Medical Laboratory Science M.S.

All students must meet the Requirements for the Master's Degree

Overview

The Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science (MMLS) program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills required for leadership roles in management, education, and research related to advanced clinical practice in the medical laboratory profession.

Individuals may enter the program via 2 tracks, depending on their background:

  • Track 1 is for individuals with a Bachelor’s Degree who are not certified in medical laboratory science but desire a career in the clinical laboratory sciences. Upon completion of the program, these students will be eligible to take the national certification exam in medical laboratory science offered by the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP). Graduation is not contingent upon passing the ASCP certification exam. 

  • Track 2 is for medical laboratory science-certified graduates who seek advanced training and expertise in evidence-based practice, scientific research, healthcare management and leadership. Track 2 also includes an accelerated Master’s option for current UVM medical laboratory science students (we are currently not accepting applications for Track 2).

Both Track 1 and Track 2 involve a research-based capstone project that will engage students in hands-on research methodology, experimental practice, and scientific communication. The capstone project provides students with the opportunity to develop important skills in evidence-based practice and clinically-related research.

Our faculty offer advanced practice courses in molecular methods, clinical laboratory correlations, health care leadership and management, policy, ethics, quality, research design and methods; and research experiences to prepare graduates of both tracks to become future leaders in the profession.

Students in Track 1 will complete a semester-long clinical practicum at one of our clinical affiliate hospitals as part of the core NAACLS-accredited program.

Specific Requirements

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION TO GRADUATE STUDIES FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE

Track 1

  • B.S. or B.A. in one of the life sciences (or related field) from accredited college or university
  • Minimum overall GPA of 3.0
  • Undergraduate and (when applicable) graduate transcripts
  • General biology or anatomy and physiology (8 credits), general chemistry (8 credits), organic chemistry or biochemistry (4 credits), general microbiology with lab (4 credits), college level math (3 credits)
  • TOEFL or IELTS scores (international students)
  • UVM Graduate College Application

Track 2 (not currently accepting applications)

  • B.S. in Medical Laboratory Science or related field
  • ASCP certification in Medical Laboratory Science or ASCP certification-eligible
  • Minimum overall GPA of 3.0
  • Undergraduate and (when applicable) graduate transcripts
  • General biology or anatomy and physiology (8 credits), general chemistry (8 credits), organic chemistry or biochemistry (4 credits), general microbiology with lab (4 credits), college level math(3 credits)
  • TOEFL or IELTS scores (international students)
  • UVM Graduate College Application

MINIMUM DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Track 1

43 credits NAACLS accredited courses and 24 credits Advanced Practice courses (67 credits total). Students should work closely with the program or their advisor on their academic plan

FIRST YEAR
Fall Semester
MLS 5100Gr Clinical Chemistry I4
BHSC 5810Gr Applied Molecular Bio3
BHSC 5820Gr Applied Molec Bio Lab1
STAT 5000Biostatistics and Epidemiology3
or STAT 5210 Advanced Stat Methods & Theory
MLS 6100Advanced Immunobiology3
Spring Semester
BHSC 5440Gr Immunology Lab1
MMG 5220Gr Medical Micro w/lab4
MLS 5110Gr Clinical Chemistry II3
GRNS 6280Quality in Healthcare3
PATH 6250Genetics for Clinicians3
NH 6899Fundamentals Critical Inquiry3
Summer Semester
MLS 6900Clinical Leadership & Mgt3
MLS 6500Research and Design II3
SECOND YEAR
Fall Semester
MLS 6300Emerging Diag. Technologies3
MLS 5200Gr Hematology3 or 4
MLS 5300Gr Clinical Micro II3
MLS 5400Gr Immunohematology4
MLS 6600Research Capstone1-3
Spring Semester
MLS 6700Clinical Practicum12
MLS 6600Research Capstone1-3
MLS 6000Certification Review1

Track 2 (not currently accepting applications)

30 credits of advanced practice coursework.

FIRST YEAR
Fall Semester
MLS 6300Emerging Diag. Technologies3
STAT 5000Biostatistics and Epidemiology3
or STAT 5210 Advanced Stat Methods & Theory
Spring Semester
NH 6899Fundamentals Critical Inquiry3
PATH 6250Genetics for Clinicians3
Summer Semester
MLS 6900Clinical Leadership & Mgt3
MLS 6500Research and Design II3
SECOND YEAR
Fall Semester
MLS 6600Research Capstone1-3
Approved Elective3
Spring Semester (Note: these courses may also be taken in the Spring of year 1)
MLS 6200Clinical Correlations3
GRNS 6280Quality in Healthcare3
MLS 6600Research Capstone1-3

COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION

Students will complete a written comprehensive exam prior to graduation. 

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADVANCEMENT TO CANDIDACY FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE

Successful completion of the comprehensive exam and in academic good standing.