Bachelor's Degree in Medical Laboratory Science
OVERVIEW
Who is this program for?
The bachelor's degree program in Medical Laboratory Science is ideal for students who are interested in the science of diagnosing and analyzing diseases through laboratory testing. Graduates gain skills in microbiology, hematology, and clinical chemistry, preparing them for careers as medical laboratory scientists or various careers in health sciences.
Program Overview
A degree in medical laboratory science prepares you to provide essential clinical information to health care providers and ensure reliable results that contribute to the prevention, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of physiological and pathological conditions.
At the end of the program, graduates will receive a bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science and will be eligible to sit for the certification examination (ASCP) at the Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) level.
Graduates of our MLS programs often go on to pursue advanced degrees in medicine, physician assistant studies, pharmacy, and dentistry. Many may also specialize in areas like hematology, clinical chemistry, toxicology, virology, microbiology, immunohematology (blood banking) or molecular biology.
Our Accreditation
Our Clinical Laboratory Science program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), the primary, CHEA-recognized authority in the U.S. for accrediting clinical laboratory science programs. This prestigious accreditation ensures our curriculum, faculty, and clinical training meet rigorous national standards—and enables graduates to sit for national certification exams and enter the workforce with confidence.
Admission Requirements
- Official High School Transcript with Pre-College Curriculum: View transcript requirements on the Undergraduate Admission webpage.
- Test Scores (optional): ACT or SAT scores can be submitted but are not required for university admission.
Any "Program Specific Requirements" that display below are specific to the program and will be required for admission to the program.
Application Requirements
Completed applications include an official high school transcript, application fee ($50 domestic/$60 international) and optional official ACT/SAT score (the University of Kentucky is test-optional for admission and scholarships through the 2028-29 academic year).
Program Specific Requirements
Students apply and enter this program as "Pre-Medical Laboratory Science" majors. Admission into the Medical Laboratory Science program is a selective process. After completing prerequisite courses, a student may apply to the program by submitting a secondary application to the MLS program. This usually occurs during your sophomore year.
- The minimum GPA for entrance into the MLS program is a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
Application Deadlines
Freshman
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Early Action
- 12/01/2025 Apply early to be considered for Lewis Honors College, scholarships, or on-campus living.
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Regular Decision
- 02/15/2026
Transfer
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Fall Scholarship
- 06/15/2025 Apply early to be considered for scholarships.
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Fall
- 08/01/2025
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Spring
- 11/15/2025
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Summer
- 04/15/2026
FIND OUT EXACTLY
What You'll Learn
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
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