Medical Laboratory Science, Certificate

Saint Louis University's medical laboratory science certificate offers students who have already obtained an undergraduate degree in an alternate field and are pursuing a career change a certificate to become a medical laboratory professional.

The certificate has three concentration options: clinical hematology, clinical microbiology and clinical chemistry.

Curriculum Overview

The certificate program's curriculum provides students with a strong science background, medically applied coursework, and corresponding practicum experiences in the clinical laboratory.

Each program consists of two semesters of didactic coursework at the undergraduate level, followed by a clinical practicum that varies in length between five to seven weeks. The typical program takes between 12-18 months to complete.

Clinical and Research Opportunities

Clinical internship experiences in clinical practice settings (e.g., hospitals, clinics, reference labs, etc.) are a required component of the medical laboratory science certificate curricula. 

Careers

Graduates with a certificate in medical laboratory science are prepared to conduct and manage a broad spectrum of laboratory testing. Results of these tests are used to evaluate the health status of individuals, diagnose disease and monitor treatment efficacy. Graduates of this program frequently work in diagnostic, research and/or other laboratory settings.

Upon successfully completing the program, graduates are eligible for national certification by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) as categorical medical laboratory professionals.

Admission Requirements

• Completion of a conferred degree from an institution that is accredited by one of the regional accreditation agencies is required.
• Students must complete a combination of 30 credits (45 quarter credits) of biology, chemistry and/or medical sciences for program admission consideration.
• A college minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.50 on a 4.00 scale, including a minimum 2.50 science/math GPA with at least a “C” in all biological sciences, chemistry and math is required.

Transcript Evaluation

Students interested in clinical hematology, clinical microbiology or clinical chemistry should contact Amanda Reed at amanda.reed@health.slu.edu or 314-977-8686 for transcript evaluation. 

Admission Decisions

The number of students admitted into each certificate program is based on the availability of clinical placement sites for practicum experiences. No student will be admitted until clinical placement for practicum experiences has been secured.

In the event of a limited number of available placement spots, a competitive entry process based on GPA, previous coursework, and letters of recommendation will be used to admit students. Admission decisions will be made on or before June 1 to enter the fall cohort.

All applicants must meet the professional performance standards required for the profession.

Required Background Check

Regulations require all students to complete a criminal background check and a drug test at least once during the program; either or both may be repeated as agency requirements demand. Positive results from the criminal background check or drug tests may result in ineligibility to attend clinical rotations and/or to graduate from the program. A felony conviction will affect a graduate’s professional certification and professional practice eligibility.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Students who graduated with a bachelor's degree and are seeking a second bachelor's degree or post-baccalaureate certificate do not qualify for most SLU and Federal Financial Aid. 
                                                                                                                                                                              
Financial Aid may be available in the form of federal loans, which require repayment. Federal Loan eligibility is based on what was borrowed as an undergraduate student. More information on loan limits is available at https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/subsidized-unsubsidized. Federal loan consideration requires a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 
 
For information on federal and private loans, visit https://www.slu.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/student-loan-information/index.php. View the preferred private lender list at https://www.elmselect.com/v4/school/826/program-select. 

Accreditation 

National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
5600 N. River Rd., Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018-5119
773-714-8880
http://naacls.org

For more information about the medical laboratory science program's professional performance standards, certification and licensure information and program outcomes, please see the Additional Accreditation Information and Program Outcomes (PDF).

Clinical Hematology Concentration

Clinical Microbiology Concentration

Clinical Chemistry Concentration

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a minimum 2.50 grade point average (GPA).

Apply for Admission

Contact Doisy College of Health Sciences:
Julie Miller
Recruitment Specialist
314-977-2570
dchs@health.slu.edu