MLT-to-MLS BS in Medical Laboratory Science Program

Build on your associate degree to advance your medical laboratory technician career

Balancing education with the demands of everyday life can be challenging. That’s why our program – built on nearly 30 years of excellence – is designed with flexibility in mind. Whether you’re working, raising a family, or managing other commitments, our curriculum is uniquely designed to fit your schedule – allowing you to advance your education without compromising the other important parts of your life.

Program Offerings

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Flexible Learning Options
Complete didactic coursework online. Both full-time and part-time students are accepted into the program.

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Equitable Tuition Policy
Benefit from consistent, fair tuition rates that apply equally to in-state and out-of-state students.

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Accelerated Path to Completion
Our program offers a unique bridge to a master’s degree with an accelerated track option.

Online coursework

Comprehensive Coursework
Gain in-depth knowledge with online curriculum designed to inform and actively engage students.

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Supportive Environment
Learn from a dedicated faculty committed to helping you succeed.

About the Program

Program Overview

The Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS) at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) offers this program for certified Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLTs) to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences. MLTs who are actively certified (ASCP, AMT) and hold an Associate’s Degree in Medical/Clinical Laboratory Technology from an accredited community college OR possess the equivalent military credential may be awarded credit for upper-level course requirements through challenge examinations or exemptions based on their documented competencies in required laboratory skills. The program welcomes both full-time and part-time students.

Admission requirements

Certified MLT’s qualify for special admission with less than 60 hours of credit.

An MLT applicant must have a minimum of 44 non-MLT semester hours of transferable credit for admission as a full-time student (38 hours for part-time admission). The transfer hours must include:

Biology
8 hours

Chemistry
8 hours

Mathematics
3 hours

English
6 hours of composition

MLTs admitted under special status are required to complete science (4 credits), humanities (3 credits), and social sciences (3 credits) requirements for regular admission before they qualify for graduation.

Curriculum

For Students with an Associate Degree in Laboratory Science

This program requires a total of 125 semester credits, including prerequisite courses, which can be earned through course enrollment at VCU, transfer credit from other institutions of higher education, and proficiency credits based on documented competencies. Students who are eligible for exemption from the junior-level laboratory portions of the curriculum can complete the didactic courses fully online. The program welcomes both full-time and part-time students.

View detailed guidelines.

Information Session

Listen to an information session about Virginia Commonwealth University's Medical Laboratory Sciences MLT to MLS Degree Completion Program.

Request more information

Prospective students wishing to learn more may contact Dr. Jamerson.

Melissa Jamerson, PhD, MLS(ASCP)
Chair, Medical Laboratory Sciences
Email: hrickomj@vcu.edu