LII:The Comprehensive Guide to Physician Office Laboratory Setup and Operation/Education, staffing, accreditation, and other considerations

Operation of a physician office laboratory (POL) requires expertise, just like any other laboratory. But how should they be staffed, and what sort of education requirements should the staff have? This chapter addresses those questions and also provides additional resources for staffing a POL.

This sixth chapter on the topic of staffing and education has five sections.

-----Return to the beginning of this guide-----

6. Staffing and Education Requirements

General staffing and education

Subpart M of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) details requirements and responsibilities for laboratory personnel, consultants, supervisors, and directors. The exception to this is a laboratory with a certificate of waiver, where personnel requirements and proficiency testing is not required. However, manufacturers' instructions must still be carefully followed, and only CLIA-waived tests may be performed by the personnel.

For non-waived laboratories, the following resources provide paraphrasing of CLIA Subpart M:

• American Academy of Family Physicians - Personnel Requirements
• American Academy of Family Physicians - Physician Office Laboratory (POL) Director Duties
• Commission on Office Laboratory Accreditation (COLA) - Personnel for Non-waived Testing (PDF)
• Laboratory Start-Up Consultants - Laboratory State License and Personnel & Facility License Info

In some cases, state governments apply additional regulations and responsibilities to clinical laboratories and their personnel. According to consultancy Laboratory Start-Up Consultants, the following states have staffing, education, and licensing requirements beyond that of CLIA:

• California: Department of Public Health - Laboratory Field Services
• Connecticut: Department of Public Health - Regulation & Licensure
• Florida: Board of Clinical Laboratory Personnel - Licensing and Agency for Health Care Administration - Laboratory Licensure Unit
• Georgia: Georgia Department of Community Help - Healthcare Facility Regulation
• Hawaii: Department of Health - State Laboratories Division
• Louisiana: State Board of Medical Examiners - Clinical Laboratory Personnel
• Montana: Department of Labor and Industry - Montana Board of Clinical Laboratory Science Practitioners
• Nevada: Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health - Medical Laboratory Services
• New Jersey: Department of Health - Public Health and Environmental Laboratories
• New York: Department of Health - Clinical Laboratory Evaluation Program and Education Department - Clinical Laboratory Technology
• North Dakota: North Dakota Board of Clinical Laboratory Practice
• Rhode Island: Department of Health - Healthcare Licensing
• Tennessee: Department of Health - Medical Laboratory Board
• Washington: Department of Health - Laboratory Quality Assurance
• West Virginia: Department of Health and Human Resources - Office of Laboratory Services

List of certification programs and organizations

American Association of Bioanalysts: The AAB Board of Registry (ABOR) offers five different certifications, including medical technologist (MT) and medical laboratory technician (MLT).

American Medical Technologists: The AMT offers several laboratory-related certifications, including medical technologist (MT) and medical laboratory technician (MLT).

American Society for Clinical Pathology: The ASCP offers four levels of certification, with numerous subcategories in all but the Diplomate Certification. The four main levels are Technician, Technologist, Specialist, and Diplomate.

National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences: The NAACLS offers seven different accreditation programs, including medical laboratory scientist (MLS) and histotechnologist (HTL).

National Commission of Certifying Agencies: The NCCT offers several certifications, including medical assistant (NCMA) and phlebotomy technician (NCPT).

National Healthcareer Association: The NHA offers several certifications, including clinical medical assistant (CCMA) and phlebotomy technician (CPT).

National Phlebotomy Association: The NPA offers a certification for phlebotomists.

List of educational programs

Higher-education

Higher-education programs School Location Program Description Allen College U.S. - IA (Waterloo) Medical Laboratory Science Program "Students receive the Bachelor of Health Sciences degree with a MLS major and qualify for MLS certification upon completion of program requirements. This option is also possible for those who already have a baccalaureate degree and have completed all general education courses." Andrews University U.S. - IL (Chicago) Medical Laboratory Science Program Offerings: First- and second-degree Bachelor in MLS; certificate in MLS; Affiliate Guest Student Clinical (Senior) Year; Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Administration Arizona State University U.S. - AZ (Phoenix) Medical Laboratory Science Program "The BAS with a concentration in medical laboratory science provides opportunities for career growth, including the exam for Clinical Laboratory Scientists." Armstrong State University U.S. - GA (Savannah) Medical Laboratory Science Program Armstrong offers the Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science in three tracks: Traditional, MLT to MLS Online, and MLS Online Fast Track (for South Carolina residents only) Auburn University at Montgomery U.S. - AL (Montgomery) Medical Laboratory Science Program "Upon completion of this program, students earn a Bachelor of Science in Biology and/or a Certificate of Completion of an accredited MLS Program. Completion of an accredited program is required for graduates to be eligible for national certification." Austin Peay State University U.S. - TN (Clarksville) Medical Laboratory Science Program "APSU has a four-year, campus based program through affiliation with area hospitals. Students must complete an admission packet to apply to the senior year and then, upon acceptance, complete the senior courses listed in the curriculum ..." Baptist College of Health Sciences U.S. - TN (Memphis) Medical Laboratory Science Program "The MLS program at Baptist College is an accelerated full-time program designed to be completed in 16 months (four trimesters). Graduates earn a bachelor of health sciences (BHS) with a major in medical laboratory science." Bellarmine University U.S. - KY (Louisville) Medical Laboratory Science Program Offers three Bachelor of Health Science degree tracks in MLS: 4-Year Practitioner Track, 4-Year Pre-professional Track, and an Accelerated Second Degree Boise State University U.S. - ID (Boise) Pre-medical Laboratory Science Program "Pre-professional studies is designed for students who need to have undergraduate studies prior to applying to a professional school." Bradley University U.S. - IL (Peoria) Medical Laboratory Science Program "The major is a “3+1” program that provides the student with a general science foundation during the three years of study on the Bradley campus." Brigham Young University U.S. - UT (Provo) Medical Laboratory Science Program "Students declare a Pre-MLS Major and are accepted into the program in their Junior year. Once in the program, students have two semesters of intensive coursework after which they intern in a clinical facility for six months." British Columbia Institute of Technology Canada - BC (Burnaby) Medical Laboratory Science Program "Two-and-a-half year, full-time, Diploma program; Students are ready to write the national certification exam upon graduation." Carolinas College of Health Sciences U.S. - NC (Charlotte) Medical Laboratory Science Program "The Medical Laboratory Science program at Carolinas College is a 12-month program for applicants who have a bachelor's degree, preferably in a science." Carroll University (and University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee) U.S. - WI (Waukesha/Milwaukee) Medical Laboratory Science Program "Students will spend five semesters at Carroll University taking general education and science courses." Then they "will spend four semesters in the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences in the College of Health Sciences at [University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee]." Centennial College Canada - ON (Scarborough) Medical Laboratory Technician Program "Credential: Certificate; Program Type: Post-secondary program; Program Length: 1 year/ 3 semesters" Central New Mexico Community College U.S. - NM (Albuquerque) Medical Laboratory Science Program Offerings: Medical Laboratory Technician, Associate of Applied Science; Phlebotomy Technician, Certificate of Achievement College of the North Atlantic Canada - NL (St. John's) Medical Laboratory Science Program "The curriculum for this program is designed to encompass three years of training. Graduates of the program at the Prince Philip Drive Campus will be eligible to sit the certification examination set by the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS)." DeVry University U.S. - Various Medical Laboratory Science Program "Once you earn your bachelor's degree in our Clinical Laboratory Science program, you'll be a skilled professional who can help medical teams of pathologists, specialists, technologists, and technicians determine the presence, extent, or absence of disease, and provide data needed to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment." Dixie State University U.S. - UT (St. George) Medical Laboratory Science Program "Dixie State University offers BS and AAS degrees in MLS where graduates will be eligible to sit for the national Board of Certification (BOC) Exam through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)." East Carolina University U.S. - NC (Greenville) Medical Laboratory Science Program Offerings: B.S. and MLT to MLS pathway Eastern Kentucky University U.S. - KY (Richmond) Medical Laboratory Science Program "Our department offers an accredited program leading to a Bachelor of Science degree (BS) in Medical laboratory Science." Emory Healthcare U.S. - GA (Atlanta) Medical Laboratory Science Program "The program is designed to prepare students (already holding a bachelor's degree) for the national Medical Laboratory Science certifying examination by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). Students are awarded a certificate in Medical Laboratory Science from the EHC MLS upon successful completion of the program." Ferris State University U.S. - MI (Big Rapids) Medical Laboratory Science Program Offers a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences George Washington University U.S. - DC (Washington) Medical Laboratory Science Program "We offer one undergraduate MLS Program, a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS), five post-baccalaureate certificates, and seven graduate program, the Master of Science in Health Sciences (MSHS)" Georgia Regents University U.S. - GA (Augusta) Medical Laboratory Science Program Offerings: B.S. and M.S. Grand Valley State University U.S. - MI (Allendale) Medical Laboratory Science Program "Graduates receive a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in MLS. Students spend five semesters completing their general education and core science courses, followed by three semesters of MLS professional courses ... After admission to the program, students complete professional coursework, which also includes 18 weeks of clinical rotations at an affiliated hospital laboratory. MLS is a secondary admission program." Heritage University U.S. - WA (Toppenish) Medical Laboratory Science Program "Prospective Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) students who already have an undergraduate degree can purse a Certificate in MLS. Students without an undergraduate degree can pursue Bachelor of Science in biology with a specialization in MLS or a Bachelor of Science in MLS." Houston Methodist U.S. - TX (Houston) Medical Laboratory Science Program "Houston Methodist Hospital Medical Laboratory Science Program is a 12-month professional course of study, which is fully accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). Upon successful completion of this course of study, you will qualify for the examination and certification by the board of certification of the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP)." Howard University U.S. - DC (Washington) Medical Laboratory Science Program "The program at Howard University is a fully accredited (NAACLS) four year BS degree program." Hunter College U.S. - NY (New York) Medical Laboratory Science Program "We offer one undergraduate MLS Program, a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS), five post-baccalaureate certificates, and seven graduate program, the Master of Science in Health Sciences (MSHS)" Idaho State University U.S. - ID (Pocatello) Medical Laboratory Science Program "The B.S. in Medical Laboratory Science prepares students as medical laboratory scientists or medical technologists and for graduate level programs in medical laboratory science or related disciplines.""The Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science degree is designed for either the practicing medical laboratory scientist (certified lab professional) or those students who wish to become certified and then go into leadership positions in administration, education or specialize in a certain area of athology/laboratory medicine." Illinois State University U.S. - IL (Normal) Medical Laboratory Science Program "The current [baccalaureate] program supports a four year integrated curriculum, providing students the opportunity to declare Medical laboratory science as a major in the freshman year." Loma Linda University U.S. - CA (Loma Linda) Medical Laboratory Science Program "The Clinical Laboratory Science/medical technology (CLS/MT) is a professional bachelors (4 year) program." Louisiana State University of Alexandria U.S. - LA (Alexandria) Medical Laboratory Science Program "The Associate of Science in Medical Laboratory Science (ASMLS) to Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science (BSMLS) is a transition degree that allows students licensed as Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLT/CLT) by a United States certification agency, and with at least one year of experience as a laboratory generalist to earn the BSMLS." Marquette University U.S. - WI (Milwaukee) Medical Laboratory Science Program "Candidates for the baccalaureate degree in Clinical Laboratory Science must complete a minimum of 128 credit hours..." Marshall University U.S. - WV (Huntington) Medical Laboratory Science Program Options: Associate of Applied Science in Medical Laboratory Science (AAS-MLT), Online Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science (BS MLS), Bachelor of Science in Cytotechnology (BS CYT) Mayo School of Health Sciences U.S. - MN (Rochester) and FL (Jacksonville) Medical Laboratory Science Program "Program length: 10.5 or 12 months (e-learning didactic curriculum)"; contains a component for Florida-appointed students Mercy College of Health Sciences U.S. - IA (Des Moines) Medical Laboratory Science Program "Our 3-semester certificate program includes intensive classroom instruction and clinical laboratory experience ... Once you have completed your CLS certificate, you will have the knowledge and clinical laboratory experience needed to become a nationally certified medical laboratory scientist." Metropolitan State University of Denver U.S. - CO (Denver) Medical Laboratory Science Program "The Center offers a nationally accredited, one year curriculum that includes a variety of didactic, student laboratory, and clinical course work in all areas of laboratory medicine. Our graduates are eligible to sit for national certification examinations in medical laboratory science (MLS) offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)." Miami Dade College U.S. - FL (Miami) Medical Laboratory Science Program "This two-year Associate in Science degree program prepares students to work as part of the health care delivery team in a hospital, private clinical laboratory, or research laboratory ... The program requires a total of 76 credits, including general education courses, which are typically taken before entry to the program. The program offers a five-semester full-time and an eight-semester part-time option." Michener Institute Canada - ON (Toronto) Medical Laboratory Science Program "Michener’s Medical Laboratory Science Advanced Diploma program is a full-time program which consists of 25 months of education over a period of two and one-half year(6 semesters)." Michigan Technological University U.S. - MI (Houghton) Medical Laboratory Science Program "There are a six specialty concentrations available with the Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science." Monmouth University (and Rutgers) U.S. - NJ (West Long Branch/Newark) Medical Laboratory Science Program "Students majoring in Clinical Laboratory Sciences with a concentration in Medical Laboratory Science complete 90 credits of NAACLS-prescribed work at Monmouth University followed by a fifteen-month internship at the Rutgers School of Health Related Professions (Rutgers-SHRP)." Montana State University U.S. - MT (Bozeman) Medical Laboratory Science Program "Students train during the summer at MSU and then move to one of eight hospitals for two semesters of clinical laboratory rotations. The program requires tuition and lab fees and students receive 37 credits over three semesters." 3+1 and 4+1 plans available. North Dakota State University U.S. - ND (Fargo) Medical Laboratory Science Program "A Bachelor of Science degree, major in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS), includes three years of academic coursework and an 11-12-month professional class and clinical experience/internship within one of NDSU's affiliated hospital programs." Northern College Canada - ON (South Porcupine) Medical Laboratory Technician Program "Credential Earned: Ontario College Certificate; Program Length: 3 Semesters" Northern Illinois University U.S. - IL (DeKalb) Medical Laboratory Science Program Offers traditional B.S. in MLS as well as a degree completion program Ohio State University U.S. - OH (Columbus) Medical Laboratory Science Program Bachelor's program; "Certified MLTs can apply to the MLT Articulation Track. Students who already hold a bachelor's degree in something other than medical technology and would like to become eligible for certification have three options." Oregon Tech U.S. - OR (Wilsonville) Medical Laboratory Science Program "Oregon Tech, in partnership with Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), offers a course of study leading to a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science degree. Students who successfully complete the degree program are eligible to take the Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) national board certification examination offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)." Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences U.S. - PN (Lancaster) Medical Laboratory Science Program Bachelor's program? Phoenix College U.S. - AZ (Phoenix) Medical Laboratory Science Program "In this program you can earn the following: Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Medical Laboratory Science, Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Medical Laboratory Science" Providence Sacred Heart School of Medical Technology U.S. - WA (Spokane) Medical Laboratory Science Program Medical Laboratory Technician Program MLS: "4+1 or 3+1 options available; 12-month internship from July-June"; MLT: "Two-year program; Associate of Technical Science (ATS) degree awarded from Wenatchee Valley College" Purdue University U.S. - IN (West Lafayette) Medical Laboratory Science Program "3 years plus 1 year clinical (application required for clinical)" Quinnipiac University U.S. - CT (New Haven) Medical Laboratory Science Program "Quinnipiac's master of health science (MHS) program in medical laboratory sciences/biomedical sciences provides students with the cutting-edge skills they need to manage the more complex operations carried out today in hospitals and research facilities..." Red River College Canada - MB (Winnipeg) Medical Laboratory Science Program "Two-year diploma (22 consecutive months); This program also helps prepare students to write the Canadian Society of Medical Laboratory Sciences Certification (CSMLS) exam." Rush University U.S. - IL (Chicago) Medical Laboratory Science Program Offerings: B.S. and M.S. Rutgers U.S. - NJ (Newark) Medical Laboratory Science Program "Upon completion of the 45 credits of professional coursework in Medical Laboratory Science at the University, one of three credentials is conferred...": Joint Baccalaureate, Second Baccalaureate, or Rutgers-SHRP Certificate. "Graduates of the Program are eligible for certifying examinations in the Medical Laboratory Scientist category offered by the Board of Certification of the American Society for Clinical Pathology - MLS (ASCP)." Saginaw Valley State University U.S. - MI (University City) Medical Laboratory Science Program "The program consists of two and one half years of general education and medical laboratory science program prerequisites, including supporting courses in biology and chemistry. The last semester of the third year and the entire fourth year of study consist of the professional phase courses of the program." SAIT Polytechnic Canada - AB (Calgary) Medical Laboratory Science Program Two-year diploma including clinical practica Salisbury University U.S. - MD (Salisbury) Medical Laboratory Science Program "[The MLS baccalaureate degree] consists of two years of pre-requisite on-campus course work followed by three semesters of on-campus upper division professional courses and then one winter semester and one spring semester of off-site clinical internships in regional hospitals. Internships begin the first week of January the semester prior to graduation and last for approximately 20 weeks." San Francisco State University U.S. - CA (San Francisco) Medical Laboratory Science Program "SF State's Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) Internship Program offers a 14-month full-time program that combines 16 weeks of lecture and laboratory instruction on the campus, followed by a 40-week off-campus internship at an affiliated clinical laboratory site. Completion of the internship program is required for eligibility to national board certification examinations and the California Clinical Laboratory Scientist license. We also offer a distance-learning option (hybrid program), consisting of a curriculum that may be partially offered online." South Dakota State University U.S. - SD (Brookings) Medical Laboratory Science Program "...a two-year upper division Bachelor of Science degree program that prepares students for careers in medical laboratory science or related fields" St. Clair College Canada - ON (Windsor) Medical Laboratory Science Program Medical Laboratory Technician Program MLS: "Three Year - Ontario College Advanced Diploma"; MLT: "One Year - Ontario College Certificate (delivered in less than 1 year)" St. Cloud State University U.S. - MN (St. Cloud) Medical Laboratory Science Program Offers a 3+1 or 2+2 bachelor program St. Edward's University U.S. - TX (Austin) Medical Laboratory Science Program "The Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) employs exploratory project-based learning to prepare students for careers in medicine and research. The degree involves a minimum of six semesters of coursework at St. Edward’s University and one year of clinical training at an affiliated MLS program (currently Austin State Hospital)." St. Lawrence College Canada - ON (Kingston) Medical Laboratory Science Program "Program Duration: 3 Years; Graduates of the program wishing to work in Canada as a certified medical laboratory technologist must successfully complete the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) national certification exam." Stevenson University U.S. - MD (Owings Mills) Medical Laboratory Science Program "Stevenson's Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science is offered in conjunction with Sinai Hospital of Baltimore. The program consists of two years of prerequisite courses in the basic sciences and liberal arts, a third year of liberal arts and professional courses in laboratory medicine, and a fourth year that integrates professional and clinical practicum courses at the Sinai Hospital campus. Unlike other programs in the state, SU's program includes a management practicum in the fourth year, preparing you for leadership positions." Stony Brook University U.S. - NY (Stony Brook) Medical Laboratory Science Program "The Clinical Laboratory Sciences Program at Stony Brook University is an upper-division program leading to a Bachelor of Science degree." Can be done onsite or online. Tarleton State University U.S. - TX (Fort Worth) Medical Laboratory Science Program Offerings: Bachelor in Medical Laboratory Science (BS-MLS), Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences (MS-MLS), Health Professions Technology (BAT-HPT), Public Health (BS in PH), Medical Laboratory Technician (AAS-MLT), Histotechnician (AAS-HT) Texas Tech University U.S. - TX (Lubbock) Medical Laboratory Science Program "The TTUHSC Clinical Laboratory Science program is a 2+2 university-based program which culminates in the Bachelor of Science degree in Clinical Laboratory Science within one of the three optional areas of special emphasis." Thomas Jefferson University U.S. - PA (Philadelphia) Medical Laboratory Science Program Bachelor's program? University of Alabama at Birmingham U.S. - AL (Birmingham) Medical Laboratory Science Program M.S. program: "All applications to the Clinical Laboratory Sciences program are done online through the UAB Graduate School." University of Alaska - Anchorage U.S. - AK (Anchorage) Medical Laboratory Science Program Offerings: Associate of Applied Science, Medical Laboratory Technology and Bachelor of Science, Medical Laboratory Science University of Alberta Canada - AB (Edmonton) Medical Laboratory Science Program "...a four-year professional degree program. Students acquire general certification from the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) and a BSc in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS)." University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences U.S. - AR (Little Rock) Medical Laboratory Science Program "The professional program has full-time and part-time tracks. The full-time track requires 17 months to complete. The part-time track allows students a maximum of five (5) semesters to complete the program. The MLT-to-MLS advanced placement track is designed for employed medical laboratory technicians (MLTs) who desire to continue their education within the framework of their home environment. Upon completion of the full-time, part-time, or MLT-to-MLS track the Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences is awarded." University of Bridgeport U.S. - CT (Bridgeport) Medical Laboratory Science Program "A B.S. degree in Medical Laboratory Science provides exciting opportunities for individuals with an interest in science who wish to pursue a career in a health/medical profession or other laboratory-related field ... Completion of the Medical Laboratory Science degree requires 28 weeks of supervised clinical work in a hospital laboratory, provided by our clinical affiliates." University of British Columbia Canada - BC (Vancouver) Medical Laboratory Science Program "The Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (BMLSc) is an undergraduate science degree in the Faculty of Medicine." University of California - Davis U.S. - CA (Davis) Medical Laboratory Science Program " The CLS Training Program at UC Davis Health System provides trainees with 12-month clinical laboratory science training. After receiving the graduation certificate and successfully passing the ASCP Board of Certification Exam, Medical Laboratory Scientist, MLS (ASCP), the CLS trainee will receive a California license and be eligible to work in a California clinical laboratory." University of Central Florida U.S. - FL (Orlando) Medical Laboratory Science Program "To earn a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences, students must achieve a 2.5 GPA in the major courses. The degree is awarded upon completion of the university’s didactic and clinical program. Upon receiving a degree in medical laboratory sciences, graduates are eligible for national certification and State of Florida licensure." University of Cincinnati U.S. - OH (Cincinnati) Medical Laboratory Science Program "University of Cincinnati’s Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science distance learning program is designed for working Clinical Laboratory Technicians (CLTs) and Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLTs) who hold an associate degree from a NAACLS accredited CLT/MLT program or equivalent coursework and CLT/MLT certification." University of Colorado - Colorado Springs U.S. - CO (Colorado Springs) Medical Laboratory Science Program "The MLS/CLS year generates 43 credit hours and is divided into" a clinical lab as well as a first and second clinical rotation. University of Connecticut U.S. - CT (Storrs) Medical Laboratory Science Program Options: Undergraduate degree and post-baccalaureate certificate University of Deleware U.S. - DE (Newark) Medical Laboratory Science Program "The Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences offers majors in Medical Laboratory Science, in Medical Diagnostics, and in Medical Diagnostics with a Pre-Physician Assistant concentration, a minor in Medical Diagnostics, as well as Honors Degrees in Medical Laboratory Science and Medical Diagnostics and Honors courses." University of Indianapolis U.S. - IN (Indianapolis) Medical Laboratory Science Program "The first three years allow you to build a scientific foundation through course prerequisites in organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, general microbiology and immunology. During your junior year, you must apply for admission to one of the clinical training programs offered by our affiliated hospitals..." for a "12-month clinical training program in a hospital laboratory." University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine U.S. - IA (Iowa City) Medical Laboratory Science Program "Students seeking entry into the Medical Laboratory Sciences Program should take three or more years of prerequisite coursework at the University of Iowa or another college ... Students complete the clinical year in late July. They will receive academic credit from Allen College, a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Sciences as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences from the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine." University of Kansas U.S. - KS (Kansas City) Medical Laboratory Science Program "Upon completion of the four-year program, students will have a Bachelor of Science degree in Clinical Laboratory Science with a concentration in molecular biotechnology." University of Kentucky U.S. - KY (Lexington) Medical Laboratory Science Program Track Options: Second B.S. Degree, Transfer Students, Online MLT to MLS University of Louisiana at Monroe U.S. - LA (Monroe) Medical Laboratory Science Program "The program is a minimum four-year curriculum, which includes a solid foundation in basic sciences, a broad background in medical laboratory science with several specialized courses..." University of Maryland U.S. - MD (Baltimore) Medical Laboratory Science Program Offerings: Bachelor Degree in MLS and Master of Science Degree in Laboratory Management University of Massachusetts - Dartmouth U.S. - MA (Dartmouth) Medical Laboratory Science Program "UMass Dartmouth offers a Bachelor of Science Degree in Medical Laboratory Science. All graduates meet requirements for national certification or state licensure. The Department of Medical Laboratory Science offers four options: Clinical Laboratory Science, Cytotechnology, Health Services and Biotechnology." University of Massachusetts - Lowell U.S. - MA (Lowell) Medical Laboratory Science Program "Successful completion of the required course sequence results in the awarding of a Bachelor of Science degree." University of Minnesota U.S. - MN (Minneapolis) Medical Laboratory Science Program "The MLS program at the University of Minnesota is the oldest baccalaureate medical laboratory educational program in the United States..." University of Mississippi U.S. - MS (Jackson) Medical Laboratory Science Program "Following satisfactory completion of all requirements, the student will be awarded the Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Laboratory Science from the University of Mississippi and is eligible to apply to take a national certification examination..." University of New Brunswick Canada - NB (Fredericton/St. John) Medical Laboratory Science Program "The BMLS degree requires completion of the MLT program either prior to or after completion of 84 credit hours of courses at UNB. For graduation, students must have completed the UNB portion of the degree as well as 2.5 years of the MLT program at NBCC-SJ and have passed the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) exams required for professional practice." University of New Hampshire U.S. - NH (Durham) Medical Laboratory Science Program "Upon successful completion of the 24-26 week clinical internship, students are awarded the B.S. degree and are eligible to take a national certification exam offered by the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP)..." University of New Mexico U.S. - NM (Albuquerque) Medical Laboratory Science Program Offerings: B.S. and M.S. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill U.S. - NC (Chapel Hill) Medical Laboratory Science Program Offerings: B.S. and M.S. University of North Dakota U.S. - ND (Grand Forks) Medical Laboratory Science Program "In addition to traditional Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science degree offerings, UND's MLS program has a cohort program with the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota and affiliation agreements with higher education institutions in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Arizona and Montana. The program has over 70 clinical affiliates in 12 states. Students are able to complete coursework at both a Bachelor's and Master's level online nationwide." University of North Texas U.S. - TX (Denton) Medical Laboratory Science Program "Students complete a minimum of 88 semester hours at UNT prior to entering clinical training. Then students must enroll in a minimum of 12 months of clinical training (for a minimum of 32 semester hours) at any hospital or university laboratory approved by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences." University of Ontario Institute of Technology Canada - ON (Toronto) Medical Laboratory Science Program "Bachelor of Health Science (Honours); Upon completion you will be eligible to write the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science national certification examination." University of Regina Canada - SK (Regina) Medical Laboratory Science Program Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science University of Rhode Island U.S. - RI (Providence) Medical Laboratory Science Program Offering: Masters in Laboratory Science with a focus on Medical Laboratory Science University of Southern Mississippi U.S. - MS (Hattiesburg) Medical Laboratory Science Program Offerings: B.S. and M.S. University of Tennessee U.S. - TN (Memphis) Medical Laboratory Science Program Offerings: B.S., M.S., and an online MLT to MLS program University of Tennessee - Knoxville U.S. - TN (Knoxville) Medical Laboratory Science Program "Students who successfully complete the program at UT will receive a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in medical laboratory science from the College of Arts and Sciences. The curriculum requires a minimum of 90 credit hours ... prior to application for admission to a final year of study at the University of Tennessee Medical Center (UTMCK)." University of Texas - MD Anderson Cancer Center U.S. - TX (Houston) Medical Laboratory Science Program "The Program in Clinical Laboratory Science is a two-year program with entry at the Junior or at Senior level depending on pre-requisites." "Upon successful completion of our Program you will be awarded a Bachelor of Science degree and will be eligible to take the national certification exams." University of Texas at Austin U.S. - TX (Austin) Medical Laboratory Science Program "Students entering The University of Texas at Austin have four options available in preparing for a career in MLS." Options: Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science or Medical Laboratory Science; Post-Baccalaureate Option; Allied Health Sciences Pre-professional Curriculum; Integrated Program University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio U.S. - TX (San Antonio) Medical Laboratory Science Program Options: Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Sciences; Post-baccalaureate certificates in CLS with specializations in Clinical Chemistry, Hematology, Immunohematology, and Microbiology University of the Sciences in Philadelphia U.S. - PA (Philadelphia) Medical Laboratory Science Program "University of the Sciences’ BS program in medical laboratory science is one of the few hospital based programs in the region directed by a certified medical laboratory scientist..." University of Utah U.S. - UT (Salt Lake City) Medical Laboratory Science Program Offerings: Medical Laboratory Sciences, BS; Cytotechnology, BS; Master of Science in Laboratory Medicine and Biomedical Science University of Vermont U.S. - VT (Burlington) Medical Laboratory Science Program "Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science degree program" University of Washington U.S. - WA (Seattle) Medical Laboratory Science Program "The Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS) Program was founded in 1970 as an undergraduate major of the Institute of Health Sciences." Vanderbilt University U.S. - TN (Nashville) Medical Laboratory Science Program "Upon satisfactory completion of the training program, a certificate of completion is awarded to the student. The course of study during the clinical year may be credited towards a baccalaureate degree where an affiliation between the student's college or university and the Medical Center exists. Students completing the year of training are eligible for the national certification by examination through agencies such as the American Society of Clinical Pathologist Board of Certification (BOC)." Virginia Commonwealth University U.S. - VA (Richmond) Medical Laboratory Science Program Offerings: B.S. and M.S. Washington Adventist University U.S. - MD (Takoma Park) Medical Laboratory Science Program "The medical laboratory science program consists of three years of study at Washington Adventist University, followed by a 12- or 13-month senior year in a hospital-based medical laboratory science program." Weber State University U.S. - UT (Ogden) Medical Laboratory Science Program Offerings: Bachelor of Science, Associate of Applied Science, Clinical Laboratory Assistant West Virginia University U.S. - WV (Morgantown) Medical Laboratory Science Program "The WVU Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science, is a four-year program..." with two areas of emphasis: clinical laboratory scientist and histotechnologist. Wichita State University U.S. - KS (Wichita) Medical Laboratory Science Program Bachelor program: "The 17-month professional phase consists of 12 months of instruction on the WSU campus and 5 months clinical practice at a medical facility."

One-year hospital-based programs

One-year hospital-based programs School/Hospital Location Program Description Atlantic Health System U.S. - NJ (Various) Medical Laboratory Science Program "...our 12-month program incorporates didactic sessions and rotations of clinical practice in laboratories at Morristown Medical Center in Morristown, NJ, Overlook Medical Center in Summit, NJ, and Newton Medical Center in Newton, NJ." Augusta Health U.S. - VA (Fishersville) Medical Laboratory Science Program "The program is rigorous and consists of over 1500 clock hours of instruction which is equivalent to 40 semester-credit hours. It is intended to provide didactic and practical instruction in the field of clinical laboratory science to prepare program graduates to sit for the national certification exam. " Austin State Hospital U.S. - TX (Austin) Medical Laboratory Science Program "Graduates are eligible to take the certifying examination given by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) Board of Certification. Issuance of a degree or certificate IS NOT contingent upon the student passing an external certification examination." Beaumont Hospital U.S. - MI (Royal Oak) Medical Laboratory Science Program "The program structure has recently been re-designed to a 6.5 month program that includes 6 students in a Summer session and 6 students in a Winter session. Students will spend 40 hours a week, Monday through Friday, in the clinical laboratory receiving demonstration, observation, hands-on practice, and lectures at the bench." Denver Health School of Medical Laboratory Science U.S. - CO (Denver) Medical Laboratory Science Program "...a 12-month hospital-based education program, offered by Denver Health, designed to provide theoretical knowledge and student and clinical laboratory experiences in all laboratory disciplines. The program begins the first week in January and finishes the first or second week in December." DMC University Laboratories U.S. - MI (Detroit) Medical Laboratory Science Program "The program accepts 10 students each year for 41 weeks of practical training. Both degree and non degree students are acceptable, providing admission criteria are met." Eastern Maine Medical Center U.S. - ME (Bangor) Medical Laboratory Science Program "Satisfactory completion of three years (88 semester credit hours) at an accredited college or university is required. Baccalaureate degree requirements of the college or university must be fulfilled when the year of clinical training at Eastern Maine Medical Center has been completed." Evanston Hospital U.S. - IL (Evanston) Medical Laboratory Science Program One-year clinical; details limited on website Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital U.S. - PA (Sayre) Medical Laboratory Science Program "The Medical Laboratory Sciences program combines a high caliber education with a state-of-the-art learning environment to provide a 50-week internship, on top of 3-4 years of college. Upon successful completion of the internship, the student receives a baccalaureate degree from their affiliated university and a certificate in Clinical Laboratory Sciences from the Program." Hennepin County Medical Center U.S. - MN (Minneapolis) Medical Laboratory Science Program "The Medical Laboratory Science Program is a nine-month clinical internship, from September through May ... Upon completion of the program, graduates receive a certificate that is not contingent on passing a certification examination." Inova Fairfax Hospital U.S. - VA (Falls Church) Medical Laboratory Science Program "The Medical Laboratory Science Program (formerly known as the Medical Technology Program) at Inova Fairfax Hospital, is a highly competitive, fully accredited one-year program that qualifies its graduates to take the national certifying examination given by the American Society for Clinical Pathology in pursuit of the MT/MLS (ASCP) certification." Jefferson College of Health Sciences U.S. - VA (Roanoke) Medical Laboratory Science Program "12-month program of study accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences, our certificate-awarding program is designed to prepare students to become medical laboratory scientists. Upon completion of the curriculum, students will be eligible to take the national certification exam." Jersey Shore University Medical Center U.S. - NJ (Neptune) Medical Laboratory Science Program "The Florence M Cook School of Medical Laboratory Science curriculum consists of an 11-month training program with didactic sessions as well as clinical rotations throughout Jersey Shore University Medical Center's laboratory departments." Mercy Medical Center – Sioux City U.S. - IA (Sioux City) Medical Laboratory Science Program "The majority of students enrolled in the program are college seniors from formally affiliated colleges. This program will complete the requirements for the Medical Laboratory Science baccalaureate degree. Other students are those who have obtained a baccalaureate degree prior to entry." Myron E. Rubnitz, M.D. School of Medical Laboratory Science U.S. - IL (Hines) Medical Laboratory Science Program "Offers a 11-month clinical education program beginning the first week of August. Graduates are eligible to take the certifying examination offered by the ASCP Board of Certification or any other approved certifying agency." Nebraska Methodist Hospital U.S. - NE (Omaha) Medical Laboratory Science Program "...an intensive 11-month educational program providing experience in all major departments of a hospital clinical lab." Parkview Medical Center U.S. - CO (Pueblo) Medical Laboratory Science Program "The School provides a 12 month accredited program designed to prepare men and women for a challenging career in medical laboratory science. At the completion of the clinical year, the student is eligible to take the ASCP Board of Certification Exam to become a registered Medical Laboratory Scientist." Reading Hospital U.S. - PA (Reading) Medical Laboratory Science Program "This 12-month program is open to students looking to complete their undergraduate medical laboratory science degree in a clinical setting (3+1 option), or take a post-baccalaureate year to gain experience (4+1 option)." Sanford USD Medical Center U.S. - SD (Sioux Falls) Medical Laboratory Science Program "The majority of students enrolled in the program are college seniors on affiliation from their respective colleges to complete the requirements for a medical laboratory science degree. Other students are those who have obtained a baccalaureate degree prior to entry. Graduates of this program are eligible to take national certifying examinations, including those of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) Board of Certification." Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital U.S. - CA (Santa Barbara) Medical Laboratory Science Program "Training Period: 12 months; Training Begins: September (Fall), February/March (Spring); Class Size: Up to 3 students per start date" School of Medical Laboratory Science at Pennsylvania Hospital U.S. - PA (Philadelphia) Medical Laboratory Science Program "Upon successful completion of the program, students receive a certificate from Pennsylvania Hospital, and are granted a baccalaureate degree from their affiliated college or university. Students are then eligible to take the certification exam offered by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) Board of Certification or other nationally recognized certification agencies." Sentara RMH Medical Center U.S. - VA (Harrisonburg) Medical Laboratory Science Program "Students must have either a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college/university or be guaranteed one upon the completion of the clinical year." St. Christopher's Hospital for Children U.S. - PA (Philadelphia) Medical Laboratory Science Program "Students will spend Mondays and Tuesdays in the classroom, and Wednesday through Friday in the medical laboratory to fulfill their clinical and academic requirements over a 10-month period. The academic year begins in late August and ends in late June." St. Vincent's Medical Center U.S. - FL (Jacksonville) Medical Laboratory Science Program "The curriculum includes 50 weeks of instruction with classes starting each year in January and late June. Each class has a maximum capacity of five students." UnityPoint Health - Cedar Rapids U.S. - IA (Cedar Rapids) Medical Laboratory Science Program "The MLS Program grants 32 credits to students who attend affiliated academic institutions which can be utilized towards an overall baccalaureate degree at that institution. A certificate of completion is awarded to all students who successfully complete the Program (including those who already have their baccalaureate degree)." UnityPoint Health — St. Luke's U.S. - IA (Sioux City) Medical Laboratory Science Program "The medical laboratory science program at St. Luke's College will provide one year of professional studies committed to classroom and practical instruction." University of California Irvine Medical Center U.S. - CA (Irvine) Medical Laboratory Science Program "The Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology (CLS/MT) Training Program is a full-time, one-year educational program that leads to a career in diagnostic laboratory medicine ... Upon successful completion of the program, participants are awarded the Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology Certificate and are prepared to take the exam leading to licensure as a California CLS and certification as an MLS through the American Society for Clinical Pathology." University of Nebraska Medical Center U.S. - NE (Omaha) Medical Laboratory Science Program "In all locations, the CLS curriculum leads to the Bachelor of Science degree in Clinical Laboratory Science. The program consists of 43 semester hours and begins in late May of each year. Graduates are eligible to apply for ASCP board certification as medical laboratory scientists upon completion of the program." The Valley Hospital U.S. - NJ (Ridgewood) Medical Laboratory Science Program "The institutions have agreed to award 36 college credits for successful completion of our program, and these credits contribute toward a baccalaureate degree in Medical Laboratory Science (Medical Technology) (3+1 program)." WCA Hospital U.S. - NY (Jamestown) Medical Laboratory Science Program "The WCA Hospital Medical Laboratory Science Program is an accredited, 45-week, program offering intensive study and clinical experience in medical laboratory science as the final year of a Bachelor's degree." WellSpan York Hospital U.S. - PA (York) Medical Laboratory Science Program "... a 12-month program for college students sponsored by WellSpan York Hospital. The program typically serves as a student's senior year of college (3+1 option), but applicants with a B.S. degree (4+1) who meet the entrance requirements will be considered as well." Williamsport Regional Medical Center U.S. - PA (Williamsport) Medical Laboratory Science Program "The Clinical Laboratory Science Program is a 12-month educational program designed to be completed as the fourth or fifth year in a baccalaureate degree program."

Continuing education

ASCLS Certification Maintenance Membership: The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) offers a Certification Maintenance Membership, which provides "12 hours of PACE-approved online continuing education to be completed at any time before the end of the subscription year."

ASCLS Clinical Lab Investigations: The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) offers Clinical Lab Investigations, "designed to take you beyond the laboratory test and investigate the causes for abnormal laboratory results." They provide PACE-approved continuing education credit.