Program Overview

Overview of the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with a Major in Medical Laboratory Science

The Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS) with a major in Medical Laboratory Science is a degree completion program that combines medicine, basic sciences, and clinical sciences. This program is designed to investigate and determine the causes of disease using the latest biomedical instruments and molecular techniques to perform both routine and complex testing.

Program Formats

The BSHS in Medical Laboratory Science is offered in two formats:

• Fully online: This program is for students who have successfully completed a medical laboratory technician (MLT) program within six months of application and/or are currently board certified MLTs, and/or have MLT work experience.
• Hybrid: The hybrid program is for students who have completed at least 45 college credits or who have earned an associate’s degree along with the required prerequisite science and general education courses.

Second Bachelor’s Degree Program

The BSHS with a major in Medical Laboratory Science program is also offered as a second bachelor’s degree to students who already hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university with the required prerequisite and general education coursework. For the online program, students also must have completed a medical laboratory technician (MLT) program, currently be board certified MLTs (or completed an MLT program within six months of application), or have MLT work experience.

Accreditation and Certification

Completion of this degree qualifies students to take the Medical Laboratory Science certification exam offered by national certifying agencies. All BSHS in Medical Laboratory Science programs are accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). This is a STEM designated program.

Admissions

Admission Requirements

The following requirements must be fulfilled for admission:

• Admission Deadlines:
  • Fall: July 20
  • Spring: December 1
  • Summer: March 20
• Standardized test scores: SAT/ACT optional
• Recommendation(s) required: One letter of recommendation from an academic instructor who can strongly attest to your academic ability, and/or an individual who served in a supervisory capacity for you, and who can strongly attest to your work ethic.
• Prior academic records: Transcripts are required from all colleges and universities attended.
• Statement of purpose: All applicants are required to submit a 250–500 word essay describing your reasons for undertaking study at the George Washington University.
• Additional requirements:
  • The program of study consists of a hybrid format offered or a fully online format for applicants with MLT certification, MLT work experience, or who have graduated within 6 months of an accredited MLT program.
  • Applicants with MLT certification are required to submit verification of national (ASCP, AMT, or AAB) MLT certification.
  • All students must meet Essential Functions requirements, and successfully meet the criminal background check and drug screen requirements.
  • A resumé or curriculum vitae is required.
  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.70 and a science GPA of 2.5
  • The minimum acceptable grade is C for coursework to be applied toward an undergraduate degree.
  • Students who live outside of the Washington DC Metro Area are required to secure a satisfactory clinical site at the time of admission.

International Applicants

International students should check with individual programs regarding eligibility for visa sponsorship. Generally, online and hybrid programs are not eligible for student 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.

Requirements

The following requirements must be fulfilled: 120 credits, including 45 to 60 credits in courses taken elsewhere transferred in and at least 60 credits in required courses completed at GW.

General Education Requirements

• 3 credits in critical thinking in the humanities
• 6 credits in critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, or scientific reasoning in the social sciences
• 6 credits in English Composition
• 3 credits in quantitative reasoning (college algebra, statistics, or higher)
• 3 credits in a course that has an approved oral communication component
• 3 credits in scientific reasoning

Program Prerequisites

• 8 credits in general biology I and II
• 8 credits in chemistry I and II
• 4 credits in microbiology with lab
• 3 credits in organic chemistry or biochemistry I
• 19 credits transferred in as elective courses

Core Courses in the Major

Required for both fully online and hybrid options:

• MLS 2007W: Microbes and Society
• MLS 3001W: Professional Ethics for Medical Laboratory Scientists
• MLS 4141: Immunology and Serology
• MLS 4158: Laboratory Management and Operations
• MLS 4145: Clinical Biochemistry I
• MLS 4146: Clinical Biochemistry II
• MLS 4150: Immunohematology
• MLS 4151: Molecular Diagnostics
• MLS 4130: Hematology I
• MLS 4131: Hematology II
• MLS 4116: Clinical Bacteriology I
• MLS 4117: Clinical Bacteriology II
• MLS 4119: Parasitology, Mycology, and Virology
• MLS 4159: Capstone Seminar

Required for the fully online program only:

• MLS 3000: Clinical Laboratory Mathematics
• MLS 4136: Clinical Experience I
• MLS 4137: Clinical Experience II
• MLS 4138: Clinical Experience III
• MLS 4139: Clinical Experience IV
• 11 credits in elective courses

Required for the hybrid program only:

• MLS 4246: Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory
• MLS 4251: Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory
• MLS 4230: Hematology Laboratory
• MLS 4250: Immunohematology Laboratory
• MLS 4219: Parasitology, Mycology, and Virology Laboratory
• MLS 4216: Clinical Bacteriology Laboratory
• MLS 4160: Blood Bank Practicum
• MLS 4161: Clinical Biochemistry Practicum
• MLS 4162: Hematology Practicum
• MLS 4164: Clinical Microbiology Practicum
• MLS 4165: Urinalysis Practicum
• MLS 4166: Coagulation Practicum

Secondary Bachelor's

This is a degree completion program offered in fully online and hybrid online and on-campus formats. The requirements for this program are similar to the primary Bachelor's program, with a focus on completing the degree for those who have already earned a bachelor's degree or significant college credits.

Combined Program

The university offers combined programs that allow students to pursue both a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with a major in Medical Laboratory Science and a Master of Science in Health Sciences in the field of Molecular Diagnostic Sciences. This can be done as a dual Bachelor's and Master's program or as a dual Secondary Bachelor's and Master's program. These programs are designed to provide advanced education and training in medical laboratory science and molecular diagnostic sciences, preparing students for careers in research, education, and clinical practice.