Program Overview

Master of Science in Health Sciences in the Field of Laboratory Medicine

The Master of Science in Health Sciences in the Field of Laboratory Medicine is a STEM-designated program designed for individuals who have a baccalaureate degree in any field, plus the specific prerequisite courses, and who want to become certified as a medical laboratory scientist.

Overview

Medical laboratory sciences is a challenging and rewarding healthcare profession with a great impact on patient care. Working in a variety of settings, medical laboratory scientists are essential members of the healthcare team who provide vital information about the status and function of the body and its systems. The data obtained by medical laboratory scientists is utilized in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.

Admissions

• Admissions Deadlines:
  • Fall: July 20
  • Spring: December 1
  • Summer: March 20
• The application and all supporting documentation (fees, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, transcripts) must be received by the deadline in order for the application to be reviewed.
• Standardized Test Scores: Not required
• Recommendations required: Two (2) recommendations
• Prior Academic Records:
  • Transcripts required from all colleges and universities attended, whether or not credit was earned, the program was completed, or the credit appears as transfer credit on another transcript.
  • Transcripts must be forwarded in their original sealed envelopes.
  • If academic records are in a language other than English, a certified English language translation must be provided in addition to the original transcripts; translations alone will not be accepted.
  • Official transcripts from institutions outside the U.S. must be accompanied by an official transcript evaluation from an accredited independent evaluating agency.
• Statement of Purpose: In an essay of 250 to 500 words, describe your reasons for undertaking study in the Health Sciences at The George Washington University.
• Degree and GPA Requirements:
  • A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
  • 3.0 GPA or above on a 4.0 scale
• Prerequisites:
  • Completed coursework: All required courses must be completed with a C grade (C- grades and lower do not transfer) or better at a regionally accredited institution of higher learning:
    • 3 credits English
    • 3 credits of college mathematics (algebra, statistics, or higher)
    • 8 credits of general biology with hands-on lab
    • 8 credits general or inorganic chemistry with hands-on lab
    • 4 credits microbiology with hands-on lab
    • 3 credits organic or biochemistry
• Additional Requirements:
  • Resume/CV
  • Students who live outside of the Washington DC Metro Area are required to secure a satisfactory clinical site at the time of admission.
  • Successful completion of a criminal background check and a drug screen through a third-party vendor are required of all admitted clinical students in their first semester.

International Applicants

• International students should check with individual programs regarding eligibility for visa sponsorship.
• Applicants who have not completed a post-secondary degree from an institution where English is the sole language of instruction must submit TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, or the Duolingo English Test scores to be considered for admission.
• Minimum scores for admission consideration:
  • Academic IELTS: An overall band score of 7.0, with no individual band score below 6.0.
  • TOEFL: 600 paper-based or 100 internet-based.
  • PTE: Overall score of 68
  • DET: Overall score of 120
• Undergraduate applicants who meet one of the following conditions can be considered for admission without submitting TOEFL, PTE or IELTS or DET scores:
  • You have earned an associate’s degree or higher from an institution where English is the sole language of instruction
  • You are a citizen of an English-speaking country

Requirements

Course List

• Required:
  • MLS 6116: Advanced Clinical Bacteriology I
  • MLS 6117: Advanced Clinical Bacteriology II
  • MLS 6119: Advanced Parasitology, Mycology, and Virology
  • MLS 6130: Advanced Hematology I
  • MLS 6131: Advanced Hematology II
  • MLS 6141: Advanced Immunology and Serology
  • MLS 6145: Advanced Clinical Biochemistry I
  • MLS 6146: Advanced Clinical Biochemistry II
  • MLS 6150: Advanced Immunohematology
  • MLS 6151: Advanced Molecular Diagnostics
  • MLS 6158: Advanced Laboratory Management and Operations
• Practicum:
  • MLS 6247: Advanced Clinical Biochemistry Practicum
  • MLS 6248: Advanced Blood Bank Practicum
  • MLS 6249: Advanced Coagulation Practicum
  • MLS 6250: Advanced Hematology Practicum
  • MLS 6251: Advanced Clinical Microbiology Practicum
  • MLS 6252: Advanced Urinalysis Practicum
• Research:
  • HSCI 6263: Biostatistics Translational Research
  • MLS 6244: Research Ethics and Integrity
  • MLS 6245: Current Topics in Medical Laboratory Science
  • MLS 6246: Capstone Project