip you with in-demand professional skills & training. You can opt for other short-term certificate courses as well.
How much does MLT make an hour? ›As of Jan 24, 2023, the average hourly pay for a MLT in the United States is $33.23 an hour. While ZipRecruiter is seeing hourly wages as high as $62.50 and as low as $14.90, the majority of MLT wages currently range between $24.04 (25th percentile) to $37.98 (75th percentile) across the United States.
How many hours a week do lab techs work? ›Hours/Travel
Most work full time, about 40 hours per week. May work nights, weekends, or holidays. Hospitals need tests run at all hours of the day.
A laboratory technician works for a minimum of 8 hours every day. The work hours depend on which shift their duty falls in. The working hours may be extended depending on the requirement and the length/duration of the tests or experiments.
Can I open my own laboratory after MLT? ›There is no problem or hazards regarding to setup of own diagnostic laboratory as you are a graduate of Bsc medical laboratory technology qualified student.
How many years does it take to study MLT? ›Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Technology or BSc MLT is an undergraduate course of 3-year, which is divided into six years (two semesters per year).
How to prepare for ASCP MLS exam? ›- Talk to your peers. To help study for your ASCP exam, talk to people who have been through it before.
- Take care of yourself. In addition to studying, you can prepare for the exam by caring for your own physical and mental wellbeing. ...
- Familiarize yourself with the testing location.
While the ASCP offers a wide range of professional certifications, all of the tests are scored on a scale from 0-999. A passing score is generally 400, so that's the target number you're looking for.
Is ASCP exam difficult? ›ASCP BOC exams are difficult, so it may be wise to consider purchasing test prep resources and/or workbooks. These not only guide the candidate through the specific knowledge and skills that are the focus of their specific exam, but also often provide sample questions and tests that are invaluable practice.
How many times can you fail the ASCP exam? ›
According to ASCP guidelines, you can take an exam under the same eligibility route up to five times. If you fail to pass the exam after the fifth attempt, you are no longer eligible for that exam unless you can fulfill requirements for an alternate eligibility route (when available).
Do MLS draw blood? ›Depending on where they work, medical lab scientists may draw blood from patients for laboratory testing. This typically occurs at smaller health clinics, blood banks, and labs where medical staff are required to perform multiple roles within their specialty.
How many people pass the ASCP? ›within 12 Months of Graduation = 88%
*Students sometimes choose not to take the certification exam for personal reasons, e.g., attending graduate or medical school, military, etc.
Receiving Your Scores
You should receive a notification email within 4-7 business days stating that your scores are ready to view. You must then log in to your ASCP account to view if you have passed or failed the exam.