Online NAACLS (MLS) Accredited Degree Programs

Earning a degree in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) or Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) can help you take the next critical step in your career. If you are already working in a laboratory setting and would like to prepare for a more specialized or advanced role, a NAACLS-accredited program will help you achieve your current and future goals. Discover more about these degree programs and what it takes to get started.

What Is NAACLS?

NAACLS stands for the National Accreditation Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences.

This agency approves education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences and related health care disciplines. These programs must meet education standards in disciplines including Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) and Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS). There are also many other specializations, ranging from cytotechnologists to phlebotomists.

NAACLS Accreditation

There are plenty of MLS/CLS programs available across the United States. However, not all are equal in terms of their curriculum, professional competence, and overall educational standards. Choosing a program that is NAACLS-accredited means you’re selecting an online program that follows current standards, preparing you for board certification exams and your future career.

For example, the University of North Dakota’s Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) program is one of the largest, most innovative, and fully accredited programs in the country. With over 70 clinical affiliates in 15 states, this school provides incredible opportunities for students.

NAACLS accreditation gives you the assurance experts in your field of interest have evaluated the education you receive. These programs are comprehensive and academically rigorous enough to prepare you to work in a professional laboratory setting.

The Accreditation Process

The accreditation process is voluntary. Any degree program, including online programs, involving clinical laboratory sciences and related health professions is eligible for NAACLS accreditation. This is an external peer review process that approves programs structured to ensure competence among graduates. These accredited programs prepare graduates for entry-level careers.

What Is an Online NAACLS-Accredited MLS/CLS Program?

An online accredited MLS/CLS program will help you begin your rewarding career. If you are already working in a related field and want to achieve growth in your career, completing an online MLS/CLs program will allow you to do just that. MLS/CLs degrees also allow you to continue your education with advanced degrees.

This option is ideal for anyone who:

  • Has their own laboratory setting to complete assignments
  • Prefers the flexibility that online programs offer
  • Does not want to relocate to a certain school or commute
  • Requires the ability to work while in school

Accredited Counseling Program Curriculum

Your curriculum will vary depending on the school you choose and what program you enroll in.

For example, the online Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science program (BS MLS) at the University of Cincinnati, courses include Clinical Fluid Analysis, Clinical Immunology, Hematology, Clinical Microbiology, Advanced Lab Concepts, and more. You will need to have a cumulative GPA of 2.25 to be permitted to take the courses for the final two terms.

At Old Dominion University, while participating in the Medical Laboratory Science program, the curriculum is based on five key areas of study — hematology, microbiology, clinical chemistry, immunohematology, and clinical laboratory. For the online program, formal clinical rotations are not required.

Program Requirements

Again, the program and school you select will determine the associated requirements.

For example, Austin Peay State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science program. To start this program, you must:

  • Have an associate degree
  • Have a GPA of 2.75 or higher
  • Have an occupational license
  • Provide an official college transcript
  • Have completed a NAACLS-accredited MLT program that covered hematology, chemistry, immunohematology, and microbiology
  • Have a minimum of two years of work experience as a certified MLT in an accredited laboratory 

In comparison, to apply for the Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science (MLT TO MLS) program at Auburn University, Montgomery, you must:

  • Have an associate degree
  • Provide an official college transcript
  • Be a certified MLT with clinical laboratory experience

MLS/CLS Program Costs

MLS/CLS program costs significantly vary depending on several variables. However, online programs are typically more affordable than on-campus programs. This is because online tuition does not include the cost of campus-based fees. Total costs can also be reduced by grants, scholarships, and other forms of financial assistance.

There may be two different tuition rates for those who live in-state and those who are from out-of-state. However, this is less common for online courses compared to campus-based programs. Additional fees typically apply. For example, for those interested in the online Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science (BSMLS) program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, you will need to pay a $155 Technology Fee in addition to your tuition. For financial aid, you must contact the university.

Examination Pass Rates

Many schools will report their board examination pass rates, as well as job placement rates. This will give you an idea of the quality of education offered.

For example, at South Dakota State University, students in the accelerated Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science (MLT to MLS) program report board examination pass rates of 98%, with 100% of graduates finding a job four months after graduation. 

Career Opportunities

Graduates with degrees in MLS and CLS have a bright future. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, openings for medical laboratory technicians and technologists will rise by 13 percent between 2016 and 2026, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

This is because the population within the United States is aging, requiring more diagnostic medical care. This means the demand for MLS/CLS professionals continues to increase. There is also a need for medical laboratory technologists within companies dealing with matters related to disease, viruses, etc. As a medical/clinical laboratory scientist, you can have a direct impact on medical care, which is powerful and highly motivating.

From positions in forensic research laboratories to biotech company jobs, there’s plenty of opportunity for growth. Clinical Laboratory Technologists make between $37,450 to more than $83,700 per year. The median wage was $54,180 in 2020.

What Are the Benefits of a NAACLS-Accredited MLS/CLS Program?

There are many reasons to enroll in an accredited online program. Each school and program offers its own perks, so keep the following in mind when comparing your top picks. By seeking a NAACLS-accredited MLS/CLS degree, you will stand out in a competitive job market. Graduates of this program have a high rate of employment, finding jobs in hospitals, clinics, medical facilities, public health facilities, etc. Once you enter the field, there is an immense opportunity for growth.

Connect with Expert Instructors and Fellow Students

Online courses are designed to be highly interactive. You can connect with faculty and students by communicating through forums, chat groups, and email. You’ll also have access to experts in their fields. What’s unique about this community is that you’ll benefit from the perspective of students and instructors from around the nation and even the globe.

Flexible Scheduling

Many MLS/CLS students are currently working as certified MLTs or have related jobs. An online MLS/CLS program allows these students to continue working while receiving the education they need to take their careers to the next step. When comparing programs, pay attention to the curriculum and ongoing requirements to ensure it fits your schedule. Many of the online MLS/CLS programs require you to complete coursework by specific deadlines. However, you’re able to finish this work any time of day or night.

Improve Your Application

If your goal is to grow within your career, seeking a degree in MLS/CLS can help you fast-track this process. Upon completing this program, you will be better prepared for a future in medical/clinical laboratory science. If you are currently working as MLT, you may have a better idea of where you’d like your career to take you. Taking an accredited MLS/CLS program will allow you to gain the knowledge and experience you need to specialize in the field you’re most interested in.

NAACLS Accredited Schools in the US

University NameLocationSchool/Program Name
Akron Children’s HospitalAkron OH 44308Akron Children’s Hospital
Albany College of Pharmacy and Health SciencesAlbany NY 12208-3492Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Allen College – UnityPoint HealthWaterloo IA 50703-Allen College – UnityPoint Health
Andrews University Program for Medical Laboratory ScienceBerrien Springs MI 49104Andrews University Program for Medical Laboratory Science
Arizona State University – Phoenix College CampusPhoenix AZ 85013-Arizona State University – Phoenix College Campus
Arkansas State UniversityState University AR 72467-0010Arkansas State University
Arrowhead Regional Medical CenterColton CA 92324-1819Arrowhead Regional Medical Center
Ascension – Saint Elizabeth HospitalAppleton WI 54915-Ascension – Saint Elizabeth Hospital
Ascension Michigan Laboratory ServicesGrosse Pointe Woods MI 48236Ascension Michigan Laboratory Services
Aspirus Wausau HospitalWausau WI 54401-4187Aspirus Wausau Hospital
Auburn University at MontgomeryMontgomery AL 36124-Auburn University at Montgomery
Augusta HealthFishersville VA 22939Augusta Health
Augusta UniversityAugusta GA 30912-0700Augusta University
Austin Peay State UniversityClarksville TN 37044Austin Peay State University
Austin State HospitalAustin TX 78751-4296Austin State Hospital
Baptist Health College Little RockLittle Rock AR 72210-2820Baptist Health College Little Rock
Baptist Health Sciences UniversityMemphis TN 38104-Baptist Health Sciences University
Baptist Medical Center SouthMontgomery AL 36116-Baptist Medical Center South
Barry UniversityMiami Shores FL 33161-Barry University
Bayfront Health St. PetersburgSt. Petersburg FL 33701-4814Bayfront Health St. Petersburg
Baylor Scott and White Medical Center – TempleTemple TX 76508Baylor Scott and White Medical Center – Temple
Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak – Beaumont LaboratoryRoyal Oak MI 48073-6769Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak – Beaumont Laboratory
Bellarmine UniversityLouisville KY 40205-0671Bellarmine University
Berkshire Medical CenterPittsfield MA 01201Berkshire Medical Center
Bowling Green State UniversityBowling Green OH 43403-0287Bowling Green State University
Brigham Young UniversityProvo UT 84602-Brigham Young University
Brookline CollegePhoenix AZ 85021-Brookline College
California State University, Dominguez HillsCarson CA 90747-9960California State University, Dominguez Hills
California State University-LALos Angeles CA 90032-California State University-LA
Carolinas College of Health Sciences/Carolinas Medical CenterCharlotte NC 28217-Carolinas College of Health Sciences/Carolinas Medical Center
Clement J. Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical CenterMilwaukee WI 53295Clement J. Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Cleveland Clinic School of Medical Laboratory ScienceCleveland OH 44195-Cleveland Clinic School of Medical Laboratory Science
College of Southern NevadaLas Vegas NV 89146-1164College of Southern Nevada
College of Staten Island – CUNYStaten Island NY 10314-College of Staten Island – CUNY
Comanche County Memorial HospitalLawton OK 73505Comanche County Memorial Hospital
Community Foundation of Northwest Indiana (CFNI)Munster IN 46321-Community Foundation of Northwest Indiana (CFNI)
Conemaugh Memorial Medical CenterJohnstown PA 15905-4398Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center
Cox Medical Centers – SouthSpringfield MO 65807Cox Medical Centers – South
Denver Health Medical CenterDenver CO 80204-4507Denver Health Medical Center
Dixie State UniversitySt. George UT 84770-Dixie State University
DMC University LaboratoriesDetroit MI 48201-2194DMC University Laboratories
East Carolina UniversityGreenville NC 27858-East Carolina University
East Texas Baptist UniversityMarshall TX 75661-East Texas Baptist University
Eastern Kentucky UniversityRichmond KY 40475-3135Eastern Kentucky University
Eastern Michigan UniversityYpsilanti MI 48197Eastern Michigan University
Edward Hines, Jr., Veterans Affairs HospitalHines IL 60141-3030Edward Hines, Jr., Veterans Affairs Hospital
Eisenhower Medical Center, School of Medical Laboratory ScienceRancho Mirage CA 92270-3202Eisenhower Medical Center, School of Medical Laboratory Science
Emory University HospitalAtlanta GA 30308-Emory University Hospital
Farmingdale State CollegeFarmingdale NY 11735-Farmingdale State College
Ferris State UniversityBig Rapids MI 49307-2740Ferris State University
Florida Gulf Coast UniversityFort Myers FL 33965-6565Florida Gulf Coast University
Florida Southern College – SASLakeland FL 33801-5698Florida Southern College – SAS
Franciscan Health-HammondHammond IN 46320Franciscan Health-Hammond
Franciscan Health-IndianapolisIndianapolis IN 46237-Franciscan Health-Indianapolis
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady UniversityBaton Rouge LA 70808Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University
George Washington UniversityAshburn VA 20147-George Washington University
Georgia Southern University – Armstrong CampusSavannah GA 31419-1997Georgia Southern University – Armstrong Campus
Good Samaritan HospitalVincennes IN 47591Good Samaritan Hospital
Grand Valley State UniversityGrand Rapids MI 49503-3314Grand Valley State University
Guthrie Robert Packer HospitalSayre PA 18840Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital
Hennepin Healthcare – HCMCMinneapolis MN 55415-1676Hennepin Healthcare – HCMC
Heritage University MLS ProgramToppenish WA 98948-Heritage University MLS Program
Hillsborough Community CollegeTampa FL 33614-Hillsborough Community College
Howard UniversityWashington DC 20001-Howard University
Idaho State UniversityPocatello ID 83209-Idaho State University
Illinois State UniversityNormal IL 61790-5220Illinois State University
Indiana University – South BendSouth Bend IN 46634-7111Indiana University – South Bend
Indiana University School of MedicineIndianapolis IN 46202-Indiana University School of Medicine
Inova Fairfax HospitalFalls Church VA 22046Inova Fairfax Hospital
Inter-American University of Puerto Rico, Metro CampusSan Juan (Rio Piedras) PR 00919-1293Inter-American University of Puerto Rico, Metro Campus
Inter-American University of Puerto Rico, San GermanSan German PR 00683-9801Inter-American University of Puerto Rico, San German
IU Health Methodist Hospital CLS ProgramIndianapolis IN 46202-4108IU Health Methodist Hospital CLS Program
Jersey Shore University Medical Center/Meridian HealthNeptune NJ 07753-4843Jersey Shore University Medical Center/Meridian Health
Keiser University – Orlando **SERIOUS APPLICANT STATUS**Orlando FL 32807-Keiser University – Orlando **SERIOUS APPLICANT STATUS**
Lake Charles Memorial HospitalLake Charles LA 70601-8911Lake Charles Memorial Hospital
Lake Superior State UniversitySault Ste. Marie MI 49783-Lake Superior State University
Lexington Medical CenterWest Columbia SC 29169-Lexington Medical Center
Lincoln Memorial UniversityHarrogate TN 37752Lincoln Memorial University
Loma Linda UniversityLoma Linda CA 92350Loma Linda University
Long Island University CW Post CampusBrookville NY 11548-1300Long Island University CW Post Campus
Louisiana State University – AlexandriaAlexandria LA 71302-Louisiana State University – Alexandria
Louisiana State University Health Sciences CenterNew Orleans LA 70112-3006Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center
Louisiana State University Hlth Sciences Center-Shreveport CampusShreveport LA 71130-3932Louisiana State University Hlth Sciences Center-Shreveport Campus
Louisiana Tech UniversityRuston LA 71272-Louisiana Tech University
Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of MedicineMaywood IL 60153-Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
Marist CollegePoughkeepsie NY 12601-1387Marist College
Marquette UniversityMilwaukee WI 53201-1881Marquette University
Marshall UniversityHuntington WV 25755Marshall University
Marshfield Clinic Health System – Marshfield LabsMarshfield WI 54449-Marshfield Clinic Health System – Marshfield Labs
Mayo Clinic College of MedicineRochester MN 55905-Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
McLeod Regional Medical CenterFlorence SC 29502-McLeod Regional Medical Center
McNeese State UniversityLake Charles LA 70609-2000McNeese State University
Mercy CollegeDobbs Ferry NY 10522-Mercy College
Mercy College of Health Sciences MLS ProgramDes Moines IA 50309-Mercy College of Health Sciences MLS Program
Mercy Hospital – AdaAda OK 74820Mercy Hospital – Ada
Mercy Hospital – St. LouisSt. Louis MO 63141-8277Mercy Hospital – St. Louis
Mercy Hospital JoplinJoplin MO 64804Mercy Hospital Joplin
Mercy Integrated Clinical Laboratory Science ProgramToledo OH 43608-Mercy Integrated Clinical Laboratory Science Program
Michigan State University (Baccalaureate Degree only)East Lansing MI 48824-1031Michigan State University (Baccalaureate Degree only)
Michigan Technological University (4+1 Track)Houghton MI 49931-Michigan Technological University (4+1 Track)
Mississippi Baptist Medical CenterJackson MS 39202Mississippi Baptist Medical Center
Monmouth Medical CenterLong Branch NJ 07740Monmouth Medical Center
Montana State UniversityBozeman MT 59717-3520Montana State University
Morgan State UniversityBaltimore MD 21251Morgan State University
Nazareth College of RochesterRochester NY 14618-Nazareth College of Rochester
Nebraska Methodist HospitalOmaha NE 68114-4199Nebraska Methodist Hospital
Neumann UniversityAston PA 19014-1297Neumann University
New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist HospitalBrooklyn NY 11215-New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital
North Kansas City HospitalNorth Kansas City MO 64116North Kansas City Hospital
North Mississippi Medical CenterTupelo MS 38801-4934North Mississippi Medical Center
Northeastern State UniversityBroken Arrow OK 74014-Northeastern State University
Northern Illinois UniversityDeKalb IL 60115-2854Northern Illinois University
Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical CenterBangor ME 04401Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center
Northern Michigan UniversityMarquette MI 49855-5346Northern Michigan University
NorthShore University HealthSystem (Evanston Hospital)Evanston IL 60201-NorthShore University HealthSystem (Evanston Hospital)
Northwestern Health Sciences UniversityBloomington MN 55431-Northwestern Health Sciences University
Ohio Northern UniversityAda OH 45810-Ohio Northern University
Oklahoma Christian UniversityEdmond OK 73013-Oklahoma Christian University
Old Dominion UniversityNorfolk VA 23529-Old Dominion University
Oregon Tech / Oregon Health & Science UniversityWilsonville OR 97070-Oregon Tech / Oregon Health & Science University
OSF Saint Francis Medical CenterPeoria IL 61637-3001OSF Saint Francis Medical Center
Our Lady of Fatima HospitalNorth Providence RI 02904Our Lady of Fatima Hospital
Owensboro Health Regional Hospital Medical Laboratory Scientist ProgramOwensboro KY 42303-Owensboro Health Regional Hospital Medical Laboratory Scientist Program
Parkview Medical CenterPueblo CO 81003-2781Parkview Medical Center
Parkview Regional Medical Center Medical Lab Science ProgramFort Wayne IN 46835-Parkview Regional Medical Center Medical Lab Science Program
Hershey PA 17033-0850
Pennsylvania College of Health SciencesLancaster PA 17601-Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences
Pennsylvania HospitalPhiladelphia PA 19107-Pennsylvania Hospital
Prisma HealthColumbia SC 29203-Prisma Health
Providence Sacred Heart Medical CenterSpokane WA 99220-2555Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center
Radford University CarilionRadford VA 24013-Radford University Carilion
Rapides Regional Medical CenterAlexandria LA 71301-8421Rapides Regional Medical Center
Reading Hospital School of Medical Laboratory ScienceReading PA 19612-6052Reading Hospital School of Medical Laboratory Science
Rhode Island HospitalProvidence RI 02903Rhode Island Hospital
Rochester General HospitalRochester NY 14621Rochester General Hospital
Rush University Medical CenterChicago IL 60612-3833Rush University Medical Center
Rutgers School of Health ProfessionsNewark NJ 07107-3006Rutgers School of Health Professions
Saginaw Valley State UniversityUniversity Center MI 48710-Saginaw Valley State University
Saint Elizabeth Medical CenterEdgewood KY 41017Saint Elizabeth Medical Center
Saint Francis Health SystemTulsa OK 74136Saint Francis Health System
Saint Louis UniversitySt. Louis MO 63104-1111Saint Louis University
Saint Luke’s HospitalKansas City MO 64111Saint Luke’s Hospital
Saint Luke’s Hospital School of Med TechCedar Rapids IA 52402-5098Saint Luke’s Hospital School of Med Tech
Saint Vincent Health CenterErie PA 16544-0001Saint Vincent Health Center
Salisbury UniversitySalisbury MD 21801-6860Salisbury University
San Diego CLS Training Consortium: UC San Diego HealthSan Diego CA 92121-1504San Diego CLS Training Consortium: UC San Diego Health
San Francisco State UniversitySan Francisco CA 94132-1722San Francisco State University
San Jose State UniversitySan Jose CA 95192-0100San Jose State University
Sanford Medical Laboratory Science ProgramSioux Falls SD 57117-5039Sanford Medical Laboratory Science Program
Sanford Program for MLSFargo ND 58122-1103Sanford Program for MLS
Santa Barbara Cottage HospitalGoleta CA 93111-Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital
Santa Fe CollegeAlachua FL 32615-Santa Fe College
Sentara RMH School of Medical Laboratory ScienceHarrisonburg VA 22801-Sentara RMH School of Medical Laboratory Science
South Dakota State UniversityBrookings SD 57007-0896South Dakota State University
Southeast Missouri Hospital College of Nursing and Health SciencesCape Girardeau MO 63703-Southeast Missouri Hospital College of Nursing and Health Sciences
St. Christopher’s Hospital for ChildrenPhiladelphia PA 19134-St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children
St. Cloud State UniversitySt Cloud MN 56301-4498St. Cloud State University
St. John’s UniversityFresh Meadows NY 11365-St. John’s University
St. Vincent’s Medical CenterJacksonville FL 32204-St. Vincent’s Medical Center
Stevenson University, Medical Laboratory Science ProgramOwings Mills MD 21117-Stevenson University, Medical Laboratory Science Program
SUNY at BuffaloBuffalo NY 14214-3005SUNY at Buffalo
SUNY at Stony BrookStony Brook NY 11794-8205SUNY at Stony Brook
SUNY Upstate Medical UniversitySyracuse NY 13210SUNY Upstate Medical University
Tampa General HospitalTampa FL 33601-Tampa General Hospital
Tarleton State UniversityFort Worth TX 76104Tarleton State University
Texas A&M University- Corpus ChristiCorpus Christi TX 78412-5802Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi
Texas Southern UniversityHouston TX 77004Texas Southern University
Texas State UniversitySan Marcos TX 78666-4616Texas State University
Texas Tech University Health Science CenterLubbock TX 79430Texas Tech University Health Science Center
The Colorado Center for Medical Laboratory Science – MSU of DenverAurora CO 80011-The Colorado Center for Medical Laboratory Science – MSU of Denver
The Houston Methodist Hospital Medical Laboratory Science ProgramHouston TX 77030The Houston Methodist Hospital Medical Laboratory Science Program
The Ohio State UniversityColumbus OH 43210-2205The Ohio State University
Thomas Jefferson UniversityPhiladelphia PA 19107-5233Thomas Jefferson University
Thomas UniversityThomasville GA 31792-Thomas University
United Regional Health Care SystemWichita Falls TX 76301-3164United Regional Health Care System
UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s College MLS ProgramSioux City IA 51104UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s College MLS Program
Universidad Ana G. Mendez (UAGM) – Gurabo CampusGurabo PR 00778-Universidad Ana G. Mendez (UAGM) – Gurabo Campus
University Health – AugustaAugusta GA 30901-University Health – Augusta
University of Alabama at BirminghamBirmingham AL 35294-1212University of Alabama at Birmingham
University of Alaska AnchorageAnchorage AK 99508-8046University of Alaska Anchorage
University of Arkansas for Medical SciencesLittle Rock AR 72205University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
University of BridgeportBridgeport CT 06604-University of Bridgeport
University of California Irvine Medical CenterOrange CA 92868-3298University of California Irvine Medical Center
University of California, Davis Health SystemSacramento CA 95620-University of California, Davis Health System
University of Central FloridaOrlando FL 32816-2360University of Central Florida
University of CincinnatiCincinnati OH 45267-0394University of Cincinnati
University of ConnecticutStorrs CT 06269-University of Connecticut
University of Delaware – Christiana Care Medical Laboratory Science ProgramNewark DE 19716University of Delaware – Christiana Care Medical Laboratory Science Program
University of Hawaii at ManoaHonolulu HI 96822University of Hawaii at Manoa
University of Illinois at SpringfieldSpringfield IL 62703-University of Illinois at Springfield
University of Kansas Medical Center (Baccalaureate Degree)Kansas City KS 66160-University of Kansas Medical Center (Baccalaureate Degree)
University of KentuckyLexington KY 40536-0200University of Kentucky
University of Louisiana at MonroeMonroe LA 71209-0440University of Louisiana at Monroe
University of MarylandBaltimore MD 21201-3214University of Maryland
University of Massachusetts – DartmouthNorth Dartmouth MA 02747-2300University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth
University of Massachusetts – Lowell, MLS ProgramLowell MA 01854University of Massachusetts – Lowell, MLS Program
University of MinnesotaMinneapolis MN 55455-0374University of Minnesota
University of Mississippi Medical Center – SHRPJackson MS 39216-4505University of Mississippi Medical Center – SHRP
University of Nebraska Medical CenterOmaha NE 68198-4010University of Nebraska Medical Center
University of New HampshireDurham NH 03824University of New Hampshire
University of New Mexico School of MedicineAlbuquerque NM 87131-0001University of New Mexico School of Medicine
University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel Hill NC 27599-7145University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University of North DakotaGrand Forks ND 58202-9037University of North Dakota
University of Puerto RicoSan Juan PR 00936-5067University of Puerto Rico
University of Rochester Medical CenterRochester NY 14642-University of Rochester Medical Center
University of Southern MississippiHattiesburg MS 39406-0001University of Southern Mississippi
University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center (BS/MS)Memphis TN 38163-4901University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center (BS/MS)
University of Tennessee Medical CenterKnoxville TN 37920-6999University of Tennessee Medical Center
University of Texas El PasoEl Paso TX 79968-University of Texas El Paso
University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San AntonioSan Antonio TX 78229-3900University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHouston TX 77030University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
University of Texas Medical BranchGalveston TX 77555-1140University of Texas Medical Branch
University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyEdinburg TX 78539-2999University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
University of ToledoToledo OH 43606-University of Toledo
University of Utah Health Science CenterSalt Lake City UT 84132University of Utah Health Science Center
University of VermontBurlington VT 05405University of Vermont
University of WashingtonSeattle WA 98195University of Washington
University of West FloridaPensacola FL 32514-5751University of West Florida
University of Wisconsin – MilwaukeeMilwaukee WI 53201University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee
University of Wisconsin – Parkside – SASKenosha WI 53141-2000University of Wisconsin – Parkside – SAS
University of Wisconsin – Stevens PointStevens Point WI 54481-3897University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point
University of Wyoming at CasperCasper WY 82601-University of Wyoming at Casper
UPMC AltoonaAltoona PA 16601-4899UPMC Altoona
UPMC Chautauqua Medical Laboratory Science ProgramJamestown NY 14702-0840UPMC Chautauqua Medical Laboratory Science Program
UPMC WilliamsportWilliamsport PA 17701-1995UPMC Williamsport
Valley HospitalRidgewood NJ 07450Valley Hospital
Vanderbilt University Medical CenterNashville TN 37232-5310Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmond VA 23298-0583Virginia Commonwealth University
Walter Reed National Military Medical CenterBethesda MD 20889-5600Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
Wayne State UniversityDetroit MI 48202-Wayne State University
Weber State UniversityOgden UT 84408-3905Weber State University
Well Span Health / York Hospital MLS ProgramYork PA 17405-7198Well Span Health / York Hospital MLS Program
West Liberty UniversityWest Liberty WV 26074-West Liberty University
West Virginia UniversityMorgantown WV 26506-9211West Virginia University
Wichita State UniversityWichita KS 67260-0043Wichita State University
Winston-Salem State UniversityWinston-Salem NC 27110Winston-Salem State University
Wright State UniversityDayton OH 45435-0001Wright State University
York CollegeJamaica NY 11451-York College
Youngstown State University – MLS Advanced PlacementYoungstown OH 44555-Youngstown State University – MLS Advanced Placement

Summary Information

  • Programs typically take two to four years, depending on the degree and area of specialization, but may be completed sooner depending on your current educational background and experience.
  • 100% online programs are offered, allowing you to earn your degree from anywhere.
  • Once you graduate from an accredited MLS/CLS program, there are dozens of career options within government agencies, healthcare organizations, cosmetic companies, forensics, research, and more.

  • Improves median annual salary opportunities for Medical Laboratory Scientists and Clinical Laboratory Scientists.
  • Can be completed in as little as 12 months. If you have been working as an MLT in an accredited laboratory, most programs will give you credit for clinical rotation courses.
  • MLS and CLS professionals are in high demand as job growth continues to grow.

  • Costs vary significantly from one school to the next.
  • There are several scholarships and grants associated with MLS/CLS programs.
  • Tuition is often determined based on per credit hour rates. Online costs can be as little as $5000 per year but can be up to $20,000+. Out-of-state students typically pay a higher rate.

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